The easiest way to make learning meaningful and experiential.
CapsimInbox is a powerful microsimulation platform that lets you immerse students in real-world experiences and measure their ability to make key decisions.
CapsimInbox is a powerful microsimulation platform that lets you immerse students in real-world experiences and measure their ability to make key decisions.
In as little as 30 minutes, CapsimInbox exposes learners to real-world scenarios in a familiar email environment, objectively measures the effectiveness of their decision-making, and provides actionable feedback for personal development.
Participants start with a short self-assessment to rate their perceived skills levels. Self rating are later compared to their performance in the simulation.
Participants then enter a simulated ‘day in the life’ experience where they are assessed as they gather information and respond to real-world situations via emails and instant messages.
Participants get instant, meaningful, and objective insights into their skills levels along with developmental tactics to facilitate growth.
An intuitive, high-fidelity experience mimics real-world situations and communication.
CapsimInbox is self-directed with the average experience lasting 45 minutes.
Use it as homework, an interactive case study, and/or an assessment.
TRY IT FOR FREE
We’re offering all instructors free access to CapsimInbox: Time Management, a new microsimulation that measures your students’ time management skills with every reply.
*Free access until June 1, 2020
Our microsimulations provide an easy and experiential way to measure key career skills, such as communicating, prioritizing, managing talent, and many more.
Role: Participants are Director of Sales and Operations at a manufacturing company.
Skills Measured: Initiating, Problem Solving, Organizing, Leading, Communicating.
Role: Participants are Associate Principal at a management consulting firm.
Skills Measured: Acquiring Talent, Structuring Work, Managing Talent, Rewarding Performance, + General Management Skills.
Role: Participants are General Manager at a boutique hotel.
Skills Measured: Recognizing Issues, Investigating Facts, Identifying Stakeholders, Generating Solutions, Evaluating Consequences.
Role: Participants are Vice President of HR at an aerospace company.
Skills Measured: Performance Management, Compensation & Benefits, Ethics & Compliance, Talent Acquisition & Development, Labor Relations & Safety.
Role: Participants are Brand Manager at an apparel company specializing in high-tech outwear and footwear.
Skills Measured: Communicating, Critical Thinking, Marketing Analysis, Principled Decision-Making.
Role: Participants are Facilities Manager at a mid-size production facility specializing in heat barrier glass.
Skills Measured: Issue Identification, Issue Investigation, Issue Resolution, Ethics, Cost Management.
Role: Participants are Sr. Vice President at a manufacturing company.
Skills Measured: Leadership Style, Societal/National/Country Culture, Individual Culture, Decision- Making Style, Communication Style, Diversity & Inclusion.
Role: Participants are Engagement Manager at an economic consulting company.
Skills Measured: Market Structures, Cost and Productivity, Demand and Supply, Comparative Advantage, Profit and Revenue, Elasticity, Game Theory.
Role: Participants are Process Improvement Manager at a manufacturing company.
Skills Measured: Problem Definition, Problem Classification, Root Cause Analysis, Appraise Solutions, Control the New Solutions.
Role: Participants are Crisis Managers of a manufacturing company specializing in sensors.
Skills Measured: Crisis Recognition, Crisis Responses.
Role: Participants are General Manager for a professional sports team.
Skills Measured: Problem Solving, Communication, Ethics/ Decision- Making.
Role: Participants are Sr. Accountant at a consulting firm.
Skills Measured: Managerial Decision-Making, Cost Concepts, Financial Statement Analysis, Budgeting, Business Communication.
Role: Participants are Internal Auditor for a manufacturing company.
Skills Measured: Problem Identification, Perform Analysis, Evaluate Evidence, Communicate Results.
Enter a classic escape room, but with a business twist. You only have one hour to design brand-new headphones for an upcoming conference. Solve classic puzzles as you navigate through different business departments. Can you get your product done before time runs out?
Role: Participants are a freelance designer with on-going projects spanning graphic design, websites and user interfaces.
Skills Measured: Awareness, Arrangement, Adaptation, Procrastination, Prioritization.
