About MonsoonSIM

MonsoonSIM is an award-winning cloud-based business simulation and gamification education platform that has been in operation since 2013. It is designed to promote the development of entrepreneurial mindsets and critical thinking skills in a business environment by using educational technology to enhance an integrated and holistic learning experience. MonsoonSIM has over 119,000 registered learners and a rapidly growing user base.

The platform allows educators to change how they teach business concepts by enabling learners to conduct self-directed learning through simulation and gamification, providing a deeper understanding and recall of business concepts, and transforming teachers into facilitators and motivators. MonsoonSIM is an ideal solution for experiential learning, successfully integrating over thirteen interconnected business departments that simulate real-world processes and environments. MonsoonSIM provides learners the best opportunity to grasp complex concepts in accounting, economics, finance, management, logistics, human resources, data analytics, and more within a business context as they run their virtual businesses in a competitive environment.

MonsoonSIM provides a unique experiential learning model through a business simulation that includes hundreds of micro-business concepts for any trading, distribution, eCommerce, manufacturing, and service business scenario. It allows learners to discover these fundamental theories through experiential learning and analysis, with live data access available for learners to analyze and reflect on their business decisions.

MonsoonSIM is excellent for all ages, with educators able to configure the game to run with only basic features such as accounting alongside retail. On the other hand, with just a click of a button, MonsoonSIM can teach more advanced concepts, such as capital budgeting. Key concepts covered in MonsoonSIM include ERP/Supply Chain, Business Process Integration, Integrated Business System, Experience in Running a Large Business, Asset Maintenance, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Retailing, Logistics, Material Planning, E-Commerce, Forecasting, Accounting, Cash Management, Wholesaling, Service Management, Production Processes, Business Intelligence, Data Analytics, Importance of Teamwork, Critical Thinking, and Decision-making Skills.

MonsoonSIM is a suitable platform to teach a range of courses, including Accounting, Business Administration & Management, Business/Managerial Economics, Business Analytics, Capstone Projects, Entrepreneurship, Economics, Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP/ERM), Finance, General, Human Resources Development, Human Resources Management, International Business Management, Logistics & Materials Management, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing Management & Research, Organizational Behavior, Operations Management & Supervision, Purchasing/Procurement Management, Sales, Sustainability, Merchandising, & Marketing, Supply Chain and Logistics, Integrated Reporting, and Data Analytics.

Fun

Making education Fun is one of the core design principles of MonsonSIM. This fact is attested by more than seventeen (17) thousands of feedback MonsoonSIM has received over the years (see https://www.monsoonsim.com/guide.html?stage=MSIM_REVIEW). MonsoonSIM makes learning fun by actively engaging learners without them even realizing it. Players can start learning complex business processes without any preparations. With MonsoonSIM, there's no requirement for pre-study worksheets or handouts, as the platform itself is designed to facilitate a seamless learning experience.

Intuitive

Learners can start learning business concepts within five (5) minutes after login into the systems. Everything the learners need is on their screens. Intuitively and interactively, learners will know what to do from the get-go. In addition, MonsoonSIM supports team learning. In learning from MonsoonSIM, almost 95% of their knowledge is self-discovered or from their teammates. 

For Educational & Training

Educational games can become very wild. There is no best practice in the industry of what an educational game should be. MonsoonSIM put "Educational" as one of our fundamental design principles because we want to focus on Education. Hence, all the modules we developed, and all the features we have added, are all geared towards the following aims:

• For Educators
  • Easier to Teach
  • More to Teach
• For Learners
  • Easier to Learn
  • More to Learn

What our users say

MonsoonSIM is a remarkable tool that has been praised by educators all over the world for extending the boundaries of teaching and learning. Dr. Edwin Lim of Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia, has commended MonsoonSIM for its ability to improve both the breadth and depth of students' learning. Meanwhile, Dr. Leong Y. Jonathan and Dr. Ma Nang Laik from the Singapore University of Social Sciences have published an article in the European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research, where they highlight the value of gamification and working with live data in developing students' thinking and transferable skills.

	Very Realistic Scenario which has enough complexity to keep it interesting without being unnecessarily over complicated -- Liz Dwyer - Head of SAP User Adoption Services, Asia Pacific
	The game is quite realistic and it reflects what actually happens in a real-life company so it can help people understand how ERP works -- Dr. Deliang Wang - Ph.D. of Information Systems, National University of Singapore
	MonsoonSIM is an excellent platform for learning all facets of running a business enterprise. MonsoonSIM also encourages students to be competitive and strategic in their thinking -- Dr, Remedios Cruz. Dean, College of Business and Accountancy at National University
	One of the main benefits of these simulations is the interrelated nature of business decisions. For example, the understanding of the impact of X on Y -- Dr. Jason J Turner, Taylor University, Malaysia
	I have been looking for a tool that helps demonstrate the integration of ERP systems, and MonsoonSim provides this.   -- Severin Grabski, Ph.D, Michigan State University, USA

Read more https://www.monsoonsim.com/guide.html?stage=MSIM_REVIEW

Recommendation letters

• From HKUST (Hong Kong) https://www.monsoonsim.com/depo/images/doc/hkust.pdf
• From Deakin University  (Australia) https://www.monsoonsim.com/depo/images/doc/deakin.pdf

Academic Journals on MonsoonSIM

Designing Hybrid and Online Capstone Experiences for Accounting Students 

Published in the Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education; By Christine Contessotto, Edwin KiaYang Lim, Harsh Suri, Deakin University https://www.monsoonsim.com/depo/images/doc/papermsim6.pdf

Using Experiential Learning Theory to Improve Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 

Published in European Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research by Dr. Leong Y. Jonathan and Dr. Ma Nang Laik of Singapore University of Social Sciences https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339424471_Using_Experiential_Learning_Theory_to_Improve_Teaching_and_Learning_in_Higher_Education

Factors Influencing Use of MonsoonSIM Business Simulation 

by UTM Undergraduate Students by Shfudin Mohd Yatim and Chin Fei Goh https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325573809_Factors_Influencing_Use_of_Monsoonsim_Business_Simulation_by_UTM_Undergraduate_Students 

Business Simulation, Student Competency, And Learning Outcomes

Authors : Christiana F. Dharmastuti, Syarief Darmoyo, R. A. Gunawan, M. N. Duka, University Atma Jaya https://www.monsoonsim.com/depo/images/doc/papermsim4.pdf

21st Century Skills Development Through Business Simulation Games

Authors : Ziehanie Shafiai, Politeknik Ungku Omar, Malaysia  https://www.monsoonsim.com/depo/images/doc/papermsim5.pdf

Business Analytics, MonsoonSIM

A book written by Dr. Violeta Cvetkoska, an Associate Professor of the courses Operational Research, and Fundamentals of Business Analytics, and Head of the EUi at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Faculty of Economics – Skopje  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cdfP0LQISvbUuxS2pk7-NQz-LKPBRt3W/view

Impact of MonsoonSIM on UTM Students

Authors : Dr. Mohamad Shah Kassim, En. Shafudin Mohd Yatim, Dr. Zulkifli Khair, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia https://www.monsoonsim.com/depo/images/document/monsoonsimimpactppt.pdf

Radical and disruptive innovation in higher education

Authors : Dr. Mohamad Shah Kassim, En. Shafudin Mohd Yatim, Dr. Zulkifli Khair, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia https://www.monsoonsim.com/depo/images/doc/paperdisruptiveinnovation.pdf

YouTube Videos

What they say about MonsoonSIM https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLs8h70J_elzTWFPmwOjDUYGnzhHylwbKC

Teaching Management Accounting with Data Analytics using MonsoonSIM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St9NcvhJ6AE&t=653s

Users compilations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzMdQ5tkRz0

Use Cases

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-d2wCZ5uPsDf5sCQfZZTDBMF2dohKVbEXyawP4fzYnM/edit

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Business concepts covered in MonsoonSIM

Here are some of the key business concepts you can selectively configure to teach in MonsoonSIM:

Sales:

• Retail Sales
• Retail Sales in Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) Industry
• Retail store management
• Retail discounts
• Retail rental management
• Wholesale Sales
• Service Sales
• ECommerce Sales
• Retail Margin
• Wholesale Margin
• Service Margin
• Price Control for Retail
• Price elasticity in products
• Winning bids for Wholesale
• Making deals for Wholesale
• Quoting for Services
• Replenishment strategies for Retail and Wholesale
• Sales Order processing
• Capacity planning for Retail Sales
• Managing stockouts in Retail Sales
• Impact of holidays on Retail Sales
• Retail forecasting
• Customer Loyalty

Procurement:

• Purchase Request and Purchase Order
• Cash purchase
• Future delivery purchase
• Blanket purchase
• Vendor Terms of Payment
• Vendor selection
• Shipping considerations
• Bulk purchase vs. Non-Bulk purchase
• Supplier lead time and reliability
• Sustainability consideration

