The document emphasizes the importance of simulation in crisis management and training, particularly highlighting its role in the aviation industry and how it can enhance problem management in IT. It outlines various simulation types, processes, and the necessity for thorough post-simulation evaluations to identify gaps and improve readiness. Regular simulations and ongoing training are key to ensuring effective crisis responses and maintaining operational readiness.

1. 12. simulation

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Flight simulators

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Why use simulation?
• Pilots are trained on simulators because they can not afford to deal with life
threating events in the air by way of experimentation
• The diligence applied in the aviation industry is seldom duplicated with Information
Technology being a case in point
• Simulation is crucial to the successful resolution of a crisis
• A disaster recovery test is an example of a simulation involving crisis management
• The simulation exercises should cover
• Media communications
• Being able to avoid inconsistent communications
• Social media interactions
• Desktop exercises
• Full blown scenario simulations (replay of known errors)
• Co-ordination of all stakeholders

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Problem management training
• Problem management has components of training, operations and
review (assessment).
• Training has theoretical aspects and also practical considerations which
can be addressed using simulation
• People respond in an unpredictable manner when unforeseen events
occur
• Training people is about
• equipping then with an additional skill set in order to manage an
unpredictable situation
• ensuring that they deal with known situations in an optimal manner
• managing an escalating situation with calm judgement under
extraordinary circumstances
• coping with the different stages of a crisis

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Simulation process
• Draw diagram from photo
• Objective behind simulation is to understand and develop a fit for purpose
process or crisis management program that works for the enterprise/organization
• Needs to highlight risks, gaps and adverse changes that have occurred that can
be corrected to ensure readiness
• Highlights items that would require additional financial funding
• Confirms the validity of tool choices

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Types of simulation
• Testing and training
• Acceptance tests
• Flight simulators
• Iron birds – mock-ups
• Test plans
• Continuity tests
• Evacuations
• Failover tests
• Restore tests

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Post simulation
• Feedback required from participants
• Typically includes field reports, questionnaires, reports/logs from
tools, dashboards, completed checklists and videos/recordings.
• It is important to evaluate all of the above in order to produce a
detailed findings document
• This document should discuss what worked, what didn’t work, gaps
in processes and technology, the crisis communications and
proposed changes to operations.
• Timelines should be agreed for any remedial activities that need to
be actioned.
• Practice, practice, practice.

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Review
• Although simulations tools exist within Information Technology, they are not as mature
as in the aviation industry
• Important to understand practice and update the processes, tools and technology
constantly.
• Regular simulation of scenarios is crucial to crisis readiness.
• Training people on what to expect and how to respond.
• Ensure you have backup resources.
• Conduct a disciplined post crisis simulation review
• Always assess readiness by asking the following questions
• Has a representative set of scenarios been tested?
• Do we have more than one response to a scenario?
• Is our crisis activation response effective?
• Do we have a clear chain of command?
• Do we have the right people in the right places doing the right things?