Products and services

The Cognitus matrix: a simple guide to simulation products and services

The newcomer to business simulation is faced with a bewildering and intimidating range of language, products and services. The Cognitus matrix helps you cut though the maze of products and techniques - to go straight to the tools and services that you need now.

The Cognitus matrix is an easy-to-use 'menu' of options for all organisations and managers wishing to apply – or just to sample – business simulation tools and methods.

Each sector of the matrix represents a broad set of tools, skills and products/services. The sectors are not mutually exclusive but each provides a useful starting point for your specific and immediate interests.

Start with:

• Simulation software; if you are:
  • a buyer who wants to purchase iThink or STELLA software at competitive prices and terms
  • a business analyst or modeller looking for world-leading simulation tools and associated software
  • a manager looking for new ideas and inspiration for general strategy, planning and problem solving
  • a manager with an interest in a specific business area, looking for tools and templates to interest and inspire you
  • a researcher looking for simulation tools and research templates in business, science or humanities
  • a professor or lecturer wishing to apply simulation-based learning in your curriculum and course development

• Strategy simulation;  if you are:
  • a CEO or CFO interested to conduct a "root and branch" review of your total business
  • a strategy professional seeking expert strategy simulation support for a specific project or business area
  • a director or senior line executive wishing to explore a sensitive strategy issue
  • a human resources executive wishing to develop strategic skills across your organisation

• Discovery programmes; if you are:
  • an executive director or manager with a specific responsibility in (e.g.) human relations, finance, supply chain, R&D, etc
    • ...looking for a specific approach to a tricky business issue, with concrete examples of prior successes
    • ...wishing to explore the applicability of systems thinking, without necessarily using computer simulation
    • ...ready to start a specific simulation project; focussing your effort and building a project management team
  • a training director or manager
    • seeking a different approach to team building, focussed on specific issues in your own organisation
    • seeking to develop systems thinking skills across your organisation

• Essential skills; if you are:
  • an interested and determined individual, manager or researcher wishing to
    • learn the concepts and applications of systems thinking - computer simulation is optional!
    • learn the essential technical elements of iThink or STELLA simulation - no prior skills assumed!
    • establish a broad appreciation of the scope for systems thinking and simulation in your own organisation
  • an intermediate or experienced iThink or STELLA user, wishing to learn more advanced tools and techniques
  • an experienced analyst/simulation /modeller wishing to learn iThink/STELLA quickly from scratch - possibly to begin a project
  • a project manager wishing to develop iThink/STELLA capabilities in a project team - see also discovery programmes
  • an HR/training manager wishing to develop systems thinking and simulation skills across your organisation
  • a university professor or lecturer wishing to teach systems thinking and simulation to students

But the matrix is just a handy starting point...and this is by no means an exhaustive list of interests and needs.

Contact Cognitus to discuss your particular needs

Cognitus also understands that many, if not most managers and organisations have a complex mix of needs.  We are experts at designing packages, programmes and ongoing support - to meet specific applications, individual learning needs and the most complex strategy programmes.

Contact us for a completely confidential discussion.