United Knowledge

"Much of what happened during the exercise is recognizable. It really clarifies some difficult dilemmas." (Aad Koppenhol, senior IT consultant and standardizer, Sun Microsystems)Competition but also cooperation strategies can make or break a corporation of any size. Moderately sized companies might experience breakthroughs as a result of implementing best-practice and normalization standards. Large corporations might fall, tipping off the balance between sharing and protecting knowledge on behalf of their own produce or product. The setting-standards simulation makes diverse interests, strategy and effective actions in the process of knowledge gathering more transparent and easier to grasp.

"Very useful and fun to play" (Diana Hoogeveen, project manager, Dutch ministery of Economic Affairs)

In scope as well as content, Setting Standards is an exceptional simulation training. Experts from science, business, government and standards organizations took part in earlier sessions played in The Hague, Delft, Tokyo and Paris. They were unanimously enthusiastic about the veracity of the simulation and the insights it brought.

This method of simulation and reflection is effective for professionals that learn best in a situation where they must ac. The simulation creates the need for acquiring knowledge and forces the participant into further skill development, action and reflection.

The game was really fantastic" (Hans Bongers, bachelor student of ICT policy, Delft University of Technology)

The training day consists of a morning where you and other participants negotiate a fictitious but realistic standard. No technical or legal knowledge is needed. In a fun and exciting morning you experience a full standardization process and possible consequences of your actions.

In the afternoon we reflect on the process. What was the role of the market leader? Was the leader able to secure his current market lead in the creation of this new standard? How can a small niche player affect the case? What weight imposes a social organization that would apply the technique for a non-commercial purpose? Setting Standards offers you the chance to take a fresh look at those issues of strategy and innovation.

A single day simulation with an experienced moderator for executive education is offered for $7.343 (United States). Discounts may apply for two or more sessions on consecutive days or if three or more sessions are purchased at once.

More information here >>

We offer single user licenses for degree programs and other regular education. A single user licence is offered for $600 (United States) and valid for one year after purchase. E-mail us for more information.

Setting Standards is a training simulation that gives you new perspectives on your business strategy and innovation. It also provides you with the practical and analytical skills to translate knowledge strategy into solid steps for your organization.

• Deepen your understanding of your organizations interests under various circumstances
• Become familiar with different perspectives on formal negotiations and your options regarding them
• Get insight into the standardization process and possible end results for your business as well as society

For more information on registering, organization of sessions, individual licences, possibilities for education or otherwise you might contact Arjan Widlak

Phone +31 6 24 27 14 44

E-mail arjan at unitedknowledge dot nl

"It illustrates in an excellent way how strategic behaviour may work out" (Jolien Ubacht, teacher ICT policy, Delft University of Technology)

"Provides a true-to-life feeling of what happens in standards committees" (Willem Wolf, Managing Director, Dutch standards body, NEN)

• With limited time investment you are allowed to experience the process of standardization. This is more fun, faster and more effective then studying standardization literature.
• You learn by using a new method, specifically cut to meet the requirements and wishes of current day professionals.
• You are reflecting on the processes that lie behind standardization, thereby enhancing your personal ability to reflect strategically on your work and organization.
• You will meet a group of people working on the same things: a community or practice where you can expand your network.