Marketing:

• Demography consideration
• Marketing media selection
• Marketing investment decisions
• Brand awareness
• Market Intelligence

Logistics:

• Auto replenishment
• Product allocations for sales orders
• Rental management for retail stores and warehouses
• Shipment management among locations
• Calculating shipping costs
• Sustainability consideration

Forecasting:

• Demand forecasting in Retail, Wholesale, and Rentals
• Interest-rate forecasting
• Currency forecasting

Production:

• Machine selection and investment
• Production capacity planning
• Production order processing
• Sustainability consideration

MRP (Material Requirements Planning):

• MRP concepts and execution
• Buffer stock level determination
• Bill of Materials (BOM) concepts
• Production vs. Outsourcing strategy decisions

Maintenance:

• Predictive Maintenance
• Periodic Maintenance
• OEE (Overall Equipment Efficiency) management
• APQ (Availability, Performance, and Quality) management
• Asset breakdown and major repairs

Human Resources:

• Staff personality traits (OCEAN factors)
• Personality matching in recruitment
• Staff counseling and training
• On-the-job training
• Staff dismissal and costs
• Staff transfer and turnover ratio
• Manpower planning for Retail

Service Management:

• Manpower scheduling
• Service Quotation and Request for Quotation

Customer Service:

• Complaint management and its importance
• Relationship between customer complaints and staff index

Sustainability:

• Operating your company with sustainability in consideration 
• Consider the environmental impact of your operation in logistics
• Consider the environmental impact of your operation in production

Finance:

• Financial statements (profit and loss, balance sheet, cash flow)
• Loan types (fully amortized, interest-only)
• Loan repayment period
• Credit rating
• Cost of Goods Sold
• Operating Expenses
• Asset Depreciation
• Impact of foreign exchange on purchasing costs
• Cash flow management
• Inventory management
• Trading profit
• Overdraft management
• Bankruptcy
• Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable
• Balance Sheet and Trial Balance
• Net profit calculation
• Budgeting
• Forex Gain/Loss
• Research and Development
• Integrated Reporting

Relationship between departments:

• Interactions between Finance and other departments
• Interactions between Human Resources and other departments
• Relationships between Sales and Warehouse, Procurement, Production, and Marketing departments
• Relationships between Maintenance and Production, Procurement, and Sales departments
• Relationships between MRP and Sales, Procurement, and Warehouse departments
• Relationships between Customer Service and Sales Department
• Impact of departments on each other's operations (e.g., Maintenance on Production, Human Resources on Warehouse, etc.)

Data Analytics:

• Analyze the data from game results
• Design charts and executive information systems for decision making
• Live access to game data from 3rd party tools such as Tableau, PowerBI, R, Excel

These are just a sample of concepts that provide a comprehensive understanding of various business functions and their interrelationships within an organization.

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How MonsoonSIM can be used in Teaching business concepts

With MonsoonSIM, the following transformations are taking place:

For the learner:

• From learning by doing -- to -- learning by experiencing
• From learning by theory -- to -- learning by practicing
• From learning by remembering -- to -- learning by doing
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For the educator/trainer:

• From being a teacher -- to -- being a conductor/facilitator/motivator
• From developing course content -- to -- configuring course content
• From teaching standard materials -- to -- teaching supplementary, non-standard materials (not already covered by MonsoonSIM)

MonsoonSIM takes a unique approach to learning by developing a multitude of business micro-concepts, which are then integrated into departmental concepts. Facilitators can effortlessly create custom business scenarios using these concepts, enabling learners to engage in self-exploration, self-discovery, and experimentation. Whether individuals or teams, learners have the flexibility to dive into the scenarios and uncover knowledge organically.

The beauty of MonsoonSIM lies in its progressive complexity. Initially, learners encounter a few fundamental business concepts, much like peeling the outer layers of an onion. It's a gradual journey where the complexity increases as learners become more receptive. As they delve deeper into the game, more knowledge reveals itself quickly, ensuring continuous learning without overwhelming the learners.

Moreover, MonsoonSIM is aligned with the principles of the Industrial 4.0 transformation. By embracing the platform, educators can tailor their curriculum to meet their specific requirements rather than being bound by a rigid pre-defined syllabus. This flexibility empowers Certified Trainers to design a curriculum that aligns with their objectives and maximizes the learning potential of their students.

MonsoonSIM allows facilitators to begin with a straightforward scenario, allowing learners to grasp business basics immediately. As learners progress and develop their understanding, facilitators can gradually introduce more complex business cases to challenge them and encourage further learning.

In a typical scenario, a facilitator would create a virtual environment, a virtual marketplace, and learners grouped in teams, forming virtual companies to compete. By making the teams compete with each other to achieve specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), the learners will learn much valuable knowledge from their experiences.

Here are some of the thought processes the learners have to go through:

• Identify and discover business opportunities
• Discover business concepts and reaffirm through application
• Understand the constraints and KPIs of the teammate
• Make assumptions and deductions
• Experiment with their hypothesis
• Discuss strategies with teammates and execute
• Observe results and dynamically evolve to new challenges
• Suffer the virtual consequences for missteps
• Learn from mistakes

This adaptability is a vital platform strength, as it can cater to learners across various educational levels. Whether it's primary students, middle school students, or even MBA schools, MonsoonSIM provides a versatile learning environment that can be tailored to suit the needs and abilities of different learners. The platform's scalability and adjustable complexity make it a valuable tool for educators across various educational settings and age groups.

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The uniqueness of MonsoonSIM

What sets MonsoonSIM apart from other simulations is its unique features and capabilities. Here's a breakdown of what makes MonsoonSIM different:

1. Multiple Teaching Modes: MonsoonSIM offers both gamification and simulation modes, providing diverse teaching approaches to engage learners. This combination enhances the learning experience and caters to different learning preferences.
2. A.I-Based Virtual Teaching Assistant: MonsoonSIM incorporates an A.I-based virtual teaching assistant that supports learners and facilitators. This assistant provides personalized guidance, suggestions, and feedback, enhancing learning and facilitating effective teaching.
3. Robots Learners: MonsoonSIM introduces the concept of robot learners, enabling learners to compete against intelligent computer-controlled entities. This feature adds an element of competition and challenge, promoting active learning and critical thinking.
4. Learner Level: MonsoonSIM accommodates learners across different educational levels, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate (MBA) students. This versatility allows the platform to cater to a broader range of learners and academic programs.
5. Configurability: MonsoonSIM stands out for its high degree of configurability. Facilitators have extensive control over the platform, enabling them to customize scenarios, adjust complexity, and align the simulation with specific learning objectives and requirements.
6. Knowledge Coverage: MonsoonSIM offers comprehensive knowledge coverage, focusing on enterprise-wide rather than specific isolated concepts. This holistic approach gives learners a broader understanding of how different business functions interconnect and impact organizational success.
7. Learning Outcomes: MonsoonSIM emphasizes comprehensive and dynamic learning outcomes. Instead of solely focusing on a few key performance indicators (KPIs), the platform aims to develop a well-rounded understanding of business principles and their practical application.
8. Infrastructure: MonsoonSIM is built with user-friendly learning and teaching in mind. The platform's interface and tools are designed for ease of use, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience for learners and facilitators.
9. Data Analytics Support: MonsoonSIM offers data analytics support, providing learners access to live data for analysis and decision-making. This feature enhances the realism of the simulation and allows learners to develop data-driven insights and strategies.
10. Community Support: MonsoonSIM fosters a vibrant online community with clubs, leagues, and ratings. This community aspect encourages collaboration, competition, and knowledge sharing among learners from different institutions and backgrounds.
11. Courses and Quizzes: MonsoonSIM includes pre-packaged lessons and quizzes, offering additional structured learning resources. These resources complement the simulation experience and provide further knowledge reinforcement and assessment opportunities.

In summary, MonsoonSIM differentiates itself through its multiple teaching modes, AI-based virtual teaching assistant, robot learners, configurability, enterprise-wide knowledge coverage, comprehensive and dynamic learning outcomes, user-friendly infrastructure, data analytics support, community engagement, and additional courses and quizzes. These features contribute to an immersive, adaptable, and comprehensive learning experience for learners across various educational levels.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is MonsoonSIM?

MonsoonSIM is an award-winning business simulation and gamification education platform. This platform has been used in business education since 2013, with a rapidly growing user base in 5 continents. We have more than 250 organizations using MonsoonSIM with more than 110,000 learners. MonsoonSIM allows educators to change the way they teach business concepts. For example: Instead of training with theory alone, you authorize the learners to conduct self-directed learning --- through simulation and gamification. Some of the MonsoonSIM users include: Michigan State Business School, Penn State, Esslingen University of Applied Science (Germany), Hong Kong Hang Seng University, Singapore University of Social Sciences, Singapore Ngee An Poly, etc

What is the difference between MonsoonSIM and other business games?

