Overview/Description
Robofac, Inc. is a leading supplier of robotic systems for factory automation. The company has had recent success adapting their technology for more specialized applications, including medical, with the highly successful introduction of their voice-controlled, laser surgery arm. Their marketing department is investigating the feasibility of developing "consumer" robots. You, the Product Manager, have been charged with determining whether it's a good idea from a practical standpoint, and with proposing a cost-effective implementation plan. In this simulation, the first of two, the learner interacts with the head of design to brainstorm and gather information, and with engineering to target a solution for locomotion--a difficult problem, since most of Robofac's work has been in stationary applications.
The goal of this simulation is to provide a fun and interesting problem on which you can practice your creative problem solving and effective thinking skills. You'll apply productive thinking patterns and utilize creative techniques for generating alternative solutions.
(Part two of this simulation will focus on rational problem solving and decision-making, in which you propose a direction for the design of the consumer robot, and make a recommendation as to whether this venture is a good business decision for Robofac. However, both simulations are independent of one another.)
This simulation is based on the SkillSoft series "Decision Making and Problem Solving for Business" and contains links to the following SkillSoft courses: pd_04_a01_bs_enus and pd_04_a03_bs_enus.
Target Audience
Executives, managers, supervisors, team leaders, and other business professionals who want to enhance their ability to solve business problems and make effective personal and organizational decisions.