Multimedia Simulation Cuts Training Costs for Andersen Consulting

Abstract

Andersen Consulting, the systems integration and business process reengineering unit of the Arthur Andersen Worldwide Organization, cuts costs and trains new consultants in basic business practices with a CDROM-based interactive multimedia course that simulates a real-world client engagement. The new consultant’s mission is to analyze a case company’s various business departments and prepare a presentation documenting potential problems and remedies. The course utilizes three hours of digitized video and audio to enable students to interact with client personnel and their Andersen Consulting supervisors. Performance-based activities require students to demonstrate their understanding of the simulated client’s business functions and needs. Multiple support systems assist the new consultant by mimicking real world organizational support. In addition, students receive feedback to help them complete activities and evaluate their performance. Benefits of this multimedia simulation include a 50 percent reduction in training time, payroll savings of $2 million, delivery savings of $8.5 million a year and a reduction in travel costs since the course can be taken at local offices. This course received the 1992 Silver CINDY Award.