Purpose of This Document
This document has been developed to support your successful participation in the Organizational Behavior: Judgment in Crisis simulation. It outlines essential system requirements, access instructions, best practices for decision-making, and technical troubleshooting guidance.
1. Preparing for the Simulation
Before engaging in the simulation, it is important to confirm that your system and browser meet the necessary requirements. Most technical issues can be prevented by performing a brief compatibility check.
System Requirements
- Device: Laptop or desktop computer (tablets and smartphones are not supported)
- Operating System: Windows or macOS (latest version recommended)
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge (Safari is not supported)
- Internet Connection: Stable connection with minimum 5 Mbps bandwidth; wired connection preferred
- VPN and Firewalls: Avoid corporate VPNs or ensure simulation URLs are whitelisted by your IT department
System Compatibility Check
To verify your system is ready for the simulation, complete the compatibility check tool:
Compatibility Tool:
Browser Compatibility Checklist
2. Logging into the Simulation
Once your system is confirmed to be compatible, proceed to access the simulation platform.
Access Instructions
- Open your browser on a desktop or laptop (do not use Safari or mobile devices).
- Navigate to the simulation login page:
https://forio.com/app/harvard/organizational-behavior/sign-in/ - Enter your assigned username and password (credentials are case-sensitive).
- If you encounter login issues, open the page in an incognito/private browser window and retry.
If problems persist, please contact your facilitator or simulation coordinator for support.
3. Understanding the Simulation Scenario
In this simulation, you will assume the role of a Product Manager at Matterhorn Health, a medical device company. The organization is facing a product quality crisis involving a recently launched blood glucose monitor. As the situation unfolds, you will be expected to make a series of high-stakes decisions under pressure.
The simulation is designed to reinforce core concepts in:
- Judgment and decision-making
- Crisis leadership
- Cognitive bias and critical thinking
You will receive and analyze incoming information, assess its credibility, and make timely decisions under conditions of ambiguity and stress—mirroring real-world leadership challenges.
4. Best Practices for Participation
Simulation Tips
- One browser, one tab: Ensure the simulation is open in only one tab in a single supported browser.
- Refresh when needed: If the simulation appears unresponsive or slow, refresh your browser.
- Use correct login credentials: Avoid relying on saved passwords or browser autofill to prevent login errors. If needed, log out and log back in with your intended account.
- Prepare to make decisions under uncertainty: You will be asked to make the best possible decisions using dynamic and sometimes ambiguous data—this is intentional and part of the learning process.
Using Simulation Data
- You can copy simulation data to your clipboard and paste it into tools like Excel or Google Sheets for further analysis if you wish to sort, compare, or model scenarios.
- There is no built-in data sorting tool, but this external step is encouraged for deeper decision-making insight.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is Matterhorn Health a public or private company?
The simulation does not specify this. You are encouraged to reflect on how a company’s public or private status might influence executive communication, transparency, and decision-making.
Q2. Can I sort or analyze simulation data more easily?
Yes. You can copy data from the simulation and paste it into Excel or another spreadsheet tool to organize and analyze it more effectively.
Q3. There is a lot of ambiguity. How should I approach decision-making?
This simulation mimics the complexities of a real-world product crisis. Information evolves over time, and solutions are not immediately obvious. The best approach is to:
- Review all data carefully
- Acknowledge uncertainty
- Make reasoned decisions based on what you know
- Track your rationale for each choice (useful for the debrief)
6. Technical Troubleshooting
If You Experience:
Simulation Not Loading or Stalling
- Refresh the page
- Ensure the simulation is open in only one tab
- Clear cache and cookies if the issue persists
- Switch to a different browser (e.g., from Chrome to Firefox)
Lag or Slow Response
- Close background applications
- Use a wired internet connection or a strong Wi-Fi signal
- Avoid running other streaming or bandwidth-intensive apps during the simulation
Login Issues
- Confirm username and password are entered exactly as provided
- Try accessing the simulation in a private/incognito browser window
7. Connecting to the Live Debrief Session
Your program may include a live session via Zoom, Teams, or WebEx. Please test your audio, video, and connection in advance of the session.
If You Are Unable to Join the Session:
- Confirm the session time and access link
- Try opening the link in a different browser or device
- Check firewall/VPN settings
- Contact the Live Event Support Team:
Live Event Technical Support
Email: liveeventhelp@harvardbusiness.org
8. After the Simulation
Following completion:
- Your facilitator may provide a performance summary or data dashboard
- A debrief session may be held to reflect on decision-making strategies, outcomes, and learning points
- This simulation offers a valuable opportunity to explore how leaders think, decide, and communicate under pressure—take note of the lessons learned for your own leadership development
For Additional Support
If you require further assistance at any point, please contact your program coordinator or facilitator directly. For technical concerns not resolved by this guide, the following support channels are available:
- Live Event Support: liveeventhelp@harvardbusiness.org
- General Technical Help: learnersupport@harvardbusiness.org
We are here to ensure your simulation experience is smooth, informative, and successful.