G2G3 by the Bay for Fusion 08

By Linda King, G2G3

G2G3 are really excited to be actively involved in this years itSMF Fusion 08 Conference and Exhibition in early September in San Francisco! From a simulation perspective, G2G3 dominates the simulation stream on September 7 - with three out of the four simulations having been developed by G2G3 - two of these are being delivered directly by G2G3 and the third is being delivered by G2G3 partner BMC. Come along and see our very own Andrew Speake, the godfather of simulations, present 'Real-life ITIL V3 Application via Simulation with Polestar ITSM' - a 4 hour simulation test drive of our award-winning ITIL simulation. Or if you are interested in making improvements in the IT Project Management arena, then G2G3's Jason McClay will be running an unmissable 4 hour simulation test drive entitled 'An Experiential Approach to IT Project Management Success within ITIL V3 - Polestar PM - A Project Management Simulation'. In the presentation stream, G2G3's Henry Strouts will be presenting a fascinating interactive presentation on Monday September 8th at 11.15am entitled 'Utilizing Visualization and Infographics to Create Clarity and Understanding'. We'll also have an exhibition stand and will be running regular demonstrations of our simulation software on stand. We look forward to seeing you there!

Onwards and Downwards

By Derek Watson, Creative Director, G2G3

The fourth generation simulations of 2008 are far removed from the early days of G2G3 when a typical games kit had to be transported in two large travel cases or a case so large it took two people to carry. It is amusing to think back on, almost amusing as it was at the time for those who did not actually have to lug the stuff around but stayed back at G2G3 HQ designing the next generation of games kits!

Over the years a typical G2G3 simulation has evolved so much the kit weighs less and uses much less room than the laptop the facilitators will also be squeezing into their baggage uses.

The environmental benefits of this are also much greater as the kits fit into much smaller boxes for shipping globally and use less paper, board, ink and plastics which can only be a good thing. We are constantly looking into more environmentally responsible production methods for future game development.

The facilitator must also be glad that there are so many less components to account for at the end of the training when they have to clear up the debris at the end of the day, and the fact that if any problems occur whilst alone in some remote location they know they can rely on the G2G3 support team to help.

The software component to a G2G3 simulation has transformed from a simple Macromedia Flash timer into the basis of the game from where the facilitator controls the captivating customer experience.

Developing a bespoke simulation for so many of the leading global training organizations is a challenge for the G2G3 design team as we have to ensure that any printed or user interface design fits within the customer’s corporate guidelines and still retain the ‘G2G3-factor’! It is very satisfying for us to see an entire room of people fixated on the projected display in anticipation of their hard work resulting in a successful outcome...if they let us out!

With so many Directors realizing that a G2G3 simulation is the best way to help staff grasp the processes and procedures they should be using day to day we have been developing simulations to cover ITSM, ITIL® V3, Prince2, MOF 4 and Project Management.

The next big thing in your company’s training may also be the smallest!

Online ITIL V3 or not?

By Linda King, G2G3

Further to my last blog entry, it appears that the online ITIL V3 exams will not be offered 'online' per se - instead they will have to be sat 'online' at defined testing centers. So much for passing your ITIL V3 certification in your dressing gown at home. It will be interesting to see how much take up this option has. There's a heck of a lot of content in those new books, and self-study may be overwhelming for many. Also, how much will online candidates actually 'learn' by fact-cramming from those hefty volumes? Would be interesting to see what the learning retention rate is by style of course taken. It's also not in the interests of the accredited training organizations for this option to succeed. Their businesses depend on the 'traditional' training format, favored by so many organizations. But has the 'traditional' training course had it's day? Only time will tell...

ITIL V3 Pull or April Fool?

By Linda King, G2G3

On 1st April, the British Computer Society (BCS) announced they were offering online ITIL V3 exams. In an article on Computer Weekly online announcing the new BCS offering , it said that 4000 experienced ITIL practitioners in the UK were patiently awaiting these examinations, were not intending on undertaking any ITIL V3 training and that this new offering will help clear this significant 'backlog'. The assumption here has been made that all ITIL V2 qualified and experienced practitioners are actively seeking upgrading accreditation to a V3 foundation level - but I really don't think this is the case. ITIL V3 is not for everyone - and certainly not to a 'certified' standard. Not all organizations are making the shift upwards - because V2 may meet their current needs.. Some other blogs are calling the BCS announcement and the inappropriate timing a bit of an April fool - because no matter how hard you look, there is no further information, or easily found links on the BCS site apart from the short news announcement... strange for a service launched as being online and immediately available.