ITWire

The use of simulation in business and management training and education is nothing new - this writer was carrying out research in that area 30 years ago. But it's no less valuable for that - why do you think flight simulators are used in pilot training?

Working in a simulated environment is quite powerful, Atwell Williams from the office of the CTO at BMC Software told iTWire.

BMC uses an airport simulation to show its customers' employees the importance of good communications and a business focus.

"The concepts we're trying to communicate transcend the setting," said Williams. (And most people have some idea of the way an airport works, so it isn't a completely alien environment.)

Participants take on various airport functions that are in some way analogous to roles within an IT service function. But part of the exercise involves putting people into a role that is different to their usual work. This is to "get people out of their comfort zone," explained Williams,

What happens during the simulation? Please read on.