There are numerous business games available on the market. Most of them, however, are vertically focused, such as stock trading, sales, team building, marketing, etc. In contrast, MonsoonSIM uses ERP (Business Process Process) as a base. Facilitators can teach either by gamification or by simulation. MonsoonSIM, in short, uses an innovative horizontal experiential learning model (click for a short video on this). There are altogether close to three hundred micro-business concepts. These fundamental concepts apply to any trading, distribution, eCommerce, manufacturing, and service business. MonsoonSIM allows learners to discover these concepts through experiential learning and analysis. 

What are the benefits of MonsoonSIM for me as an educator?

Your teaching becomes a whole lot more fun and engaging with MonsoonSIM. Firstly, by being a certified facilitator in MonsoonSIM, you can create and conduct courses anytime, anywhere, with just a standard browser; likewise, your students can learn anytime, anywhere. Secondly, you do not have to create any content. MonsoonSIM comes with hundreds of micro-business concepts. All you need to do is to choreograph your business scenario and let the learners learn through experiential learning (gaming) or simulation. You control the tempo, depth and breadth of the business scenario. Teaching business processes through PowerPoint is no longer attractive for today's learners. Notes and slides can be dauntingly boring. With MonsoonSIM, learning becomes fun. With MonsoonSIM, the trainer can now focus on adding more teaching materials not covered by MonsoonSIM for the students before, after, or in the middle of the game whenever deemed appropriate.

What are the benefits of MonsoonSIM for me as a student?

Key benefits are improved employability, virtual "real-life" work experience, and more business operations knowledge. As a student, understanding the enterprise system will significantly expand your knowledge about how a business enterprise is run. You will learn about the relationships (data and process) among various departments. You will also learn how one department's failure can impact the other departments to the point that it may even bring down the entire operation of an enterprise. Therefore, it does not matter whether you are an accounting student, a business student, an industrial engineering student, or a student studying information technology, as learning about enterprise business concepts is always good. For example, as an accounting major, you would need to know the idea of product costing and experience it when playing the MonsoonSIM game. Whereas, as an MBA student, knowing how business is being run would be good. As an e-commerce system designer, learning the procurement and supply chain concept will undoubtedly help your system design. The benefits are multi-facet.

What are the benefits of MonsoonSIM for me as part of the management team of a corporation?

As a corporate manager, MonsoonSIM will help your staff better leverage your existing business system. Besides giving your staff a better understanding of what the enterprise processes entail, the staff can work together with more appreciation of each other's constraints. For example: if your staff is in the sales department, they need to be more aware of the delivery ability. Staff in the customer service department should know the key customers. Staff working in the production department should be more aware of the upcoming promotions by the folks in the marketing department. Having your employees undergo a MonsoonSIM workshop will improve their total work productivity and flexibility. Furthermore, as MonsoonSIM is a team game that requires teamwork and communication, playing the game by mixing players from different departments into one virtual company would surely improve their team spirit and collaboration.  

I have established curriculums and would like to incorporate experiential learning in the courses; how can MonsoonSIM help?

MonsoonSIM's platform is highly configurable to the facilitators. Akin to how the business environment in the real world is dynamic, shifting, and ever-changing, facilitators can configure the business simulation and tailor their teaching materials (the business gaming scenario) to suit the learning ability and capacity of the students.

We have pre-set configurations and modules you can explore and use instantly and conveniently. Still, every feature in the game, how the business world is set within any department or business concept, can be tailored.

Example: If you teach Accounting Information Systems and want your students to learn more about Inventory. You can configure a simple retail game and let your students operate their business, in teams, against each other to achieve specific apparent targets such as profitability or efficiency. While playing the game, students will learn inventory procurement, storage, and costing. 

Click here to learn more about how MonsoonSIM can help enhance your curriculum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErYhExfJUM&t=198s

How can MonsoonSIM help in studying Data Analytics?

MonsoonSIM can greatly support the study of Data Analytics by providing learners with access to live data, enabling them to analyze and interpret real-world business information. The platform offers hands-on experience in working with data, making data-driven decisions, and understanding the impact of data analysis on business outcomes.

All the game data in MonsoonSIM can be accessed, in real-time, by any 3rd party Data Analytics tools such as (Excel, R, Tableau, PowerBI, and Google Data Studio). 

Click to see how a university in Germany uses MonsoonSIM to teach data analytics in a Management Accounting course : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St9NcvhJ6AE&t=653s

How long is a typical session of MonsoonSIM?

A typical session of MonsoonSIM can vary in duration and is highly flexible. It can be configured to run for as short as 1 hour or extend up to 30 days, depending on the facilitator and players' preferences. The facilitator has control over the pace, depth, and breadth of the business environment, and sessions can be stopped and resumed at a later date. 

Is there any pre-requisite knowledge needed to play MonsoonSIM?

No, there is no prerequisite knowledge required to play MonsoonSIM. The simulation is designed to cater to a wide range of users, from primary school students to university students and individuals at all levels in a corporation. The game's difficulty level can be adjusted and configured according to the needs and abilities of the players.

How configurable is MonsoonSIM?

MonsoonSIM is highly configurable, allowing for a tailored and personalized experience. Users can configure various aspects of the simulation, including the locations of retail stores, warehouses, cash, and bank facilities, costs, machine capacity, storage capacity, suppliers, customers, and product bill of materials (BOM). Additionally, users can determine which departments to run, customize game timings, and choose which concepts to emphasize or hide. This configurability enables users to adapt the simulation to their specific learning objectives and desired level of complexity. 

Is MonsoonSIM run on any commercial product such as SAP or Oracle business system?

MonsoonSIM is an independent simulation platform that does not rely on specific commercial products such as SAP or Oracle business systems. It is not designed as a product training tool but focuses on conceptual training, providing learners a comprehensive understanding of various business concepts and processes. MonsoonSIM emphasizes developing critical thinking, decision-making skills, and holistic business understanding rather than specific software proficiency. 

Which universities have adopted MonsoonSIM in their teaching curriculum?

A wide range of universities around the world has adopted MonsoonSIM. Some notable universities that have incorporated MonsoonSIM into their teaching curriculum include:

1. Penn State University - USA
2. Hong Kong University of Science & Technology - Hong Kong
3. Esslingen University of Applied Sciences - Germany
4. National University - Philippines
5. Michigan State University - USA
6. Deakin University - Australia
7. Swiss German University - Indonesia
8. Trisakti University - Indonesia
9. Francis Marion University - USA

These are just a few examples, and more than 250 universities across different countries have embraced MonsoonSIM as a valuable tool for business education.

What is the MonsoonSIM's mission?

MonsoonSIM's mission is to transform business education by making the teaching and learning experience easier and more enjoyable. The platform aims to revolutionize how business concepts are taught by providing a dynamic and interactive environment that engages learners and enhances their understanding of real-world business scenarios. By combining gamification and simulation, MonsoonSIM aims to create an immersive learning experience that imparts knowledge and develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ultimately, MonsoonSIM seeks to empower educators and students worldwide to embrace innovative approaches to business education and prepare the next generation of business professionals for success.

Is there a standard methodology in delivering MonsoonSIM?

While there is no standard methodology in delivering MonsoonSIM, the platform offers a high level of configurability and flexibility, allowing Certified Facilitators to tailor the delivery based on their training objectives and the needs of their learners. Here are some considerations that trainers can take into account when delivering MonsoonSIM:

1. Business Scenario Selection: Trainers can choose from various business scenarios such as trading, retail, service, or a combination based on the learning objectives and the learners' background.
2. Session Duration and Tempo: Trainers can determine the session duration, whether a few hours or multiple days and set the game's pace to ensure an optimal learning experience.
3. Course Materials and Monitoring: Trainers can decide if any course materials will be provided to learners and establish methods for monitoring their progress, such as quizzes or regular assessment intervals.
4. Emphasizing Micro Concepts: Trainers can highlight specific micro concepts at appropriate points during the session to reinforce learning and understanding.
5. Introducing New Market Dynamics: Trainers can introduce new market dynamics or challenges throughout the session to simulate real-world business environments and enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills.
6. KPI Targets and Objectives: Trainers can set Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets and objectives for learners to achieve, providing a sense of achievement and motivation.
7. Robot Deployment and Transactions: Trainers can deploy robots within the game to assist learners and provide transactions that learners can observe and learn from.
8. Measurement and Scoring: Trainers can establish measurement criteria and scoring mechanisms to assess learners' performance and provide feedback on their decision-making and outcomes.
9. Reporting and Self-Assessment: Trainers can require learners to submit reports or engage in pre-session and post-session self-assessment activities to reflect on their learning and progress.

Overall, the methodology of delivering MonsoonSIM is adaptable and can be customized by Certified Facilitators to align with their training plans, curriculum, and desired learning outcomes.

MonsoonSIM is team-based learning, but can it also be a single learner?

