The Polestar simulation game has been designed by the worlds top simulation specialists, G2G3, to teach the key principles of IT Service Management. Wardown Consulting’s partnership with G2G3 enables any organisation with a commitment to IT Service Management and ITIL, regardless of size or budget, to bring the theory to life for their key players.

This fast-moving e-based simulation explores all the elements that make up an IT organisation, the processes involved and the challenges that have to be overcome.

Delegates are given roles that allow them to engage with others, make decisions and learn in a risk free environment with the guidance and assistance of an accredited ITSM facilitator. Throughout the process the environment is controlled and real-life situations are magnified to emulate the daily strains encountered in IT organisations. As delegates learn, their strategies to deal with the challenges of problem solving, communication, planning and evaluation change and naturally Best Practice is incorporated. As the results begin to improve the participants see for themselves the real-life benefits of ITSM, fast thinking and personal accountability.

If you’re looking for an introduction to IT Service Management with maximum impact and want to put the fun back into learning and development then the Polestar simulation is for you.

The Scenario

The Polestar simulation uses the retail industry as the business model. The Polestar Group consists of 4 individual retail companies; Gizmo - a technology company, StarBooks - a book company, Stars on Vinyl - a music company and Crosswired - an electronics company. Each company processes a number of on-line and in-store transactions in each session. Successfully maintain the key business applications and the underlying IT infrastructure and Polestar’s profits soar, fail and watch revenue and profit quickly slip away.

Target Group

• Business Leaders and Senior Managers responsible for Service Management
• IT professionals involved in providing services to an organisation
• Project Managers who would benefit from understanding how IT can best support their business initiatives

While there are no specific prerequisites for this course, learners are encouraged to have an understanding of ITIL.

Key Benefits

• A lively, interactive experience which quickly and effectively reveals the benefits and integrated business and IT strategies
• Brings ITIL theory to life, demonstrating the practical applications and so increasing retention
• Demonstrates the importance of having IT Service Management at the core of IT delivery
• Understanding that properly structured IT delivery process really works
• Demonstrates the benefits of effective teamwork. Encourages the setting of common goals and personal accountability

Structure

The simulation can be covered in a one-day instructor led session or over a series of sessions interwoven with ITIL theory.

Closed courses

Closed sessions can be arranged for organisations wishing to use the simulation as a group learning and team-building exercise, either on the clients premises or at a mutually convenient location.
£1995.00 plus VAT (minimum of 8 people, maximum of 16 people).

Open courses are due to run on the following dates:

• Dates for 2007 will be published shortly