As in other instances, the best plan is one that has been executed to find points of possible failure and adjust them if necessary. Simulations are used to improve and support procedures and institutional defense postures. The US Department of Defense designs and runs its simulations in accordance to best practices defined by scholars and acquisition professionals. Before you can create a simulation, however, you must consider and identify the components of a successful design plan.
This is also an opportunity for you to think creatively. Begin by asking the following questions:
● What could you learn from a simulation?
● Could you measure response times?
● Could you find gaps in the process?
● Are there potential communication break points from one organization to the other in executing a timely response?
● How would you implement such a simulation?
Then, use the following format to guide you in creating your simulation design.
I. Training objectives: Include three to five objectives that simulation program participants should meet through the training. These objectives should be a preferred behavior or outcome that a participant of the simulation will demonstrate. For example: The participant will recognize and respond appropriately to a cyberattack within the given amount of time.
II. Audience: Define the key stakeholders of the simulation(s). This should include any role within or attached to the organization that will benefit from participants completing the simulation. Some general examples might include: shareholder, customers, coworkers, etc.
III. Scenario types: Define the types of scenario or scenarios that will be addressed in the simulation program. A scenario should be simple enough to carry out within the constraints of the resources provided by the simulation, yet realistic enough to mimic a real-life event.