Yes, MonsoonSIM can be configured for both team-based learning and individual learning. While the platform is designed to facilitate team collaboration and decision-making, it is also possible to set up a single learner mode. In this mode, the learner will be challenged by their own Key Performance Indicator (KPI) targets without direct interaction with other participants. The competitive landscape and market dynamics can still be created by the MonsoonSIM robots in the background, providing a realistic business environment for the individual learner.

What subject matter (major) is suitable to teach with MonsoonSIM in my university?

MonsoonSIM is a versatile platform that can be used to teach various subjects. Here are some major topics that are suitable for teaching with MonsoonSIM in a university:

• Entrepreneurship: MonsoonSIM can simulate the challenges and dynamics of running a business, allowing students to learn about various aspects of entrepreneurship, such as sales, marketing, procurement, and financial management.
• Supply Chain and Logistics: MonsoonSIM provides hands-on experience in managing supply chains, optimizing inventory, coordinating logistics operations, and understanding the overall flow of goods and services.
• ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): MonsoonSIM can teach students about implementing and managing ERP systems, giving them practical exposure to real-world business processes and integration across departments.
• Operations Management: MonsoonSIM offers insights into operational decision-making, production planning, resource allocation, and quality management, helping students understand how to optimize processes and improve efficiency.
• Management and Financial Accounting: MonsoonSIM allows students to gain practical knowledge of financial management, budgeting, cost analysis, and financial decision-making within a simulated business environment.
• Business Fundamentals: MonsoonSIM covers essential business concepts, including sales, marketing, procurement, finance, and human resources, making it suitable for introductory courses in business studies.
• Economics Fundamentals: MonsoonSIM can give students a practical understanding of economic principles, market dynamics, pricing strategies, and demand forecasting.
• Human Resources: MonsoonSIM offers insights into human resource management, including staff recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and workforce planning.
• Capstone Projects: MonsoonSIM can be used as a platform for capstone projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in a simulated business environment and tackle complex challenges.
• Data Analytics: MonsoonSIM provides access to live data and analytics support, making it suitable for teaching data analytics concepts and techniques across various business disciplines.
  
  

These are just a few examples, and MonsoonSIM can be adapted to various other majors and courses depending on the learning objectives and desired outcomes of the curriculum.

How do I start to use MonsoonSIM for my teaching needs?

To begin using MonsoonSIM for your teaching needs, you can start by completing a 1-day (8-hour) certification - The MonsoonSIM Certified Facilitator Level-1. MonsoonSIM conducts facilitator certification training regularly, and you can reach out to them to enroll in the next certification batch. Once you have completed the certification, you will have access to your assigned server, which will allow you to conduct MonsoonSIM sessions for your students. There is an online guide available for facilitators that you can refer to at any time for assistance. It's worth noting that there are currently over 2000 certified facilitators of MonsoonSIM worldwide.

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Finance (FIN) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• Management report in play or not
• Journal in play or not and settings
• Loan1 and Loan 2 settings
• Initial cash
• Overdraft limit
• Depreciation term
• Accrual accounting or Cash
• Budget allow or not
• Rental overflow fee
• Research and Development settings
• Integrated reporting settings
• Investors (require facilitator to be certified for C1000)
• Underwriters (require facilitator to be certified for C1000)

Navigations:

• The financial reports are available under the Finance menu
  • Profit and Loss
  • Balanced Sheet
  • Cash Flow
  • Trial Balance
• There is also management report (if configured by the facilitator)

Money Management in Business

The MonsoonSIM Finance module is a comprehensive simulation that allows users to experience and learn various aspects of financial management in a business context. It provides a realistic environment for players to develop their understanding and skills in financial decision-making, accounting practices, and financial analysis. Here are some key features and components of the MonsoonSIM Finance module:

1. Money Management: The module emphasizes the management of money within a business. Players learn how to optimize profits by increasing sales and decreasing expenses.

2. Accounting: The module covers two types of accounting methods: Cash and Accrual. Players gain hands-on experience with recording transactions through journal entries, maintaining balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and trial balances.

3. Financial Reports: MonsoonSIM Finance incorporates financial reporting in line with GAAP (General Accepted Accounting Practice). Players can generate and analyze essential financial reports such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and trial balances. MonsoonSIM supports average costing.

Operational Expenses and Financial Nuances

• Operating expenses
  • Rental for stores and warehouses
  • Salary for staff working in various departments
  • Overflow (Retail or Warehouse) fee for usage of rental space that exceed the rented space. The exact calculation can be found in the guides on the left panel.
  • Late Penalty payment for B2B or Services
  • Interest charge for overdraft drawdown or loan 
  • Marketing for marketing investment or market report subscription
  • Human resources related (training, recruitment, dismissal)
  • Gain or loss in foreign exchange (if Forex is in play)
  • Write-off for expired or missing products (if FMCG is in play)
• COGS depends on
  • Discount obtained from bulk purchases
  • In-house production (if production is in play)

Integrated Reporting and Business Insight

4. Integrated Reporting (if in play): At the end of the game, learners can design their integrated report which covers the six capitals which showcases how a company communicates its financial performance and value creation to stakeholders. 

• financial (equity funding, debt funding, sales, income, margin, return on assets, return on equity, debt to asset, debt to equity ratio)
• Manufactured  (Unit produced, # of machines, raw material procured, production sites)
• Intellectual (about your Research & Development)
• Human  (staff turnover, staff recruited, trained, counselled)
• Social & Relationship (rating from ecommerce, customer complaints)
• Natural (environment)
• All modules must be in play in order to have meaningful IR report

Cash Flow Management and Bank Overdrafts

5. Bank Overdraft Facility: In situations where cash on hand runs out, system will automatically draw down any unused bank facility (overdraft) to make payments. However, overdrafts incur daily interest, and exceeding the facility limit restricts further drawdowns. The amount of overdraft is configurable by the facilitator. The drawdown is automatic and when there are extra cash on hand, the repayment of overdraft is also done automatically by the system. 

6. Cash Accounting: The module includes a cash accounting system where payment for purchases and expenses requires immediate cash on hand. Insufficient funds may result in undelivered goods or canceled purchase orders.

Delinquency Management

7. Delinquent Payout: If the team exceeds the overdraft limit, incoming payments, sucha as salaries, rentals, and goods purchase orders, become delinquent. The system attempts to settle delinquent payments automatically each day. Facilitator may set a max of 50 delinquency before you will be declared bankrupt. You are no longer able to do any transactions if you are bankrupt. 

Accrual Accounting and Credit Management

8. Accrual Accounting (if in play): The accrual accounting system incorporates vendor credit limits and payment terms. Players must manage account payables and consider the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on imported products.

9. Credit Rating(if in play): The module introduces credit ratings based on outstanding delinquent payments. Players can receive different credit ratings ranging from Unrated to AAA, which affect the company's creditworthiness and loan applications.

Advanced Financial Concepts

10. Loan Management (if in play): MonsoonSIM Finance includes various types of loans (default names are Easy Money and Maxi Profit) with configurable terms and interest rates. Players can explore loan options and understand the implications of different repayment structures.

11. Journal entry (if in play): Learners may be asked to manually enter about 10 journal entries into the accounting ledger. A wrong journal will trigger a message in the inbox so learner can retry. If the game is finished and the all the journals are not properly recorded, facilitator will see the following in scoring matrix "Financial report NOT farily presented". Note that wrong entries do not mean that the final financial results are corrupted or incorrect. The system will do proper book keeping on behalf of the players. 

12. Business funding (if in play): At first sign of profitability, investor is keen to invest 5% new share valued based on your projected sales target 20 days from the time you apply. Investor will give you 50% of the funds but first in the form of a bridge loan to help you get started and to monitor your progress, if in 20 days you have achieved your projected sales, you will get the rest of the money and the investor will get 5% of your company. If you cannot achieve the sales promised in 20th day, investor will cancel the investment and convert your bridge loan into a normal loan with principal and interest you have to pay.

Financial Intelligence and Decision-Making

   

13. Financial Intelligence: The Business Intelligence module provides players with access to financial performance analysis and other intelligence. They can examine key metrics, ratios, and forecasts to make informed financial decisions.

Overall, the MonsoonSIM Finance module offers a dynamic and immersive learning experience, allowing players to develop practical skills in financial management, accounting, and financial analysis. By simulating real-world scenarios and providing a range of financial tools and concepts, the module prepares users for effective financial decision-making in a business environment.

Facilitator can configure the following parameters for FIN (Finance Module)

Note on Module Configuration

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

Our Other Modules

All our MonsoonSIM modules are intricately interconnected, offering a cohesive simulation experience that mirrors the dynamic interplay of real-world business departments and functions.

Forecast Module: Unlock Future Business Insights with the forecast module.

Marketing Module: Explore Teaching Marketing Principles

Logistics Module: Teach Complex Warehouse and Logistics Management 

Warehouse Module: Innovate B2B Teaching with MonsoonSIM's Wholesales Module

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Procurement (PMN) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are 

• Vendor settings, on-time delivery, payment terms, environmental impact.

