Regis Learning Solutions-UPS Partnership Yields Profitable Results and International Gold Medal

 

Golden, CO  (December 12, 2011)  An innovative Regis Learning Solutions simulation that allowed UPS district teams to learn real time to optimize their profits and think strategically has captured a prestigious gold medal in the 17th Annual Brandon Hall Excellence in Learning Awards.

Calling The UPS Driving Profitable Growth Program Òthe best of the best,Ó Brandon Hall Group CEO, Mike Cooke, praised UPS-RLS and other award winners for greatly improving performance using Òclear, measurable business results.Ó  Brandon Hall Group is a preeminent global research and analyst organization focused on organizational performance improvement.

 

The UPS Driving Profitable Growth Program was designed to let leaders manage their districts in a new profit-and-loss operating model, with extended spans of control, and a new management structure. Teams came together for an immersion week that leveraged a computer-based simulation blended with a conference setting. Allowing leadership teams to see the results of their ongoing decisions over the course of two years enabled UPS to seize real opportunities, limit costly mistakes, and grow profitable revenue. Cross-department collaboration using a model-based business simulation drove strategic thinking about pursuing the right kinds of business and positioning value. Lessons learned during the week-long program translated to clear operational plans.

 

ÒThe success of this transformation depended on UPS maintaining excellence in current operations, while developing a new mindset of value positioning and profitability,Ó Kathy Larson, RLS vice president, said. ÒThe complexity and dynamic nature of the logistic business made a model-based simulation the ideal performance change tool to achieve the desired results. The district teams had to balance competing goals and business requirements for optimal outcomes. Ó Larson said. ÒIt was so great to partner with UPS on this initiative. We thrive on making a measurable impact in strategic areas.Ó

 

The RLS simulation was a key part of a larger change management process that began with an immersion event including the simulation and continued with a comprehensive change management process. The simulation was core in challenging existing mental models, ensuring the teams were ready to perform from day one, establishing collaboration and shared visions among teams, and giving leadership confidence in the new teams.Ò While our simulations are based on solid game theory, we focus on cognitive immersion and realistic rewards and consequences. This particular simulation had few bells and whistles but the serious, complex, and realistic outcomes engaged these business leaders at a visceral level and allowed them to generate significant insights into their business,Ó Mike Vaughan, RLS president, said. ÒThe gold awards we are receiving confirm our approach.Ó

 

About Regis Learning Solutions

Regis Learning Solutions (RLS) is a leadership consulting firm dedicated to creating great thinkers and leaders.  We improve peopleÕs core ability to think and act critically, creatively, and systemically in different situations using simulations based on system dynamic models and rich feedback mechanisms.  RLS is partially owned by Regis University, a 132-year-old Denver-based Jesuit university. For more information, visit http://www.regislearning.com.