Once participants complete the simulation experience, they’ll receive a feedback report consisting of their overall score, developmental index, self-awareness score and skill gap analysis. The report pictured below will vary depending on the scenario and skills measured.
1. Overall Score: based on how quickly and accurately the participant responded to messages in the simulation. This score is a percentile, comparing the participant’s performance against the CapsimInbox database of users.
2. Developmental Index: shows the current levels of skill proficiency across the measured skills and how consistently these levels were demonstrated throughout the simulation.
3. Self-Awareness: reflects how accurately the participant’s self-assessment matches the objective scores from CapsimInbox. Higher scores equate to more accurate self-awareness.
4. Skill Gap: displays the participant’s self-assessment and the objective scores from CapsimInbox across the measured skills.
CapsimInbox: Time Management is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of a freelance designer working on multiple on-going projects.
Participants must deal with a variety of scenarios that assess how effectively their decisions structure, protect and adjust their time resources to changing environmental conditions.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Time Management
Role: Freelance designer with projects spanning graphic design, websites and user interfaces.
Responsibilities: Manage on-going projects with four companies while responding to a variety of situations, problems and information related to time management and productivity.
Author: Capsim
CapsimInbox: General Management is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Director of Sales and Operations at a medium-sized company specializing in Internet-of-Things applications.
Participants must manage a team of 12 individuals and respond to a variety of situations that span various business functions, such as marketing, operations, and human resources.
These scenarios measure the essential skills needed to be an effective and productive manager at any level.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: General Management
Role: Director of Sales and Operations at a manufacturing company specializing in Internet-of-Things technology.
Responsibilities: Manage a team of 12 individuals, including sales and operations staff.
Author: Capsim
CapsimInbox: People Management is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Associate Principal at a management consulting firm.
Participants must lead a team of 18 senior and junior associates working on multiple projects and respond to employee issues in the workplace.
These scenarios measure the essential skills needed to manage people at any level effectively.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: People Management
Role: Associate Principal at a management consulting firm focusing on building more effective and sustainable organizations.
Responsibilities: Manage human capital effectively while leading a team of 18 senior and junior associates working on multiple projects.
Author: Capsim
CapsimInbox: Ethical Decision-Making is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of General Manager at a boutique hotel.
Participants must prioritize customers’ needs and experiences as they manage the general operations of the hotel across teams such as housekeeping, the front desk, food and beverage, engineering, and maintenance.
These scenarios measure the essential skills needed for productive and ethical decision-making.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Ethical Decision-Making
Role: General Manager at a boutique hotel prioritizing customers’ needs and experience.
Responsibilities: Manage the general operations of the hotel across teams such as housekeeping, front desk, food and beverage, engineering and maintenance.
Author: Capsim
CapsimInbox: Human Resources is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Vice President of Human Resources at the global leader in advanced propulsion technology.
Participants must respond to issues in ways that reflect the mission and values of the company as well as their professional competence in Human Resources.
These scenarios measure the knowledge, strategies, and skills required to be a competent HR professional.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Human Resources
Subjects: Employee Conduct, Recruitment & Selection, Performance Review, Compensation Plans, Leave of Absence.
Role: Vice President of Human Resources at an aerospace company specializing in advanced propulsion technology.
Responsibilities: Respond to issues in ways that reflect the values and mission of the company as well as professional competence in HR.
Author: Robert Portnoy, Adjunct Lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis
CapsimInbox: Strategic Marketing is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Brand Manager for a high-tech clothing manufacturer.
As the company looks for new ways to grow, participants must recommend a plan to turn around the stagnant footwear business. They must solicit and evaluate information from their co-workers and analyze information to make the best decisions and recommendations to the executive team. Participants will respond to a variety of situations, problems, and information related to segmentation, targeting, positioning, market research, pricing & profit, marketing strategy, branding, etc.
These scenarios measure the skills needed to form a strategic marketing recommendation.
The skills evaluated:
Discipline: Marketing
Subjects: Segmentation, Positioning & Targeting, Marketing Research, Marketing Strategy, Branding, Budgeting, Pricing, Cost-of-Goods-Sold, Profit Margins.