MonsoonSIM's Procurement module provides learners with a dynamic simulation of procurement operations, allowing them to experience and develop essential skills in supplier management, inventory control, and strategic decision-making. By engaging in realistic scenarios and utilizing powerful analytics tools, learners can optimize procurement processes, evaluate supplier performance, and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall supply chain performance.

Procurement Operations:

• Focuses on managing the procurement process for acquiring raw materials, production machines, and finished goods.
• Procurement for finished goods into retail stores or warehouse (if warehouse is ON)
• Procurement for raw materials and machines only into the warehouse (if production is ON)
• Requires strategic planning to ensure a smooth supply chain and meet production and customer demand.
• MonsoonSIM only supports average costing
• Each vendor will publish their selling price, lead time and volume discount. If FOREX is in play, some vendor may publish price in foreign currency and expected to be paid in the foreign currency, hence there may incur forex gain or forex loss depending on the currency fluctuation between the expense booking day and the settlement day. Sometimes, the vendor may run out of stock to sell, in that case, learners are expected to wait or to source the products from the web market.
• When making a purchase, you have the flexibility to choose between paying in cash or utilizing the vendor's credit limit (provided this feature is enabled by the facilitator). However, it's essential to note that vendors will withhold delivery if you're unable to make the payment or if you've exhausted your credit limit. Should this occur, your Purchase Order will be put on hold. The system will display a "Days Late Due to Insufficient Funds" notification, indicating the duration of the delay for that particular order. Your PO will be automatically cancelled by the supplier after lengthy delays.
• All procurement must need approval, mimicking real life check and balance. You cannot automate or disable the approval process. 

Inventory Management:

• Essential for avoiding stockouts, minimizing carrying costs, and optimizing production efficiency.
• Monitoring inventory levels, tracking consumption rates, and utilizing forecasting tools to ensure sufficient stock availability.
• Some inventories are sold the day they arrive depending on your daily sales and your stock on hand.

Quality Control:

• Able to perform quality control to verify that vendors deliver undamaged goods. This only applies of FMCG (Fast moving consumer goods) is in play.

Supplier Performance:

• Vendors vary in reliability, especially when it comes to delivery times (lead time). Players can assess vendor performance based on past purchase history. Some vendors may consistently deliver late. Knowing which vendors are reliable is essential. Pricing can also be a factor; you might still choose a late vendor if they offer better prices.  

Procurement Analytics:

• MonsoonSIM provides analytics tools to analyze procurement data and performance.
• Leveraging insights to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize supplier relationships, and enhance overall procurement effectiveness.

The Procurement module in MonsoonSIM offers learners a comprehensive simulation of procurement operations, covering supplier management, sourcing methods, inventory management, cost analysis, and risk management. By actively engaging in procurement decision-making, learners develop valuable skills in supplier evaluation, contract management, and strategic procurement planning.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

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Retail (RTL) Module

1. Retail Navigation & Menus

1. Location Menu

   • Shows available locations to rent for retail.
   • Displays rental costs, overflow fees, and space availability.
   • Allows you to choose the store size and rental duration.
   • You must click Approve after submitting the rental to finalize it.
   • Includes a Map view to see the distances between locations (important for supply chain considerations).

2. Procurement Menu

   • Lets you purchase finished goods from vendors.
   • Vendor terms and conditions (price, discount, lead time, stock availability) can change during the game.
   • You may need to switch vendors or use e-commerce if certain vendors run out of stock.
   • Purchase options (facilitator-configurable):
     • Immediate Delivery: Goods arrive right away.
     • Future Delivery: Schedule delivery for a specific future day.
     • Blanket Purchase: Place one order to be delivered in chunks (e.g., every day or every few days).

3. Store Menu

   • Shows a visual layout of your store (front/store display area and back room).
   • In FMCG mode:
     • Goods arrive in smaller batches.
     • You can move items between the display area and back room (e.g., to manage expiration dates or stock rotations).
   • In Non-FMCG mode:
     • Typically one large batch; no back-room movement is required.

4. Retail Sales & Price Menu

   • Displays day-by-day sales, cost of goods, and product details for each location.
   • You can adjust pricing, which dynamically affects customer demand—lower prices may increase sales volume, while higher prices yield higher margins but might reduce sales.

5. Transaction Menu

   • Shows all transactions related to retail (rentals, procurements, etc.).
   • Remember: Each transaction or action (renting, procurement, changing rental contracts) must be Approved to take effect.

6. Forecast Menu (If Enabled)

   • Provides a detailed demand forecast for each location and each product by day.
   • Helps you decide where to open stores and how much inventory to plan.
   • Alerts you to potential demand spikes or dips (e.g., holidays).
   • Note that the forecast demand is location-wide, not per team. If multiple competitors occupy the same location, the total demand is split among them according to price, marketing, and other factors.

2. Managing Rental Contracts

• Once a space is rented, you can Manage Rental to change store size or contract duration.
• If you have a long-term contract (e.g., 30 days), you cannot change the size mid-term.
• Short-term (daily) contracts offer flexibility but typically come with no rental discounts.

3. Store Capacity & Overflow

• Each product has a specific dimension; stores have a capacity (size).
• If you exceed the store’s capacity, you pay overflow fees.
• Aim to maintain store utilization close to 100% (avoid under- or over-utilization).
• Too little stock can cause stock-outs, leading to lost sales when customers find nothing to buy.

4. Pricing, Competition & Marketing

• Free-Market Dynamics:
  • Lowering price can attract more customers (especially if there are multiple competitors in the same location).
  • Raising price increases margin but risks losing customers to competitors.
• Marketing:
  • Can drive more traffic to your store, potentially increasing sales.
  • The Marketing module (if enabled) provides intelligence on competitor locations, prices, and how customers respond.
  • You can subscribe to marketing reports to learn about competitor presence, customer demand, and price sensitivity in each location.

5. FMCG Special Considerations

1. Quality Check (QC)

   • When purchasing stock in FMCG mode, players can choose to enable QC.
   • QC detects initial shortages or damaged items in a batch (e.g., if you ordered 10,000 units but only 9,999 are good, you pay only for 9,999).
   • Reduces wasted cost due to defective or missing products on arrival.

2. Missing & Damaged Goods

   • Over time, products in a batch can become missing or damaged (stolen, broken, spoiled, etc.).
   • These items still appear in your batch quantity but cannot be sold.

3. Stock Take

   • Performing a stock take clears out the missing/damaged products from your batches.
   • After stock take, your batch quantity accurately reflects sellable inventory.
   • Prevents carrying “phantom” stock that doesn’t actually exist.

4. Batch Rotation & Expiry

   • You can move batches between the back room and the display area to manage expiry dates or promotions.
   • Proper rotation ensures fresher (or soon-to-expire) products are sold first.

6. Price Elasticity of Demand

• Some products are more sensitive to price changes (high elasticity), while others are less sensitive (low elasticity).
• Facilitator-defined elasticity settings mean you’ll have to discover which products can tolerate higher prices without significantly dropping in sales volume.
• Identifying low-elasticity items allows for higher margins, while highly elastic products might require more competitive pricing to maintain volume.

7. Additional Notes

• No Vendor Negotiation Yet: Currently, you must accept vendor terms (pricing, lead time, etc.) as is.
• Approvals: Remember to approve all transactions (rentals, purchases, contract changes) before they take effect in the simulation.

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ECommerce (ECM) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• Demand, allow posting to sell, allow posting to buy

MonsoonSIM's E-commerce module offers a comprehensive operating model that empowers learners to engage in realistic online buying and selling experiences. Let's explore the key features of this module:

For Buyers:

Seamless Item Selection:

• Browse and explore the items available for sale in the Web Market. Simply click "Web Market" to access a wide range of products.

Initiating Purchases:

• When you find the desired item, click "We Buy" to initiate the purchase process. Specify the destination for the goods and trigger a Purchase Order

Escrow Account:

• When a web-buyer makes a purchase, the funds are securely held in an Escrow account, controlled by the web market. This ensures that the buyer's payment is protected until the order is successfully fulfilled.

Delivery and Rating:

• Sellers are expected to deliver the items within the promised timeframe. Upon receiving the goods, the system automatically assigns a rating to the seller based on their delivery time. Ratings range from 0 to 5 stars, reflecting the timeliness of the delivery.

Ratings and Control:

• As a buyer, you have no direct control over the rating process. The system assigns ratings based on delivery performance, ensuring a fair and objective evaluation.

For Sellers:

Listing Items for Sale:

• Access the Web Market and list the items you want to sell. Set the selling price, estimated delivery time, and other relevant details. Your listings will be visible in the seller section.

Sales Order Management:

• Upon receiving a purchase request, the system triggers a Sales Order. Allocate the goods accordingly and commit to delivering them within the agreed timeframe.

