Simulation exercises (case studies, in-tray, role play & presentation)
For many companies, simulation exercises are becoming standard practice during the recruitment process. In the past, they were primarily used to assess technical expertise, but nowadays, they evaluate behavioural skills. Our simulation exercises are unique in that they have been developed against the Matrix of working Relationships (MWR) Framework. The competencies we assess through simulation exercises are therefore aligned to the MWR, and assess individuals against the right level of work complexity. These results of the simulation exercises will provide a good idea of how an individual is likely to perform if hired. We can offer you off-the-shelf exercises, or design customised exercises.
Case Study (for executive levels – Strategic Development Theme of Work):
This case study requires the candidate to analyse a fictitious company (taking account of future local and international trends, internal and national politics and system inefficiencies) and advise on an ideal strategy for the future. The written case study is followed by an interview.
Job-related competencies assessed include:
- Problem Analysis
- Problem Solution
- Business Acumen
- Strategic Planning
- Developing Strategic Partnerships
Case study (for middle to senior management positions – Practice Theme of Work):
This is a behaviour-based assessment requiring an individual to play the role of a manager in responding to various problems which are in the form of correspondence from the manager’s superiors, subordinates, customers and other stakeholders, or from other sources (e.g. newspapers). The individual is required to analyse and resolve the issues.
Job-related competencies assessed include:
- Conceptual Thinking
- Solution Generation
- Financial Acumen
- Customer Orientation
- Cross Functional Awareness
- Leadership
- Planning and Organising
- Change Orientation
- Strategic Thinking
- Written Communication
In-tray / written exercise (for professionals or junior management positions – High Service Theme of Work):
This is a behaviour-based assessment requiring the candidate to play the role of a manager in responding to various problems which are in the form of correspondence from the manager’s superiors in his/her role as a manager, from his/her subordinates, or from clients. The candidate is required to analyse and resolve the issues.
Job-related competencies assessed include:
- Financial awareness
- Service / Quality focus
- Problem Solving
- Solution Generation
- Planning and Organising
- Efficiency Focus
- Leadership
- Written communication
In-tray (for Supervisory positions -Service Theme of Work):
This is a behaviour-based assessment designed for supervisory level staff. The exercise comprises 6 items that deal with supervisory issues relating to discipline, complaints, organisational issues, resources and interpersonal problems. It is set in a cement manufacturing environment.
Job-related competencies assessed include:
- Analytical Thinking
- Conflict Management
- Implementation and Control
- Interpersonal Sensitivity
- Judgement and Decision making
- Leading Others
- Organising and Planning
- Written Communication
Role Play (different exercises for Service and Practice Themes of Work) :
This is a behaviour-based assessment requiring the candidate to play the role of a manager who is facing a situation of non-performance. The candidate is required to conduct a performance appraisal review, identify the reasons for non-performance and institute an appropriate action plan to resolve this.
Service-theme job-related competencies assessed include:
- Problem Solving
- Solution Generation
- Planning and Organising
- Efficiency Focus
- Leadership
- Communication
- Impact and Influence
- Relationship Building
Additional Practice-theme job-related competencies assessed include:
- Commercial Awareness
- Strategic Thinking
- Cross Functional Awareness
- Change Orientation
Presentation (different exercises for Service and Practice Themes of Work):
This is a behaviour-based assessment in which the candidate is required to select the most appropriate solution for a specific situation, and motivate his/her decision to the panel.
Service-theme job-related competencies assessed include:
- Financial Awareness
- Problem Solving
- Customer Orientation
- Communication
- Impact and Influence
- Relationship Building
Additional Practice-theme job-related competencies assessed include:
- Commercial Awareness
- Strategic Thinking