New Simulation Unveiled: BIODECISION

We are pleased to announce that our new simulation, BIODECISION, is now at the pilot stage. Commercialisation strategy is one of the key decisions faced by start up companies in the biotech arena. This simulation aims to demonstrate the various decision points and processes that biotech start up companies and entrepreneurs may face when developing their technology. It also aims to raise awareness of individuals own mental models and how they may shape our behaviours, our perceptions of others and, most crucially, the decisions we make.

 

Thanks to support from the Incrops project, Poppyfish will be running a free to attend pilot version of this latest workshop at Rothamsted Research on 12^th December 2012. Anyone wishing to attend is invited to contact enquiries@poppyfish.co.uk or contact Rothamsted Research.

Additional information is available on the main Poppyfish website

 

 

What form will the simulation take?

The simulation takes the form of a facilitated workshop in which up to 16 participants take on the roles of the various agents involved in the technology transfer and biotechnology product development process.

Simple briefings for each role will be provided. Once the workshop starts the groups will interact, seeking to achieve their own goals and aims. In this way we will create a ‘system within the room’ in which the various agents will circulate, negotiate and compete, making decisions as to how to develop the technology in the way they desire.  The facilitator will use a number of “time outs” to explore group behaviour and to lead discussion and analysis of individual situations, perspectives, reflections & challenges.

How does the simulation enable learning?

Simulations can be powerful catalysts for learning:

“Done well, simulations can bring enormous benefits. Indeed, corporations using traditional management training programs may be wasting time and money by comparison. A well-designed simulation will yield much better results and prove more cost-effective.”          

McKinsey Group

This simulation will allow participants to explore the different perspectives and experiences of the technology transfer process in a safe and interactive environment. These perspectives and experiences allow us to enquire into not just the technology transfer process but also the personal nature and experience of the various decision points faced by participants. During the workshop, participants will be asked to record their reflections on their own situation and what they think is going on for other participants. These reflections will be pulled together at the end of the session to enable participants to understand more about the multiple perspectives on the various decisions that were made. Meaningful learning is generated through the exchange of these experiences with other participants. This gives an insight into the way that our own decision making processes can be influenced by our conceptions of the world around us and by the way we interact with others.

 

Who should attend?

The simulation is particularly targeted at people involved in, or wanting to becoming involved in, the process of the exploitation of biotechnology or other scientific discovery and who want to understand more about how the intricate and often complex nature of human interactions and experience can influence decision making, and how our bias in this regard can fundamentally influence the chosen development path.

The best groups are likely to be a cross section of PhD students, staff in TT roles and people involved in biotech start ups.

 

How many participants are needed?

The suggested maximum number of attendees is 16. The suggested minimum is 6.
 

How long does the simulation take?

The simulation can be delivered in about 2.5hrs, making it suitable for a morning or afternoon workshop.

For more details e-mail enquiries@poppyfish.co.uk