Delivery and Rating:

• Timely delivery is crucial for maintaining a positive seller rating. If the goods arrive late, the system assigns a rating using a 5-star system. The seller's performance is evaluated objectively and fairly.

Becoming a Web Market Seller:

• To become a seller in the Web Market, search for a product you want to sell and explore available offers from buyers. You can also post your own items for sale, setting the selling price, estimated delivery time, and other relevant details.

Additional Features:

Order Cancellation:

• If the buyer experiences bankruptcy or fails to make the payment within a specified timeframe, the Sales Order will be automatically canceled. Similarly, if the seller neglects the accepted order for too long, the system cancels it.

Transparent Ratings:

• The seller's star rating, based on previous successful transactions, is visible to buyers. This rating serves as a reference when making purchase decisions, ensuring transparency and informed choices.

MonsoonSIM's E-commerce module immerses learners in realistic online buying and selling scenarios, fostering critical skills in supply chain management, timely delivery, and customer satisfaction. Embrace this transformative learning experience and unlock your potential in the world of e-commerce.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

Our Other Modules

All our MonsoonSIM modules are intricately interconnected, offering a cohesive simulation experience that mirrors the dynamic interplay of real-world business departments and functions.

• Finance Module: Enhance Financial Teaching with MonsoonSIM's Interactive Finance Module
  
• Forecast Module: Unlock Future Business Insights with the forecast module.
• Marketing Module: Explore Teaching Marketing Principles
• Logistics Module: Teach Complex Warehouse and Logistics Management 
• Warehouse Module: Innovate B2B Teaching with MonsoonSIM's Wholesales Module

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Forecast (FCS) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• Retail demand based on per location or per team

The Forecast module in MonsoonSIM provides players with valuable insights into future trends and market conditions, allowing them to plan and execute their business strategies effectively. Here are some key aspects of the Forecast module

Retail Market Demand Forecast:

• The module offers daily unit demand forecasts for each location in the game. The forecast is considered accurate so players can plan according to the forecast. 
• There may be holiday in the forecast and the demand may spike or dip during the holiday
• Players can use the retail market demand forecast to make informed decisions about pricing, marketing campaigns, and inventory management.

B2B Market Demand Forecast:

• The module provides forecasts for business-to-business (B2B) market demand.
• Players can rely on these forecasts to plan their B2B strategies, including sales, procurement, and production decisions.
• The B2B market demand forecast helps players understand the potential demand for their products or services from other businesses.

Currency Exchange Forecast:

• The module includes forecasts for currency exchange rates.
• Players can utilize these forecasts to analyze and anticipate currency market fluctuations.
• This information is crucial for managing international transactions, evaluating the profitability of exports and imports, and optimizing foreign exchange operations.

Central Bank Rate Forecast:

• The module provides forecasts for central bank interest rates.
• Players can monitor these forecasts to anticipate changes in monetary policies and interest rates.
• This information helps players make informed decisions related to borrowing, investments, and financial planning.

The Forecast module aims to provide reasonably accurate predictions to help players plan their business strategies. By leveraging these forecasts, players can anticipate market trends, adjust their operations accordingly, and gain a competitive edge in the game.

It's important to note that the accuracy of the forecasts may vary depending on the complexity of the market dynamics and the influence of various factors within the game environment. Nonetheless, the Forecast module serves as a valuable tool for players to analyze trends, make informed decisions, and enhance their overall business performance in MonsoonSIM.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

Our Other Modules

All our MonsoonSIM modules are intricately interconnected, offering a cohesive simulation experience that mirrors the dynamic interplay of real-world business departments and functions.

• Finance Module: Enhance Financial Teaching with MonsoonSIM's Interactive Finance Module
• Marketing Module: Explore Teaching Marketing Principles
• Logistics Module: Teach Complex Warehouse and Logistics Management 
• Warehouse Module: Innovate B2B Teaching with MonsoonSIM's Wholesales Module

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Marketing (MKT) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• Marketing media, population demography preferences, and marketing report subscription fee

The Marketing module in MonsoonSIM focuses on enhancing 

• retail sales
• b2b or wholesales sales

There are 3 types of consumer in MonsoonSIM

• seniors
• adults
• juniors

Marketing Simplified: MonsoonSIM

When marketing is in play, you can see the population demography for each of the location when you rent a store or when you are making your daily marketing investment

Marketing Investment:

•    Players have the opportunity to invest in marketing campaigns to drive retail sales.
•    To initiate a marketing investment, players need to submit a Purchase Requisition (PR) through the Purchasing department.
•    Each marketing media option offers a different Return on Investment (ROI) that influences the effectiveness of the marketing campaign.
•    It's important for players to carefully analyze the ROIs and select the media that aligns with their objectives and target audience.

NOTE: One of the marketing media is most effective for one type of consumers. Facilitator can configure which media is best for which type of consumer -- or -- let the system set it randomly upon game initialization.

 Players of MonsoonSIM have the opportunity to invest in marketing campaigns to drive retail sales. 

For the B2B, the populations are the sum of all the consumers for each of the location within the locales. Effective marketing for B2B (Business-to-Business) will increase offers (Bids or Deals) from potential B2B clients.

Take a simple example:

• The three marketing media are configured as : Radio, LinkedIn and Instagram respectively
• Population demography for Los Angeles : 
  • Seniors = 4 millions
  • Adults = 2 millions
  • Juniors = 3 millions
• Population demography B2B, adding up all the populations from all the locations in the U.S.A,
  • Seniors = 10 millions
  • Adults = 20 millions
  • Juniors = 30 millions
• In this case, Radio is suitable for Senior, hence, Radio is best for Los Angeles while nationwide (B2B), one would choose Instagram since there are more Juniors

Marketing Report Subscription:

•    Player can subscribe (daily) to real-time market intelligence reports that offer valuable insights into the retail sales market. 
•    These reports contain data collected from all players, allowing players to compare their performance against market benchmarks.
•    Market intelligence reports may include information on market share, sales performance, pricing analysis, and competitive positioning.
•    By leveraging market intelligence, players can gain a better understanding of the market landscape and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly.

Marketing Expenses:

•    Marketing spendings are considered expenses in the game.
•    Players should manage their marketing budget wisely and allocate resources effectively to achieve the desired impact.
•    Monitoring the ROI of marketing investments and analyzing the resulting sales performance can help players optimize their marketing expenses.

 The Marketing module provides players with subscribe to real-time market intelligence reports that offer valuable insights into the retail sales market. 

Staff Index:

•    The effectiveness of marketing activities is influenced by the Staff Index, which represents the competence and performance of the team.
•    Maintaining a high Staff Index is crucial to maximize the impact of marketing efforts.
•    Players should prioritize staff development and ensure that their team is equipped with the necessary skills to execute successful marketing campaigns.

The Marketing module in MonsoonSIM provides players with the opportunity to strategize and implement marketing campaigns to drive retail sales. By analyzing market intelligence, selecting the appropriate marketing media, managing expenses effectively, and maintaining a high Staff Index, players can optimize their marketing efforts and achieve greater success in the game.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

Our Other Modules

All our MonsoonSIM modules are intricately interconnected, offering a cohesive simulation experience that mirrors the dynamic interplay of real-world business departments and functions.

• Forecast Module: Unlock Future Business Insights with the forecast module.
• Logistics Module: Teach Complex Warehouse and Logistics Management 
• Warehouse Module: Innovate B2B Teaching with MonsoonSIM's Wholesales Module
• Ecommerce Module: Revolutionize E-Commerce Education with the Ecommerce Module

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Procurement (PMN) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are 

• Vendor settings, on-time delivery, payment terms, environmental impact.

MonsoonSIM's Procurement module provides learners with a dynamic simulation of procurement operations, allowing them to experience and develop essential skills in supplier management, inventory control, and strategic decision-making. By engaging in realistic scenarios and utilizing powerful analytics tools, learners can optimize procurement processes, evaluate supplier performance, and make informed decisions to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and overall supply chain performance.

Procurement Operations:

• Focuses on managing the procurement process for acquiring raw materials, production machines, and finished goods.
• Procurement for finished goods into retail stores or warehouse (if warehouse is ON)
• Procurement for raw materials and machines only into the warehouse (if production is ON)
• Requires strategic planning to ensure a smooth supply chain and meet production and customer demand.
• MonsoonSIM only supports average costing
• Each vendor will publish their selling price, lead time and volume discount. If FOREX is in play, some vendor may publish price in foreign currency and expected to be paid in the foreign currency, hence there may incur forex gain or forex loss depending on the currency fluctuation between the expense booking day and the settlement day. Sometimes, the vendor may run out of stock to sell, in that case, learners are expected to wait or to source the products from the web market.
• When making a purchase, you have the flexibility to choose between paying in cash or utilizing the vendor's credit limit (provided this feature is enabled by the facilitator). However, it's essential to note that vendors will withhold delivery if you're unable to make the payment or if you've exhausted your credit limit. Should this occur, your Purchase Order will be put on hold. The system will display a "Days Late Due to Insufficient Funds" notification, indicating the duration of the delay for that particular order. Your PO will be automatically cancelled by the supplier after lengthy delays.
• All procurement must need approval, mimicking real life check and balance. You cannot automate or disable the approval process. 

