Tata Interactive Systems named on IITT Awards shortlist

A game, developed for ICICI Bank in India by the global learning provider, Tata Interactive Systems (TIS), has been shortlisted for an award in the ëE-learning Project of the Yearí category at the forthcoming Institute of IT Training (IITT) Awards.

ìA key factor in improving bank customer satisfaction levels is minimising waiting time ñ which is what the ICICI Bankís Dynamic Queue Management (DQM) system addresses, automatically assigning incoming customers to relevant counters,î explained Tata Interactive Systems (TIS)ís Reg Agyeman.

ìThe DQM software also enables the branch managers to get a real-time view of the situation on the branch floor and to make adjustments to the service mix across the counters. Ideally, this should reduce bottlenecks at any particular counter, reduce customer wait time and improve customer satisfaction.

ìHowever, DQM reports gathered for analysis showed unexpected queues building up, which meant that the managers were not using the system to manage footfall efficiently,î he explained.

TISís solution ñ deliberately placing the learners in a non-financial services context to help them focus on the learning rather than the industry setting ñ means that players study the pattern of incoming aircraft, both in terms of numbers and required services. Players can then set up specific services at the different airport hangars and watch the airport in action.

Using its game-based learning objects (GamBLsô) model, TIS created a computer game which cast players ñ drawn from ICICI Bankís Process Managers ñ as airport managers. The game, which involved optimising the airportís revenue by managing the throughput of travellers, helped these managers to learn the principles behind the bankís DQM system.

The playersí goal is to optimise airport revenue. Since any delays in servicing aircraft result in reduced revenues, players have a powerful incentive to monitor and ëtweakí the system settings to reduce bottlenecks.

Agyeman commented: ìICICI Bank Process Managers were impressed with the gameís graphical richness and innovative instructional design strategy. They found that the DQM GamBLsô provided an innovative, immersive environment where they could practise their skills at queue management, while enjoying a ëfun experienceí.

ìSince the game only lasted 15 minutes or so, managers were receptive to trying it out during the course of a normally busy day. Finally, the competitive nature of the game also helped acceptance among the target audience.î

Based on this feedback from the users, ICICI Bank is rolling out the DQM GamBLsô across its vast network of branches.

ìWeíre delighted that this slightly unusual approach to a learning need in the financial service sector, which ensures that the right customers get the right service at the right time, has been recognised by being shortlisted for a prestigious Institute of IT Training (IITT) Award,î said Alan Samuel, head of TIS in the UK.

The IT Training Awards, sponsored by British Computer Society (BCS), are being held at the Dorchester, Park Lane, on 7th February 2008.

The awards recognise and celebrate outstanding examples of high standards, best practice, innovation and excellence across the IT Training industry. Now in their 12th year, they are supported by key industry figures and are firmly established as the benchmark for excellence in the IT Training Industry.

Many of the submissions received this year were of a particularly high standard making the judging process a very exciting prospect for those involved, said Colin Steed, the IITTís chief executive.