Role: Brand Manager at an apparel company specializing in high-tech outwear and footwear.
Responsibilities: Seek and analyze the critical information needed to form a strategic recommendation.
Author: James Kourmadas, Visiting Clinical Lecturer of Marketing at College of William and Mary
CapsimInbox: Business Law is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Facilities Manager at a medium-sized production facility.
Participants must respond to a variety of situations, problems, and information related to different concepts of business law. It’s up to them to gather and evaluate information from their co-workers to make the best decisions and recommendations.
These scenarios measure the knowledge, strategies, and skills required of managers to deal with legal issues in their company.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Business Law
Subjects: Defamation, Workplace Investigation, Agency Law, Negligent Hiring, Safety Compliance, Corporate Governance.
Role: Facilities Manager at a manufacturing company specializing in heat barrier glass.
Responsibilities: Ensure that the manufacturing and delivery of Eco Heat products are completed in accordance with the company mission and values.
Author: Robert Perkovich, Clinical Professor of Management & Entrepreneurship at DePaul University
CapsimInbox: Cultural Awareness is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Sr. VP of International Operations & Sales at a leading manufacturing company specializing in medical equipment for genetic testing with locations in the U.S., Germany, and China.
As they respond to situations in the form of emails and instant messages, participants must manage the cross-cultural competencies, leadership styles, and communication skills needed to be effective in each region.
These scenarios measure essential cultural awareness skills that prepare students to become leaders in a diverse workplace. As businesses continue to become more accessible globally, interacting with a diverse group of people becomes inevitable.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Cultural Awareness
Subjects: Problem-Solving, Cultural Communication Skills, Relationship-Based Cultural Sensitivity, Cultural Behavior: Managing Subordinates & Building Trust.
Role: Sr. VP of National & International Operations at a manufacturing company specializing in medical testing equipment.
Responsibilities: Manage two new international plant operations in Germany and China to ensure each region achieves desired business outcomes.
Author: Lori Radulovich, Chair and Professor of Marketing & Informatics at Baldwin Wallace University
CapsimInbox: Microeconomics is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of an Engagement Manager at an economic consulting firm specializing in business strategy development.
Responsible for two clients with immediate concerns, participants must work with a team of consultants and analysts to gather and analyze information to determine optimal pricing, production quantities, and predict the effects of economic outcomes.
These scenarios measure skills and knowledge that prepare students to have a better understanding of economic efficiency to deal with issues in a variety of career fields.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Microeconomics
Subjects: Pricing Strategy, Price Elasticity, Marginal Cost, Demand Forecasting.
Role: Engagement Manager at an economic consulting firm specializing in business strategy development.
Responsibilities: Responsible for overseeing the operations of two clients to ensure optimal profitability.
Author: Uche Jarrett, Chris Mann, Assistant Professors of Practice at University of of Nebraska- Lincoln
CapsimInbox: Operations Management is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Process Improvement Manager at a well-established manufacturing company specializing in sensors.
As the company looks to become a global leader in the sensor industry, participants must apply problem-solving and process improvement ideologies to current operations as they recommend enhancements for growth.
These scenarios measure essential skills that prepare students with the working knowledge to effectively impact and improve standard operations processes.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Operations Management
Subjects: Process Analysis and Improvement, Supply Chain Management, Information Systems, Logistics.
Role: Process Improvement Manager at a well- established manufacturing company that produces sensors.
Responsibilities: Manage and improve current operation procedures while leading a team of 17 employees.
Author: Joshua Dwight, Associate Faculty at City University of Seattle
CapsimInbox: Crisis Management is a simulated day in the life experience where participants oversee a multi-million-dollar manufacturing company that produces sensors.
As they respond to situations in the form of emails and instant messages, participants must think strategically and make critical organizational decisions to address a wide range of crises that can affect the firm. As participants navigate potentially unclear or incomplete information, they must make the “best” decisions to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of crises, when possible. Responses must be thoughtful, strategic, and quick – similar to the approach required in the real-world.