Inventory Management:

• Essential for avoiding stockouts, minimizing carrying costs, and optimizing production efficiency.
• Monitoring inventory levels, tracking consumption rates, and utilizing forecasting tools to ensure sufficient stock availability.
• Some inventories are sold the day they arrive depending on your daily sales and your stock on hand.

Quality Control:

• Able to perform quality control to verify that vendors deliver undamaged goods. This only applies of FMCG (Fast moving consumer goods) is in play.

Supplier Performance:

• Vendors vary in reliability, especially when it comes to delivery times (lead time). Players can assess vendor performance based on past purchase history. Some vendors may consistently deliver late. Knowing which vendors are reliable is essential. Pricing can also be a factor; you might still choose a late vendor if they offer better prices.  

Procurement Analytics:

• MonsoonSIM provides analytics tools to analyze procurement data and performance.
• Leveraging insights to identify cost-saving opportunities, optimize supplier relationships, and enhance overall procurement effectiveness.

The Procurement module in MonsoonSIM offers learners a comprehensive simulation of procurement operations, covering supplier management, sourcing methods, inventory management, cost analysis, and risk management. By actively engaging in procurement decision-making, learners develop valuable skills in supplier evaluation, contract management, and strategic procurement planning.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

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Wholesales (B2B) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• B2B demand, profit margin, whether bidding is allowed, whether customer pickup or we deliver, and client profiles

The B2B module in MonsoonSIM focuses on facilitating business-to-business transactions, enabling teams to engage in strategic negotiations, secure deals, and manage the entire sales order fulfillment process. 

It is prudent to build up your cash position before doing B2B business. 

B2B deals are not negotiated, instead, they deals come in as a ready offer (Deal) or bid offer (Bid).

Here are the key aspects of this module: 

Multiple Corporate Clients: Within the MonsoonSIM ecosystem, numerous corporate clients are actively seeking to purchase your products. They express their interest through two types of offers: straight deals and bidding/tendering. 

• Straight Deal Efficiency: In the case of a straight deal, it operates on a first-come-first-get basis. The deal's price and terms are clearly specified, leading to the automatic creation of a Sales Order (SO). Once created, the SO cannot be canceled and must be fulfilled within the specified delivery time to avoid late penalties. 
• Competitive Bidding: For bidding/tendering, teams compete by submitting bid prices before the bid announcement day. The winning bidder is determined based on the lowest price. The bid outlines the required goods, delivery date, late penalty, and other conditions. In case of equal bids, the first team to bid secures the deal. The winner's bid creates an SO, while the others are considered canceled. Some bids require a minimum number of bidders to proceed; otherwise, they are canceled for all participants. 

Fulfilling Sales Orders: To fulfill an SO, teams have several options: 

• Utilize existing unallocated stocks. 
• Outsource procurement from finished goods vendors. 
• Procure raw materials and manufacture products. 
• Move stocks from retail stores back to the warehouse for shipment. 
• Stock allocation occurs as soon as unallocated stock becomes available. 
• Partial deliveries are not supported, and shipment takes place only when all products for sales are fully allocated. If retail store stocks are required, they must be moved to the warehouse before allocation. 
• The effectiveness of stock allocation is influenced by the Staff Index, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a 100% index. 

Business Intelligence and Analysis: MonsoonSIM provides a Business Intelligence explorer, empowering players to analyze sales performance and gather valuable insights. By leveraging this tool, teams can make informed decisions, optimize strategies, and maximize business potential. 

Payment and Account Receivables: 

• Payment for B2B deals depends on the specified terms. Once goods are delivered, an Account Receivables entry is automatically triggered in the Accounting system. When the payment date arrives, the client pays, and the Account Receivables entry is reversed.

Client Credit Rating: 

• Clients in the B2B module have a Credit Rating parameter, initially set as AAA. Ratings range from AAA to BBB, CCC, DDD, or Random. As the rating moves towards DDD, profit margins offered in B2B deals, bids, and service offers increase. However, the likelihood of late payments and difficulties in collecting money also rise. This dynamic factor impacts cash flow when Accrual is enabled, emphasizing the importance of prompt payments. 

B2B Shipping:

• By default, B2B customers will pick up from our warehouse, so we do not have to pay for shipping. But if the facilitator enables B2B Shipment, we need to ship and the bear the cost.

MonsoonSIM's B2B module transforms corporate transactions by streamlining processes, fostering competitiveness, and providing valuable insights. Embrace this powerful tool to optimize your business strategy, drive growth, and thrive in the dynamic world of commerce. 

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.  '

Our Other Modules

All our MonsoonSIM modules are intricately interconnected, offering a cohesive simulation experience that mirrors the dynamic interplay of real-world business departments and functions.

• Finance Module: Enhance Financial Teaching with MonsoonSIM's Interactive Finance Module
• Forecast Module: Unlock Future Business Insights with the forecast module.
• Marketing Module: Explore Teaching Marketing Principles
• Logistics Module: Teach Complex Warehouse and Logistics Management 

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Production Module (PRD)

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• machine (equipment) setttings

MonsoonSIM's Production module empowers learners to experience the intricacies of managing production operations and optimizing manufacturing processes. Let's delve into the key aspects of this module that revolutionize the world of production:

Machine-driven Production:

• Production requires the utilization of machines, with various types available for selection. Each machine has limited capacity, expressed as "Per Product Per Day." As soon as sufficient raw materials are available, production begins. Machine will depreciate over time. Machine can breakdown based on usage. Machine can be sold off based on residual value. Production will happen when 1) there are operators 2) there are enough raw materials (based on the Bill of Materials composition) and 3) there are machines.

Bill of Materials (BOM) Structure:

• The BOM structure outlines the components of raw materials required to create a single product. Example: A unit of Apple juice is made up of 1 apple, 1 box and 2 straws. By adhering to the BOM, learners ensure accurate and efficient production processes.

Warehouse Storage:

• Upon completion, finished goods are automatically stored in the warehouse, ready for distribution or further processing.

Machine Maintenance and Degradation:

• To maintain optimal performance, production machines require regular maintenance. Failure to maintain machines results in degradation, leading to reduced production capacity. Depreciation of machines follows the straight-line model.

Asset Disposal:

• If necessary, machines can be disposed of. MonsoonSIM provides proper bookkeeping tools in the Accounting module to record asset disposal accurately.

Production Priority:

• Learners can define the priority of products to be produced, enabling strategic decision-making and efficient resource allocation.

Staff Index Impact:

• The effectiveness of stock production is influenced by the Staff Index. Maintaining a Staff Index of 100% ensures maximum productivity and operational efficiency.

Business Intelligence Analysis:

• Leveraging the Business Intelligence explorer, players can analyze sales performance and gather valuable insights to make informed business decisions.

MonsoonSIM's Production module immerses learners in realistic manufacturing scenarios, empowering them to optimize production processes, manage resources effectively, and enhance overall operational performance.

COGS depends on

• Discount obtained from bulk purchases
• In-house production (if production is in play)

Why only produce one product and not others? 

Ans: Can set production priority. May be not enough raw materials

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

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MRP (Material Requirement Planning) Module

MonsoonSIM's MRP (Material Requirements Planning) module revolutionizes the way learners manage material planning and procurement processes. Let's explore the key aspects of this module, enabling efficient inventory management and ensuring smooth supply chain operations:

Demand Calculation:

• The MRP module calculates demand based on various factors, including committed outgoing shipments to retail stores, sales orders, and buffer stock settings. It accurately determines the quantity of products or raw materials required to meet customer demand.

Supply Calculation:

• Supply is calculated by considering factors such as stock on hand, raw materials on hand, committed purchase orders, and incoming shipments from retail stores. By evaluating the current supply situation, the MRP module ensures accurate procurement planning.

Purchase Requisition Generation:

• Based on the shortfall of products or raw materials, the MRP module generates purchase requisitions (PR). These PRs detail the quantity of finished goods or raw materials needed to bridge the supply-demand gap.

Make vs. Outsource Decision:

• The MRP module provides the flexibility to define the percentage of stock to be produced in-house versus outsourced. This setting determines whether the MRP suggests purchasing finished goods or raw materials for production.

Streamlined Procurement Process:

• By utilizing the MRP module, learners can optimize their procurement processes. Purchase requisitions provide a clear overview of the required materials, streamlining the procurement workflow.

Cancellation of Pending Purchase Requisitions:

• Every time the MRP is executed, all pending purchase requisitions (unapproved purchase orders) are automatically canceled. This ensures that the procurement plan remains up-to-date and aligned with the latest demand and supply information.

