Evaluating a Simulation with a Strategic Exploration Tool

Abstract

Most simulations have an objective of allowing students to explore the future. Ideally, they have the opportunity to try out different scenarios in an attempt to make better decisions. From a different perspective, futurist Joel Barker has promoted the use of “strategic exploration” tools to better understand the future. One of these tools, the Implications Wheel®, is specifically designed to explore the possible outcomes of a trend, a policy, or a strategic objective. This paper will briefly explain the Implications Wheel® and present the results of an innovative experiment using the Wheel® as an evaluation process for a human resources management simulation.