A reference framework to build crisis exercise for strategic crisis unit: an integrated approach from scenario to debriefing

During crises, organisations face with a dynamic process characterised by numerous destabilising factors. Preparing to face these difficulties is therefore essential. Simulation sessions based on immersive and realistic crisis exercises are a technique to replace real experiences. In order to facilitate and increase learning, specific methodologies are required to facilitate the immersion of learners but also to construct the pedagogical elements of the played scenario. Learners’ observation and debriefing of the exercise (key phase to improve learning) are intrinsically linked with the scenario’s design. This paper deals with the integrated approach developed throughout ten years of research on crisis management training conducted at the IMT Mines Ales (France) within its crisis management platform.