ICONS Project | Professional Simulations

Professional Simulations

Tour ICONSnet!

ICONSnet is the environment used to participate in our on-line simulations.

The hallmark of the ICONS Project is our simulations. Conducted either face-to-face or through our customized web-based communication system, ICONSnet, our simulations are based on real-world issues that engage and motivate participants. Through effort and action, participants determine results and outcomes. Then, participants analyze these outcomes, share lessons learned, and determine how these lessons can improve their personal effectiveness. The following simulations represent a sample of our capabilities. We specialize in customizing and developing simulations that will meet the unique needs of your organization.

Globalization and Nigerian Oil
This simulation brings together a range of local and international actors to explore the issues associated with economic development in a resource-rich but traditionally impoverished and conflict-affected region in Africa. Simulation roles include representatives from an international oil company, international financial institution, international non-governmental organizations, local civil society groups, and military and civilian leaders from the Nigerian government.

Crisis in Valleyton
Crisis in Valleyton [image of dam in Arizona] A severe flood is threatening the town of Valleyton, Arizona. Choices about how and where to divert the water could dramatically affect the flood's impact on local farmers, businesses, residents, and tourism. This face-to-face simulation explores high-stakes negotiations with state, local, and federal stakeholders, including the USDA, FEMA, Chamber of Commerce, Mayor's Office, Governor's Office, and EPA.

Crisis in North Korea
Crisis in North Korea [image of North Korean flag] This simulation places participants in the role of the leaders of China, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States as they attempt to determine the cause of a recent explosion in North Korea and de-escalate tensions between the parties. "Crisis in North Korea" explores the complexities of negotiating in an atmosphere of mutual mistrust and the challenges of making decisions in a crisis. This simulation is designed to run in a two to three hour session.

Crisis in Kashmir
Crisis in Kashmir Simulation [image of map of Kashmir region] This simulation focuses on the Indian subcontinent, an area of striking ethnic, religious and linguistic diversity that has seen several major wars, and many internal conflicts. A particular flashpoint between the principal regional powers, India and Pakistan, has been Kashmir, a majority Muslim region that has been split between three countries for decades. There are six teams in this simulation, representing the United States, India's government and military, and three groups within Pakistan. Participants must navigate through a series of intense, potentially volatile events testing their crisis management skills.

International Whaling Commission Working Group
The challenges of international negotiations and of maintaining international regimes become apparent to participants in this simulation which re-creates discussions among four nation-states (Australia, Kenya, Mexico, and Norway), each of which have a very different position on what the future guidelines for whaling in international waters should be. Participants are tasked with coming to a consensus agreement despite the varied interests and positions among the relevant parties.

Midnight at OASIS
Midnight at OASIS Simulation [image of clock approaching midnight] Under the pressures of budget reductions and deadlines, simulation participants must resolve an inter-agency issue. Representatives from four bureaus within the government agency of OASIS (Agency for Overseas Infrastructure and Support) work together to determine the fate of their Antonia field office. Through this experience, participants practice many collaborative leadership skills, such as influencing, conflict management and team building.

U.S. Senate
U.S. Senate Simulation [image of U.S. Capitol] Participants in this simulation become involved in the same kind of decision making and research that is involved in Senate committees. Toward that end, each group of participants plays the role of one senator who serves on 2-3 committees, such as 1) Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, 2) Commerce, Science and Transportation, 3) Environment and Public Works, 4) Finance, and 5) Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. During the simulation, a wide range of bills are considered and participants must work through potentially divisive issues and manage conflicts among the varied interests at play.

To learn more about ICONS Project simulations, contact:

Gururaj Kumar
Program Director, Training and Policy
301-405-4171
gkumar@cidcm.umd.edu