Forio in the News
Teaching Teamwork Skills: Everest
David Edery evaluates the Everest Leadership and Teamwork Simulation-- "The game's genius is in its core design -- it assigns slightly different goals and provides slightly different information to each player. The doctor knows crucial information about various diseases, but cannot act on that information if the marathon runner fails to report that she is feeling ill -- a likely occurrence given that the game encourages her to hide the information. Players are encouraged to chat privately with one another using an instant messaging system... The result is powerful lesson to all players, who learn in no uncertain terms what the cost of poor teamwork can be and the ways in which teamwork problems might be overcome."
April 2008
Harvard Business School Publishing Releases First Online Simulation
Harvard Business School Publishing (HBSP) today announced the release of the Universal Rental Car Pricing Simulation, the first in a line of new Online Simulations to be introduced over the next year. Created in response to customer requests for web-based games on core business concepts, the simulation is the latest addition to HBSP's extensive catalog of experiential learning materials.
Developed in partnership with the Monitor Group and Forio Business Simulations, the simulation has been field-tested at over a dozen universities worldwide. "In addition to giving us helpful feedback during development, our field testers confirmed our strong belief that playing a simulation focused on the pricing decision is an ideal way to bring key aspects of this important topical area to life," said Abelli.
January 2008
New business sim: 'Universal Rental Car' Pricing Simulation
Denis Saulnier writes, "The general characteristics of the simulation, including the behaviors of the consumers and the competitor, have been drawn from the real-world experiences of one of the major car rental companies in the Florida market. As a result, the simulation can incorporate factors such as seasonality of demand, differing price sensitivities for business and leisure travelers, and realistic competitive responses to a player’s pricing decisions."
January 2008
Environmental Health Tools -- Addicted to Oil: U.S. Oil Policy Simulation
JLowe writes about Forio's U.S. Oil Policy Simulation, "There is a wide range of scenarios that you can try out, but it becomes clear how much we need to do in terms of reorienting our lifestyles if the goal is to reduce dependence on imported oil. It’s a consistent message with the Hirsch report, which recommends that we get off our asses now and start working on implementing strategies to reduce oil consumption. This game may help some understand better what’s involved."
April 2007
Oil Simulator
Forio Business Simulations has a free online simulation game that allows the user to act as President of the United States and develop national oil strategies. Once the strategies are chosen, the user writes a State of the Union speech (by filling in a form), explaining when the strategies start and the percentage target goals for each strategy. This thought-provoking simulation shows how far we have to go to reach energy independence.
April 2007
isee systems Partners with Forio to Offer Online Simulation Sharing
isee systems has partnered with Forio Business Simulations to offer a new, Web-based service for sharing models developed in STELLA([R]) and iThink([R]). The service, available for software versions 9.0.2 and later, provides an easy way for modelers to share and run their models on the Web without being a Web development expert or requiring additional investments in software and hardware.
February 2007
Developing a Successful Open Source Consulting Business
Technical skill is just one piece of the open source consulting puzzle. Business skills are also crucial. Will Glass-Husain puts it all together in this popular tutorial on running a successful software consultancy. Combining business philosophy with practical tips and case studies, he highlights principles of customer service, time management, sales and pricing to help guide aspiring consultants manage their own business.
October 2007
Online Sports Simulations
Tech TV's Cat Schwartz reviews Forio's customer and partner, Sports Business Simulations, on her television show Call for Help, "If you're serious about running a baseball or football team, have I got a tool for you! The creators of Sports Business Simulations have thought of everything when it comes to learning how to run a sports organization."
March 2004
Free Simulation Creation Tool
Eva Kaplan-Leiserson writes, "A QuickStart Wizard walks you through setting up equations-- you can use an existing model or import your own-- and making choices about the user interface. You can add pictures or sounds to your simulation if you choose. As users enter their decisions, the application calculates and displays the results."
March 2004
Remix Your Own U.S. Oil Policy
Clive Thompson writes about the Oil Import Policy Sim, "This, ultimately, is the brilliance of using game-like simulations to teach people about politics. Because the best way to learn about a complex system is by poking and prodding it. Indeed, that might be the only way to truly internalize something really complex: You have to experience it for yourself. "
January 2004
Create and Host Your Own Simulation on the Web
Robin Good writes, "Forio Broadcast is a free service that allows you to create and host simulations online. Forio Broadcast provides everything you need to get a simulation running on the web."
February 2003
Forio Web Site Review
Stephen Downes writes, "One thing that has captured some of my attention over the last couple of days is this site. Begin by trying a few of the simulations on offer - I especially liked the Near Beer Sim and the XFL sim. Then take the plunge and try to create your own (click on 'software' and then 'start Broadcast'). Use the wizard to create your first sim; don't worry if it's bad, you can work with it and make changes. Careful, though: this could absorb your entire vacation."
December 2002
Be a Virtual Leader
FastCompany writes, "How well do you communicate vision? Empower your people? Drive efficient and innovative results? Find out by taking Leadership in Action, an online business simulation designed to test your strengths and weaknesses as a team captain."
May 2002
Just Can't Stop
Mike Flanagan writes about PDA Sim: "It's a simple game, but it's also the most engaging e-learning experience I've ever had. Once I got started, I found myself obsessed with pricing models and market curves."
April 2002
Business Simulations for Management Learning
Michael Feldman writes, "The Forio simulations I looked at are well-designed, functional, and effective teaching tools. Especially when the lessons to be learned involve understanding underlying principles or formulating strategies to solve problems, Forio's simulations are well worth considering."
December 2001
Playing God With the Handheld Market
Mickey Butts writes, "A new Internet-based game from San Francisco startup Forio Business Simulations lets you assume the CEO position. PDA Sim combines elements of control, systems dynamics, and simulation modeling to design simple scenarios that help you solve complex business problems."
September 2001
Mogul for a Day
Bill Breen writes, "Led by two MIT grads, Forio develops and uses simulations to help companies and managers nail their BHAGs -- big, hairy, audacious goals."
August 2001
Simulation Game Seeks Armchair CEOs
Ian Fried writes, "Forio Business Simulations has posted to its Web site a free game called "PDA Sim," in which someone tries to manage a fictitious handheld maker amid intense competition."
May 2001
