Human Resource Management Development and Strategic Management Enhanced by Simulation Exercises

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Human resource management development and strategic management enhanced by simulation exercises
Peter R.J. Trim
Department of Management, Birkbeck College, University of London, London, UK
Keywords Management development, Mentoring, Strategic management, Simulation Abstract In order to meet the challenges of the marketplace, senior management needs to ensure that an organisation employs highly skilled and well-motivated staff, and there is a commitment to establishing a learning organisation. Simulation exercises can be used to develop the skill base of individual employees and corporate mentoring can be used to both retain and stimulate junior managers who are keen to progress through the organisation’s hierarchy. This paper makes reference to a human resource management development and strategic management framework that can be used to develop a pro-active approach to decision making. Such a framework will allow junior managers to develop a holistic awareness and appreciation of the organisation, and will provide a basis for consensus decision making. It will also foster diversity and enhance the process of communication in a multi-cultural work environment.

HRM development

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Received July 2003 Accepted October 2003

Introduction Professional and personal development can be enhanced by simulation exercises. Hence human resource management specialists and trainers need to be aware of the fact that complex simulation exercises can help junior and potential managers to develop skills that are necessary for managing a range of staff in a complex business environment. Simulation exercises are useful in the sense that they are a mechanism for developing technical, professional and managerial skills. Simulation exercises can be used to

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