Executives and academics in the UK welcome TOPSIM, Europe’s top business simulations

Senior business managers and human capital management specialists along with academics and business consultants welcomed Tata Interactive Systems (TIS)’s suite of business simulations – TOPSIM – which are globally available and have now been made available to the UK market for the first time. The TOPSIM launch took place at the Tanaka Business School at Imperial College, London, on 17th May.

Manoj Kutty, TIS’s president, simulations, commented: “TOPSIM is a leading management simulation game that was developed over 25 years ago and is now used by over 100 companies and 400 universities worldwide. TOPSIM simulations offer the participant an in-depth understanding of functional skills – covering general management, strategic management, change management, project management, supply chain management, sales management, finance for non-finance, managing mergers and acquisitions – along with managing the business operations within an industry such as banking, insurance, retail, and pharmaceuticals.

“At present, there are over 15 generic TOPSIMs which can be delivered ‘as-is’ or adapted to a specific organisation’s needs.”

Dr Georg Fehling, who is vice president of Tata Interactive Systems Germany and acted as facilitator at the London launch – which focused on the project management TOPSIM - explained: “TOPSIM Project Management is a management simulation that offers participants quick, risk-free practical experience with lasting effects.

“TOPSIM Project Management is a management simulation set in a game-based, risk free environment. It challenges the participants to manage a complex project within budget and on schedule, keeping in mind quality, technology and political constraints.”

Alan Samuel, TIS’s head of operations in the UK commented: “TOPSIM is not e-learning but blended learning, emphasising classroom-based and collaborative learning.”

“Excellent,” was the verdict on TOPSIM from Robert Newton, from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Vaughan Waller, of Waller Hart Learning Architects one of the UK’s leading e-learning consultancies, said: “The TOPSIM approach overcomes the drawbacks associated with a purely instructor-led learning experience by providing a highly realistic and informative learning platform – adding reality and ‘life’ to an otherwise dry subject.”

Viren Lall, learning solutions consultant at BT, added: “TOPSIM is a quality product that goes beyond standard sequential learning processes to supply a business support development tool that can be used effectively, especially for senior managers.”

“Using TOPSIM, which is a well constructed simulation with plenty of opportunities for interaction including discussion, has immediate relevance to meeting Elior’s staff development needs,” said Michèle Moore, head of learning and development at contract caterers Elior.

And David Lefevre, senior learning technologist at Imperial College, London, said: “Simulations add value because they offer learning that cannot be done by other means more quickly and effectively. We’re considering using TOPSIM with the undergraduates at the Tanaka Business School here because it will give them invaluable practice in business applications.”

For more information visit the TOPSIM website: www.topsim.com

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Notes for editors

About TOPSIM® Simulations

TOPSIM Simulations are advanced and comprehensive models that simulate operating environments, used as innovative methods to teach business and management competencies. For more information visit the TOPSIM website: www.topsim.com

About Tata Interactive Systems (TIS)

Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), a global leader in e-learning, is a part of the $22bn Tata Group. Truly international, TIS has a presence across the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, Japan, India, and mainland Europe. For more information log on to www.tatainteractive.com

Further information from:
Alan Samuel, Tata Interactive Systems, 020 7905 0156, www.tatainteractive.com
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 01727 860405, www.boblittlepr.com