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Group Simulations Overview

Group simulations allow teams to work together through crisis scenarios, practicing collaboration, communication, and coordinated decision-making.

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What are Group Simulations?

Group simulations are team-based training exercises where:
  • Multiple participants work together
  • Each person may have a specific role
  • Team must collaborate to manage the crisis
  • Communication happens in real-time
  • Collective decisions affect outcomes

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Simulation Phases

Every group simulation follows a structured workflow:
1

Preparation

Setup and configuration before the simulation begins
2

Briefing

Participants receive instructions, roles, and context
3

Execution

The active simulation where the crisis unfolds
4

Debriefing

Review, reflection, and feedback
5

Reports

Final analysis and performance metrics

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Roles in Group Simulations

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Administrator/Facilitator

The person running the simulation:
Creates and configures the simulation
Assigns participants to roles
Monitors progress
Can pause/resume or intervene
Leads debriefing
Reviews reports

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Participants

Team members experiencing the scenario:
Receive role assignments
Make decisions within their role
Communicate with team
Respond to events
Collaborate to solve crisis

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Types of Group Simulations

Role-Based SimulationsEach participant has a specific function:
  • Crisis Manager
  • Communications Lead
  • Operations Coordinator
  • Technical Expert
  • Public Relations
Best For: Practicing coordination, role clarity, delegation

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Creating a Group Simulation

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For Administrators

1

Navigate to Simulations

Click Simulations in sidebar
2

Create New Simulation

Click + Create Simulation
3

Choose Scenario

Select from scenario library or create new
4

Configure Settings

  • Simulation name
  • Start date/time
  • Duration
  • Participant roles
5

Invite Participants

Add team members via email or selection
6

Assign Roles

Match participants to scenario roles
7

Set Permissions

Configure who can see what
8

Schedule or Start

Schedule for later or begin immediately

Detailed Setup Guide

Learn how to prepare group simulations

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Joining a Group Simulation

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For Participants

1

Receive Invitation

Get email with simulation link
2

Click Link

Opens to simulation page
3

Log In

Authenticate if not already logged in
4

View Briefing

Read instructions and your role
5

Wait for Start

Simulation begins at scheduled time or when facilitator starts
6

Participate

Engage in the simulation
Most group simulations require email verification to join. Ensure your email is verified before the simulation starts.

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During the Simulation

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What to Expect

As a participant, you’ll experience:

Timeline Events

News, messages, and updates appear over time

Decision Points

Critical choices your team must make

Communication

Chat with team members in real-time

AI Mentor

Get guidance and hints (if enabled)

Resources

Access documents and materials

Status Dashboard

Track crisis metrics and progress

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Key Features

  • Real-Time Sync: All participants see updates simultaneously
  • Team Chat: Dedicated communication channel
  • Role Permissions: See information relevant to your role
  • Decision Collaboration: Team input on decisions (configuration dependent)
  • Time Pressure: Some events and decisions are timed

Simulation Features

Learn about features available during simulations

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Simulation States

Scheduled
  • Simulation created but not started
  • Participants can view briefing
  • Waits for start time or manual start

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Simulation Timeline

Typical group simulation flow: 
Day -7: Simulation scheduled and participants invited
Day -1: Reminder emails sent
Day 0, 09:00: Participants join briefing
Day 0, 09:15: Simulation starts
Day 0, 09:15-10:45: Active simulation (90 minutes)
Day 0, 10:45: Execution ends, debriefing begins
Day 0, 10:45-11:15: Team debriefing (30 minutes)
Day 0, 11:15: Reports available

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Communication in Group Simulations

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Team Chat

Built-in chat for team coordination:
  • General Channel: All team members
  • Role Channels: Role-specific discussions (if configured)
  • Direct Messages: One-on-one communication
  • AI Mentor Channel: Ask for guidance

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Communication Best Practices

Treat the simulation seriously. Use professional language and stay in character.
Share relevant information quickly. In a crisis, clarity beats verbosity.
Discuss decisions before committing. Team alignment is crucial.
If you receive role-specific info, summarize for the team.
Use notes feature to track important details.

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Performance & Scoring

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How Teams are Evaluated

Decision Quality

Points for optimal choices

Response Time

How quickly decisions were made

Collaboration

Team communication and coordination

Resource Management

Efficient use of available resources

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Individual vs Team Scores

  • Individual Scores: Personal contributions and decisions
  • Team Score: Collective performance
  • Weighted: Organization may weight individual vs team differently

Understanding Reports

Learn how to interpret performance metrics

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After the Simulation

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Debriefing

Reflection and learning:
  • What went well: Celebrate successes
  • What could improve: Identify opportunities
  • Key lessons: Insights gained
  • Action items: Apply learning to real situations

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Reports

Receive detailed analysis:
  • Performance metrics
  • Decision breakdown
  • Timeline review
  • Comparison to benchmarks
  • Individual feedback
  • Certificates (if earned)

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Best Practices for Participants

Arrive Early: Join briefing 5-10 minutes before start
Read Materials: Review briefing and role description
Test Tech: Ensure internet, browser work properly
Minimize Distractions: Find quiet space
Engage Fully: Participate actively
Stay Focused: Avoid multitasking
Communicate Often: Keep team informed
Think Critically: Analyze information before deciding
Learn from Mistakes: Simulations are safe practice

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Troubleshooting

  • Verify your email is verified
  • Check if you have the correct link
  • Ensure simulation hasn’t already started or ended
  • Contact the facilitator if issues persist
  • Check your connection status (indicator in UI)
  • Refresh the page
  • Ensure chat panel is open
  • Try logging out and back in
  • Verify simulation has started
  • Check timeline - events trigger at specific times
  • Refresh browser
  • Confirm you have permission to see events
  • Check if it’s your role’s responsibility
  • Ensure decision time hasn’t expired
  • Verify you have decision-making permission
  • Contact facilitator if locked out

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Next Steps

Preparation Phase

Set up a group simulation

Briefing Phase

Prepare participants

During Execution

Manage the active simulation

Debriefing

Facilitate team reflection