Business Continuity and Crisis Management

Crisis Simulation Design

Full-scale crisis simulations test leaders and teams under realistic pressure. This course teaches how to design complex crisis simulations: objectives, scenario architecture, inject timelines, simulated media and stakeholders, control and role-player teams, technology, evaluation frameworks and debriefs.

5 days Classroom or live online English

Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants

Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Realistic simulations build crisis capability far faster than reading plans. You will learn to design immersive, valuable exercises.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Scenario architecture workshops, inject writing, control team practice and evaluation design.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Set objectives for crisis simulations
Design scenario architecture and timelines
Write realistic injects including media pressure
Organise control and role-player teams
Use technology to increase realism
Evaluate performance and run debriefs

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Exercise designers and facilitators
Crisis management leads
Business continuity managers
Emergency planners
Training professionals

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Scenario design
Inject writing
Exercise control
Evaluation
Debriefing

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Simulation Design

09:00–10:08Types of simulations
10:08–11:00Objectives
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Objectives (continued)
11:45–12:53Case studies
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Scenario Architecture

09:00–10:08Storylines
10:08–11:00Escalation
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Escalation (continued)
11:45–12:53Timelines
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Injects

09:00–10:08Inject types
10:08–11:00Simulated media
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Simulated media (continued)
11:45–12:53Stakeholder role players
12:53–14:00Writing practice

Day 4Control

09:00–10:08Control teams
10:08–11:00Technology
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Technology (continued)
11:45–12:53Adapting in real time
12:53–14:00Simulation

Day 5Evaluation

09:00–10:08Evaluation frameworks
10:08–11:00Debriefs
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Debriefs (continued)
11:45–12:53Reports
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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