Given today’s fast pace of businesses, technology, and the global business environment, this knowledge helps students effectively respond to sudden incidents. These scenarios measure skills and knowledge that prepare students on how to handle frequent organizational crises best.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Crisis Management
Subjects: Crisis Management Plan Creation, Labor Strikes, OSHA Safety Standards, Defective Products, Harassment Allegations, Product Boycotts.
Role: Crisis Manager at a multi-million-dollar manufacturing company that produces sensors.
Responsibilities: Manage and respond accordingly to a variety of common organizational crises and incidents.
Author: John Parnell, Professor of Management & Eminent Scholar of Business at the University of North Alabama
CapsimInbox: Sport Management is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of General Manager for a professional baseball team that quickly gained success since entering the league 15 years ago, but is now struggling to maintain their successful reputation.
As the team looks to make a championship run in the next two years, participants must gather and validate information, effectively communicate with their peers, and ground their decisions in ethical principles.
These scenarios measure skills and knowledge that prepare students for the responsibilities of managing a successful sports franchise.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Sports Management
Subjects: Doping Scandal, Crisis Identification and Resolution, Public Relations Response.
Role: General Manager of a professional sports team.
Responsibilities: Manage team operations, including communication with colleagues, abiding by ethics in decision- making and addressing scandals.
Author: Zack Damon, Assistant Professor of Sports Management at the University of Central Arkansas
CapsimInbox: Managerial Accounting is a simulated day in the life experience where participants assume the role of Senior Accountant at a consulting firm that performs a variety of services and specializes in asset valuation and acquisitions.
As the firm contemplates a new significant acquisition, participants must understand and assess the firm’s financial health, costs, and understand the profitability of various product lines. Responsible for managing duties across multiple divisions, participants must also report and communicate with several team members from different departments.
These scenarios measure skills and knowledge that prepare students to capture and analyze business operations to provide valuable financial insights necessary for profitability.
The skills evaluated include:
Discipline: Managerial Accounting
Subjects: Financial Ratios, Payback Periods, Break-Even Analysis, Pricing and Profitability, Inventory Turnover.
Role: Senior Accountant at a consulting firm that performs a variety of services and specializes in asset valuation and acquisitions.
Responsibilities: Manage and analyze financial activities while collaborating with team members and executives.
Author: David McCalman, Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Central Arkansas
Data Analytics: Forensic Accounting- powered by CapsimInbox is a simulated environment in which participants take on the role of an internal auditor for a manufacturing company. In-depth company information and account data are provided in the case to simulate a real-world situation.
Participants are challenged with investigating and analyzing data sets in order to determine potential fraud red flags within the company. By going through this experience, participants will learn to use data analytics tools to explore data, use judgment at each step to determine next steps and how to create a report for management outlining steps or recommendations for further inquiry or remediation
The skills evaluated are:
Discipline: Data Analytics: Forensic Accounting
Role: Internal Auditor for a manufacturing company specializing in solar panels for homes and commercial buildings.
Responsibilities: Identify fraudulent sales within the company’s account and provide actionable next steps.
Author: Cindy Durtschi, EY Professor of Accountancy, & David Wang, Associate Professor and Driehaus Fellow at DePaul University
CapsimInbox: Escape Room is a group-based simulation escape room experience with a business twist. Over the course of an hour, you will be tasked with navigating a simulated email suite while responding to emails from colleagues at the headphone company, S-Cape Audio.
The company has selected you as the lead of a newly formed Product Launch Team that will be designing a brand-new headphone concept for an upcoming conference.
Throughout the experience, you will encounter classic puzzles with a business twist that will need to be completed before you proceed. However, be mindful of your decisions as any incorrect answers will reduce your overall time to escape. Can you design your headphones and send the product’s name to the CEO before time expires?
Role: Lead of Product Launch Team at S-Cape, a headphone company.
Responsibilities: Work with various business departments, including R&D, Marketing, Production and Finance, to design a new headphone concept before the conference deadline.
Author: Capsim
