Common Themes for how Winning Teams approach our Simulation
We share our top observations with you here, so that you can maximize your results!
1. Identify Cause And Effect
First, for each simulation decision, think through the cause and effect. For example, if you raise a credit score cut-off, what will be the impact? You will approve fewer loans, which will result in lower top-line income. On the other hand, you are approving higher quality loans, so your credit loss should be lower. For each decision, ask yourself about the likely impact on volume, loss, and other important factors.
Think about the set of decisions in concert with each other. For example, if you’re only approving the very best applicants, how does this inform your pricing decision?
2. Consider the size of the impact of each lever
Next, consider what are likely to be the biggest drivers in the portfolio. For example, as you grant larger loan sizes, this has a material impact on the total revenue for the portfolio, but also the potential loss amounts. In contrast, the low-side override decision affects just the exception cases. Therefore, it’s unlikely to be one of the bigger drivers.
3. Experimental Design Thinking
What is experimental design thinking? Test and learn! A key to your success is to set up a good test. If you change too many variables at the same time, you will struggle to interpret which change drove your result. Restrict the number of changes you make in each test, in order to isolate the impact.
4. Situational Awareness
Always keep in mind the economic backdrop when making your decisions. For example, when the economy is strong, customers tend to be more price sensitive. Whereas, when your customers are under economic stress, they may not be as price sensitive.
Remember that the economy and your customers are dynamic. What worked previously may not work when external conditions change.
5. Collaborate!
When solving a complex problem, work with your team see things from different angles. Each team member will have a unique perspective, and the sum total of your team’s thinking is very powerful!
There are many spirited discussions during our BankersLab Simulation Workshops!