Simulations
Print this pageWhat are simulations and what are they used for?
Simulations are a useful way of helping teams (UN Country Teams, IASC or Humanitarian Country Teams, etc.) come together to develop and test plans. There are different types of simulation packages for different usage, including to test preparedness for internal (business continuity) and external (contingency planning) threats. On the latter, one distinguishes usually between table-top simulations, which can last for a few hours to one day, and fully blown functional simulations, which generally last between half a day to two or three days.
Key messages/ tips on simulations
- Lead facilitation should ideally be from within the team being put through the simulation - best to ensure scenarios and injects are relevant.
- Well managed (and well attended) de-briefing sessions are the most important part of the simulation, and critical to improve planning.
Resource and guidance material for specific simulations
The OCHA PIC Team (www.un-pic.org/web) developed "Introduction Notes for Facilitators" of both, functional simulations and table-top simulations. For more informatio and materials on these simulation packages, including details of where they have been conducted or about to be conducted, contact the OCHA PIC team at pic@un.org.
More material will be posted here soon.