TangoNet is an electronic version of Tango, the reality-based business simulation used by companies around the world, including ABB, Microsoft, Oracle, DaimlerChrysler, Hewlett Packard, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Bank West and Cap Gemini, to help advise or implement key strategic initiatives. TangoNet works because it couples technology with learning design to simulate the real-life dilemmas facing work teams today. Participants develop a business plan and test their ability to execute it in a highly competitive simulation.
A Market Focus Approach
Participants are charged with identifying a clear market focused strategy and building on their company’s intangible assets (company image, employee know-how and innovation) without compromising profitability. As in real life, there is competition for key employees and customers. Participants must complete work projects on time and on budget. And they must pay attention to employee development needs. Of course, there are also the usual costs of doing business – salaries and marketing, overhead, etc.
As profits and losses are calculated each period, teams understand how their decisions affect their market position. In less than one day – 12 simulated years – participants gain valuable hands-on experience learning to balance it all.
Team Dynamics
TangoNet builds team confidence as participants face common challenges and together learn the importance of:
| • | selecting a strategy and sticking with it |
| • | attracting and retaining employees with the right knowledge and team chemistry to meet customer needs |
| • | attracting and retaining clients who enhance image value and drive innovation |
| • | continuously developing internal tools and processes to meet market demands |
| • | working together for the long-term to stay profitable and build market value |
| • | build your skills by competing against the computer or against human teams on-line via the Internet! |
“It takes two to tango: customers and employees, tangibles and intangibles, short term and long term, profitability and investment. If one tries to bend the other to its will, both end up in a heap on the floor.”
Thomas A. Stewart, Fortune Magazine,
Senior Editor & Tango Participant.
Because TangoNet® gives a close link to reality, it is an excellent complement to traditional lecture-based class-room education, but it can also be run as a stand-alone learning module. The simulation has a high “fun-factor” and an experiential bias; it thus adds both motivation and practical experience. The experiences become sources for rich reflection and lively discussions among the learners.
Where and when does TangoNet® gives best Value?
Some of the suggested applications for TangoNet® are:
• As part of an induction programme
TangoNet® is ideal as part of the induction programme in professional services, research organisations and high-tech firms. The simulation teaches new recruits “the business we are in”.
• As an element in the corporate university offering
TangoNet® is well suited for the corporate university in conjunction with learning modules on Customer Relationship Management, Project Management, Management of Knowledge Work(ers), Human Resource Management, Knowledge Management, Management Accounting, Measuring and Reporting Intangibles Intellectual Capital, Strategy for non-manufacturing companies and Strategy for knowledge-based companies.
• As an advanced module on the e-learning portal
TangoNet® is an award winning advanced e-learning application. Its presence on the corporate e-learning portal adds huge value to the range offered. Learners can access the simulation at their leisure or in their own time independent of time zones. Integrated with other e-learning modules it can form the backbone of on-line business courses.
For further detail on where TangoNet® has been used please follow the link to ‘Testimonials and Cases’.