7 Comp-XM - 7.4 The Comp-XM Participant Environment

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7.4 The Comp-XM Participant Environment

7.4.1 Getting Started

The Getting Started area displays the first time participants enter the Comp-XM simulation. Participants should review the information. They can return to it at any time by clicking the Getting Started link.

7.4.2 Dashboard

Each subsequent login opens the Comp-XM Dashboard. The Dashboard is a central area for all participant activities.

Some Comp-XM simulations progress on a set schedule. The start and stop times for each round will display in this area.

Most Comp-XM simulations are set for self- paced. When Comp-XM is set for self-paced, participants have the ability to move on to the next round whenever they feel they are ready. Once they have finalized their decisions using the Com-XM Spreadsheet and have answered all of the round's Board Queries in the website's Board Query area, participants click the Advance button to proceed to the next round. Participants will not be able to go back - they need to be sure their decisions and answers are final.

Instructors can return participants to a previous round via the 7.3.3 Student Progress area of the instructor's Dashboard (see page 41), however at the conclusion of the exam, that participant will only receive a raw score - a percentile score will not be calculated. See 7.3.4 Student Results on page 41.

7.4.3 The Comp-XM Spreadsheet

The Comp-XM Dashboard includes links to the web spreadsheet as well as the Comp-XM Inquirer. Participants use the web spreadsheet to determine and upload decisions.

The Comp-XM Spreadsheet is very similar to Capstone and Foundation Spreadsheets, however, there are differences. The Perceptual Map has four segments, plus in Round 1 the segment positions are in the middle of the map. This is because participants assume control of an ongoing company in an evolved market. The participants' Comp-XM Help page includes an animation of the Comp-XM segment drift.

Unlike Capstone and Foundation, in Round 1 of Comp-XM all companies have different product locations and financial results.

The Comp-XM sensor industry has four competitors. Participants run the Andrews company. They compete against Baldwin, Chester and Digby.

Individual participants are the sole decision makers - Comp-XM is not a team activity. Therefore, each save uploads all decisions.

7.4.4 Human Resource (HR) and TQM (Total Quality Management)/Sustainability Modules

All Comp-XM simulations use the Human Resources and TQM (Total Quality Management)/Sustainability Modules. If participants are not familiar with the HR and TQM/Sustainability modules, they can look at the documentation, which is available from the Comp-XM Help page on the website.

Unlike Foundation, HR decisions in Comp-XM are made in two places. Workforce Complement is still entered in the Production area, however Recruiting Spend and Training Hours are entered in the Human Resources area (click Decisions|Human Resources in the Comp-XM Spreadsheet menu).

7.4.5 Comp-XM Inquirer

Industry results are available in the Comp-XM Inquirer, which participants can view from the spreadsheet or on the website.

Unlike the Capstone Courier and Foundation FastTrack, Comp-XM Inquirers for previous rounds are not available.

7.4.6 Board Queries

When participants click the Answer Board Query link, a new window will open.

Participants confirm they are the authorized user by clicking the I Agree button. The next page includes instructions on the right and a list of questions on the left. Participants select a question to begin.

The selected question opens and displays on the right. Almost all questions require the Comp-XM Inquirer. Links to the Inquirer are available from the Board Query area.

Unlike the Capstone Courier and Foundation FastTrack, the Comp-XM Inquirer includes Annual Reports for all four companies. This is because many Board Query answers require access to the opposing companies' reports.

If participants select the wrong answer they can change their answers as often as needed.

Participants can stop work and return later as long as they do not advance to the next round (if Comp-XM is in Self-Paced mode) or the round deadline does not pass.