Hello!
Thank you for agreeing to participate in this simulation exercise.
Watch the instruction video on the left before starting.
REMINDER – INSTRUCTIONS:
Welcome to the KCC Simulation!
Imagine you are starting a new job at a shopping center. As you open your inbox on the eve of your first day, you find a few messages waiting for you. These emails come from your boss, your team, clients, and other colleagues.
Your goal is simple: handle these messages just as you would in real life.
There are various ways to approach these situations, and we are interested in seeing your natural approach to work, problem-solving, and communication. So, just be yourself and respond as naturally as possible.
To help us better understand your thinking, we ask that you write down everything you plan to do, such as:
- Emails, calls, or meetings you would arrange.
- Decisions or actions you would take.
- Your thoughts and reasoning behind your choices—even if you wouldn’t normally write them down.
One final thing: You have 20 minutes to complete this exercise, so manage your time wisely.
Good luck—and enjoy the experience!
1
Alex Vail
Welcome to Plaza Shopping Center!
Sunday, Oct. 6 at 7:06 pm
From :Alex Vail
To :
Date :Sunday, Oct. 6 at 7:06 pm
Subject :Welcome to Plaza Shopping Center!
I just wanted to personally welcome you to the team. Plaza Shopping Center can be quite a dynamic place—there’s never a dull moment!
I announced your arrival yesterday, so feel free to reach out to others before formally meeting them this week.
I hate to drop things on you this early, but I’m forwarding you an email from Pia Naud about an unresolved matter from your predecessor, Mr. Hubert, that needs attention.
Also, I know you’re just settling in, but I’d like to receive a list of initial suggestions on how to increase efficiency, reduce costs, enhance relationships with our tenants, and improve the customer experience in the mall. Let’s discuss this when we meet on Wednesday at 11:30 am to go over your ideas and other matters. Let me know if that time works for you.
Looking forward to working together!
A.
Alex Vail
General Manager
Plaza Shopping Center
2
Alex Vail
! FW: Urgent – Flood Damage
Sunday, Oct. 6 at 7:10 pm
From :Alex Vail
To :
Date :Sunday, Oct. 6 at 7:10 pm
Subject :! FW: Urgent – Flood Damage
Hi again, here’s Pia’s email below. Keep me posted.
Alex Vail
General Manager
Plaza Shopping Center
-----Original Message-----
From: Pia Naud
Date: Friday, October 4 at 3:30 pm
To: Ted Hubert
Cc: Alex Vail
Subject: ! Urgent – Flood Damage
Mr. Hubert,
I need to report that there was a flood in my store this morning, and part of my inventory has been completely ruined.
This is a nightmare. I walked into my store to find water everywhere, and now I have to deal with this. I called Peter Ladder right away and he still hasn’t responded. Do you think that’s normal for the head of maintenance?
According to section 10.1 of my lease, if my space is damaged due to no fault of my own, the shopping center is responsible for repairs, and my rent should be reduced.
This is very stressful. A preliminary estimate suggests the damage is $165,000, based on the loss of 80 units of high-end electronics, each valued at $1,500. I hold your administration responsible for these losses. If I do not receive a clear response within one week, I will be initiating legal action.
My insurance company is coming to assess the situation on Monday at 10:00 am. I would like to know who will be present from the mall administration to discuss the next steps.
I hope we can settle this without lawyers getting involved.
Pia Naud
Store Manager, Cyber Electronics
3
Blair Fairfield
RE: Upgrades badly needed!
Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2:32 pm
From :Blair Fairfield
To :
Date :Saturday, Oct. 5 at 2:32 pm
Subject :RE: Upgrades badly needed!
Welcome to the team! We’re excited to meet you. On Wednesdays, after the budget meeting, we usually have lunch together. If you’re available, we’d be happy to have you join us so we can welcome you!
I also wanted to tell you about a project I’m working on. I’m preparing a proposal for next week’s budget meeting. As you’ll see, our IT systems are outdated—we’re at least ten years behind. If we want to stay competitive, we absolutely need to modernize.
I heard that you worked at Incredible Mall, which offers an interactive customer experience with a digital directory and direct integrations for tenants. That’s exactly the kind of modernization I’m proposing, and I’m sure you’ll agree on the importance of making a significant investment in new systems. I hope I can count on your support.
Honestly, I’m really glad that someone open-minded has joined the team. It gives me hope that we can finally move forward. But I won’t lie—it’s frustrating to fight for improvements that never come through. Confidentially, if things don’t change, I may have to start considering other options.
I know you just started, so no pressure—I just wanted to keep you in the loop. Looking forward to working with you!
Blair
Project Manager, IT Department
This calendar is an optional tool for you to use during the simulation if it’s helpful. You can click on any date in the calendar to add your meetings, appointments or notes.