Training to defend: Strategic management simulations

Terrorism is defined by a philosophy of revolutionary violence and a commitment to the destruction of government power. Of course, one way to reduce vulnerability to these impacts is heightened security. However, we must be a step ahead of terrorists: we must prevent their intended actions whenever possible. Most measures of decision-making competence focus on "content," i.e. on "what" decision makers know, on what their thought processes are, and on whether the decisions they make are correct. However complex, volatile, ambiguous task environments involving uncertainty and delayed feedback provide challenges and generate levels of stress, which interfere with appropriate decision making. A "correct" decision may not be easily available. Many well-trained individuals will be at a loss and may make errors (e.g., because they may select the most immediately evident, yet not the most appropriate options). The use of a well-validated methodology, Strategic Management Simulations (SMS) to assess and train decision makers is presented.