Author: Zara Groh

 Zara STS

Imagine walking into a room buzzing with excitement, filled with Teams of Project Managers ready to take on the ultimate challenge.

This year on International Project Management Day (IPMD), the PMI Switzerland Chapter (https://pmi-switzerland.ch/) in partnership with STS (https://www.sts.ch), the Project Management Training Company, invites you to join us on 30 Octobrer for an unforgettable SimulTrain® competition across three Swiss cities: Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne.

1. A realistic simulation experience 

From the moment you sit down with your team, you'll be immersed in the world of SimulTrain®, a leading multimedia project management simulator. This isn’t just another training session; it's a full-scale simulation that puts you in the role of a Project Manager facing the highs and lows of a real project. You’ll be making rapid decisions on budget allocation, managing risks, meeting tight deadlines, and navigating team dynamics—all in real-time. The simulation creates an atmosphere that mirrors real-world project environments, complete with unpredictable scenarios and the pressure of immediate decision-making.

2. Engage in hands-on learning

As the competition kicks off, you'll find yourself plunged into a series of challenges that require strategic thinking. Each decision you make - whether it's adjusting the project scope, reallocating resources, or mitigating risks - will have a direct impact on your project’s success. You'll see the immediate effects of your actions on key performance indicators (KPIs) like cost, schedule, quality, and team morale. This hands-on learning approach helps you understand the complex interplay of project variables and equips you with the skills to handle them effectively.

3. Feel the energy of the competition

Picture your team huddled together, brainstorming solutions as the clock ticks down. You’re not just managing a project; you’re engaging in a friendly challenge with other teams from Zurich, Basel, and Lausanne. The atmosphere is buzzing as you strategize and execute, knowing that every decision matters. The shared goal of doing your best drives you explore options, think creatively, and collaborate effectively with your teammates.

4. Learn to lead and collaborate

As you go through the simulation, you'll be honing essential project management skills like leadership, communication, and conflict resolution. You’ll experience firsthand what it means to lead a team through complex projects, motivate team members, and make difficult decisions. By the end of the competition, you’ll have gained invaluable insights into effective team dynamics and how to bring out the best in your colleagues.

5. Celebrate your achievements and network with like-minded people

After an intense couple of hours of competition, the atmosphere shifts to celebration. You’ll join other participants for a well-deserved apéro, sharing stories, insights, and maybe a few laughs about the day’s events. This is a great chance to connect with fellow project management professionals, share insights, and build valuable relationships. You’ll leave with new skills and a fresh perspective on teamwork and leadership.

6. Measure to Manage

"If you're not measuring it, you're not managing it." This key principle is at the core of project success. During the SimulTrain® challenge, you'll actively assess your team's performance across various metrics, reinforcing the importance of data-driven decision-making. Managers, including PMOs and consulting BUMs, should actively engage their project managers in objective assessments of team capabilities. By validating these assessments against real-world scenarios in the simulation, you can enhance your understanding of team performance and promote continuous improvement. It's a chance to see where your team excels and where growth is needed, preparing you to lead more effectively.

Discover more about SimulTrain, a dynamic project management simulation at SimulTrain.

Whether you're a seasoned project manager or just beginning your journey, there's something for everyone! Seats are limited, so act fast to secure your spot at one of these exciting venues:

We look forward to seeing you there!

Zara Groh, Marketing Manager, STS