MonsoonSIM's MRP module empowers learners to effectively manage material requirements, optimize procurement strategies, and ensure smooth supply chain operations.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

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Maintenance (MNT) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• Asset breakdown settings, Periodic maintenance fee, various maintenance fee for improving Availability, Performance and Quality, Predictive maintenance fee, Machine degradation settings

MonsoonSIM's Maintenance module empowers learners to effectively manage and optimize equipment maintenance, ensuring high performance and reliability in production processes. Let's delve into the key aspects of this module, enabling learners to maintain their assets at their best state:

Machine Degradation:

• Machines within the MonsoonSIM ecosystem degrade proportionally to their usage. This degradation directly impacts production output, emphasizing the importance of proper maintenance practices.

Work Order Execution:

• Maintenance work is executed through work orders, which address the upkeep and repair of machines. These work orders aim to enhance equipment health, performance, and overall production output.
• Production may be impacted when work order is being carried out

Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE):

• The state of each machine is measured using the concept of Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE). OEE combines three factors: Availability, Performance, and Quality. A 100% OEE indicates that the machine is operating at its optimal state of health.

Types of Maintenance:

• MonsoonSIM offers two types of maintenance approaches: periodic (preventive) and predictive (conditional) maintenance

• Periodic Maintenance: This type involves performing maintenance work at fixed intervals, regardless of the machine's current health. Each periodic maintenance session incurs a fixed fee and improves the overall health of the asset, consequently enhancing production output.
• Predictive Maintenance: Predictive maintenance relies on physical sensors installed on the assets. These sensors monitor the availability, performance, and quality of the machine. The sensors provide real-time feedback through color codes, indicating the machine's state. Green signifies optimal performance, yellow indicates suboptimal performance, orange implies degradation requiring attention, and red signifies severe problems necessitating immediate maintenance.
• On the day when maintenance work is being carried for your machine, the machine production capacity will be reduced to 50%.

Effective Work Order Management:

• Work orders, encompassing both periodic and predictive maintenance tasks, play a crucial role in asset upkeep. Learners can efficiently manage and execute work orders, ensuring timely maintenance and optimal equipment performance.

Staff Index Impact:

• The effectiveness of maintenance work is influenced by the staff index. Maintaining a staff index of 100% is essential for achieving efficient and productive maintenance operations.

Breakdown Management:

• In the event of a machine breakdown, regular maintenance procedures are insufficient. Major repairs, known as overhauls, are required to restore the machine's functionality. Overhauls demand additional time and resources compared to routine maintenance activities. 
• A machine may experience Breakdown if either of the A (Availability), P (Performance), or Q (Quality) index falls below a certain threshold.

MonsoonSIM's Maintenance module equips learners with the tools and insights needed to effectively manage equipment maintenance, maximize productivity, and make informed decisions based on valuable business intelligence.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

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Human Capital Management (HCM) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters include

• Payroll Tax, Salary setting, Planned Headcount setting per department, recruitment fee, training fee, counselling fee, transfer fee, dismissal fee, staff resigning in play or not, how to handle staff when store is open and closed, how to handle staff when machine is bought and sold, OCEAN factors in play or not, contract staff in play or not and manpower planning in play or not

The MonsoonSIM HCM module enables learners to strategically manage their workforce, ensuring the right employees are in the right positions at the right time. This module encompasses various aspects of human resources, emphasizing the importance of competency, staff index, turnover ratio, and the impact of personalities. 

Virtual staff across different departments, such as retail and warehouse in each city, have set salaries determined by a facilitator. You can view the salary from the operating expense data explorer (magnifying glass menu) These salaries periodically increase by a specified amount on a configurable schedule.

Staff Index Calculation: The Staff Index is a critical concept in HCM and is calculated as the multiplication of the Headcount Index and the Competency Index. Competency index reflects employees' skills and knowledge, while headcount index is to measure if the number of actual staff is matching the planned number of staff. Staff index represents the overall effectiveness of the workforce. Maintaining a Staff Index of 100% is essential for optimal performance. Here are the impacts of low Staff Index to the operation:

• for retail department, retail sales will decrease
• for warehouse & logistic department, moving or allocating goods will not work properly 
• for B2Bdepartment, B2B offer will decrease
• for production department, production will not work properly
• for marketing department, marketing will have less impact
• for procurement department, can't procure goods
• for maintenance department, can't do machine maintenance
• for service department, can't do service sales

For a new department, an employee's Competency Index increases by 10% daily until it reaches 100%.

Employee Turnover Ratio: The Employee Turnover Ratio measures the rate at which employees resign or are dismissed over time. Calculating this ratio provides insights into workforce stability and the impact of turnover on department performance. In MonsoonSIM, OCEAN factor mismatch between staff and department is the only factor affecting staff having issue and resign which affect turn over ratio.

Cost of dismissal, training, transferring are all configurable by facilitator.

Complaints and Consequences: Inadequate Staff Index or competency levels can lead to complaints from vendors, customers, or co-workers. These complaints may result in negative consequences such as higher prices, reduced business opportunities, increased stress, and potential resignations. 

Personality Assessment (if issue and resigning are in play): Departments require staff with specific personality traits to ensure a harmonious work environment. The OCEAN factors (Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism) capture different personality dimensions. Personality tests can help identify suitable candidates for specific positions. Personality-Position Alignment: Matching employee personalities to job requirements is crucial for reducing stress and maximizing productivity. Transferring employees to departments that align with their personalities can enhance job satisfaction and performance. Stress and Work Issues: Employees with high Neuroticism scores are more prone to developing work issues and potential resignations under stress. Identifying and managing stress factors can help retain valuable employees and maintain a stable workforce. 

MonsoonSIM Recruitment and Retention Strategies: Effective recruitment strategies consider both competency and personality profiles. Investing in training and development programs can quickly enhance employee competencies. 

Counseling and support can reduce the likelihood of resignations but are not guaranteed in all cases. 

Staff does not consume any space or area.

MonsoonSIM's HCM module enables learners to analyze workforce performance and leverage valuable business intelligence to make informed decisions regarding recruitment, training, retention, and employee well-being. Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

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Service Management (SRV) Module

Facilitator configurable parameters are

• Customer complaints or not, 3-types of services setting, service demand

The MonsoonSIM Service Management module focuses on effectively managing service requests, bidding processes, resource allocation, and client relationships. It enables learners to optimize service delivery, handle complaints, and evaluate client credit ratings. Let's explore the key features of this module:

Request for Quotation (RFQ):

• Clients submit RFQs specifying their service requirements, including man-days needed, maximum price, delivery date, quotation announcement day, penalty for late delivery, and skillset requirements. Example: An incoming job requires Marketing support 4 man-day plus Franchise support 3 man-day. 

Bidding and Quotation:

• Teams submit quotations for the RFQ, competing based on price. Quotations with mismatched skillsets are declined. The client announces the winning bidder and awards a Sales Order (SO) to the successful team.

Resource Scheduling and Delivery:

• The winning team schedules the man-days as per the RFQ and blocks their resources' calendars accordingly. Payment is made upon completion of the job. However, team will incure late payment for each day of lateness regardless if they service is fully delivered.
• Once the service sales order has been secured, the team is unable to cancel it. The client will only cancel if we cannot deliver all the man-days on time. A late delivery penalty payment will be applied for each day of lateness, and this penalty fee will not be refunded in the event that the sales order is canceled by the client.

Resource Resignation:

• If a resource assigned to a job resigns before completing the promised man-days, the company has 15 days to fulfill the delivery. Failure to do so results in the cancellation of the SO without payment obligation from the client.

Complaints and Consequences:

• Complaint Handling:
  • Complaints from clients, vendors, or co-workers may arise when a department's staff index falls below 100%. Complaints should be addressed promptly to minimize negative consequences.
• Consequences of Unresolved Complaints:
  • Unaddressed complaints can lead to more severe consequences, such as vendors increasing prices, clients reducing business, and co-workers experiencing dissatisfaction that may result in issues and resignations.

Resource Availability and Delivery Problems:

• Assigning a resource to multiple jobs simultaneously can lead to delivery problems. If a resource is double-booked and cannot fulfill a commitment, the bid associated with that resource will be canceled, and no payment will be received.

Client Credit Rating:

• Clients are assigned a Credit Rating parameter, initially set to AAA. Other rating options include BBB, CCC, DDD, and Random. The Random rating can change between AAA, BBB, CCC, or DDD at any time. Clients with lower credit ratings (closer to DDD) may offer higher profit margins but pose a higher risk of late payment, potentially impacting cash flow when using accrual accounting.

MonsoonSIM's Service Management module empowers learners to analyze service performance, manage client relationships, address complaints promptly, and consider credit ratings when making business decisions.

Note: The complexity of this module is configurable by the facilitator. It is recommended to start with the default configuration and gradually increase the complexity as the facilitator sees fit. This allows for a customizable learning experience tailored to the participants' needs and skill levels.

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