The purpose of “Managing Change Happen” computer simulation on leading organizational change. We designed the module so that learners would construct their own understanding of an important knowledge base that is relevant to a high impact and widely applicable problem. This occurs as employees move through an iterative process of thinking, acting, seeing the results, reflecting and reconstructing their strategy. Some of the distinctive features of this module that we would like to highlight include the following.
Common, high impact problem: Organizational change is rampant throughout organizations and societies. The specific instance of technological change as formulated in this module is one that
employees can readily accept as real and important. The need for skills in managing these types of
organizational changes is similarly urgent for them. Although the project focuses on one type of
organizational change, employees are able to see how they could apply principles learned in solving
this problem to other organizational changes.
Implementation focus: This project is a good example of the implementation focus that differentiates from the case method. employees not only analyze and draw conclusions
concerning this change context; they must also formulate and implement appropriate strategies in an interactive, dynamic process.
Use of technology: Finally, the module provides a useful example of how can provide a pedagogical foundation for the use of learning technology. The complexity of this simulation would be difficult to implement in such a seamless fashion without the capabilities of the computer software.
Localized application of theory: This project incorporates a wide range of recognized theories of organizational change. However, instead of teaching the theories did actically, employees construct the theories of change via the experience they gain in solving the organizational change problem.
In doing so they are able to see the limits of current knowledge as well as its localized application in their own cultural context. This makes the module an excellent example of the premise underlying this book – employees should draw upon global sources of knowledge in the process of learning to solve problems as they are presented in their local contexts.