“Mr. Bean Takes an Exam”: FLIGBY in the Wider World, Part 2
Introduction: A (Not-So-Serious) Take on Exams
Let’s be honest: when you hear the word “exam,” what’s the first thing that pops into your head? For many, it’s the image of Mr. Bean sitting in a crowded hall, nervously sweating as he tries to sneak answers from his neighbor—cue the classic scene from “Mr. Bean Takes an Exam.” The poor guy’s wild expressions, desperate scribbles, and blatant attempts at cheating are hilarious to watch… unless, of course, you’re the one actually taking the test!
We’ve all been there—staring blankly at a test paper, feeling lost, and wishing for a miracle (or at least a friendly Mr. Bean moment to break the tension). Traditional exams can be stressful, rigid, and, let’s admit it, a little outdated. There’s got to be a better way, right?
Enter FLIGBY: the game-based learning experience that’s turning the world of leadership education upside down—without the need for pencil smuggling or panic attacks. FLIGBY has become one of the most popular and engaging ways to test leadership lessons, and it’s even found its way into the halls of traditional British universities. Imagine swapping the anxiety of Mr. Bean’s exam room for an interactive, immersive journey where learning isn’t just effective—it’s actually fun!
So, as you’ll discover in this post, FLIGBY’s reputation in the UK isn’t just growing—it’s thriving, and for good reason. And thankfully, not a single Mr. Bean-style disaster in sight.
Growing Demand for Experiential Leadership Learning in the UK
The United Kingdom’s educational landscape has long been celebrated for its commitment to innovation, diversity, and the cultivation of future leaders. Today, this commitment is manifesting in a growing appetite for digital learning solutions that bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. From bustling cities like London and Manchester to global education hubs in Singapore, UK-affiliated institutions are seeking immersive, evidence-based simulations that can nurture critical soft skills—communication, decision-making, and ethical leadership—across a diverse student body.
As universities and organizations adapt to rapidly changing job markets and student expectations, they are turning to tools that combine flexibility, measurable outcomes, and engaging experiences. FLIGBY’s award-winning leadership simulation is uniquely poised to meet these needs, supporting British institutions as they prepare graduates to thrive in a complex, interconnected world.
Three Winning Aspects: Meeting the Needs of UK Learners
- Tailored for the UK’s Diverse Educational Ecosystem – The UK’s education system features a wide variety of disciplines, regional curricula, and international collaborations. FLIGBY’s adaptable design allows for smooth integration across business, psychology, and management programs, whether in the UK or on global campuses. Its plug-and-play modules and compatibility with popular learning management systems enable faculty to customize the simulation to their specific teaching environments, ensuring a consistent, high-quality experience.
- Focus on Developing 21st-Century Leadership Skills – British universities are increasingly emphasizing the development of employability and transferable skills. FLIGBY’s simulation aims to improve competencies such as ethical decision-making, teamwork, and emotional intelligence. By immersing students in realistic business scenarios, FLIGBY enables them to practice and refine these skills—directly aligning with the UK’s graduate attribute frameworks and the priorities of modern education institutions.
- Engaging, Gamified Learning that Resonates with UK Students – UK students are digitally native and value learning experiences that are interactive, motivating, and inclusive. FLIGBY’s gamified approach, with its rich narratives and instant feedback, captures attention and encourages ongoing engagement. The simulation’s scenarios, which highlight empathy, ethical dilemmas, and diverse leadership styles, align with the UK’s values of inclusivity and responsible leadership, prompting students to reflect on their own approaches in a safe environment.
FLIGBY in Action – Use Cases from UK Universities
University of Birmingham – Fundamentals of Leadership with a Global Cohort
At the University of Birmingham, FLIGBY plays a key role in the “Fundamentals of Leadership” course, a vital part of their leadership program. This course is unique because it is partly delivered in Singapore, attracting mostly Singaporean students, which adds a diverse international element to the learning experience. FLIGBY’s immersive simulation gives these students a hands-on, experiential chance to build core leadership skills like decision-making, team management, and ethical leadership within a safe yet challenging virtual environment.
By working through real-world scenarios in a culturally relevant and interactive way, students can practice and reflect on their leadership methods before applying them in professional settings. The simulation’s feedback and analytics are highly valuable for both students and instructors, offering insights into individual leadership styles and areas to improve. Using FLIGBY in this way not only boosts student engagement but also develops cross-cultural skills essential for leadership in today’s globalized world.
University of Manchester – Supporting MSc HRD Students During COVID and Beyond
The University of Manchester integrated FLIGBY into its MSc in Human Resource Development (HRD) program as a strategic response to the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic when traditional internships were halted. Since most students are from China, the program needed a practical alternative that could replicate the experiential learning and real-world leadership challenges typically offered by internships. FLIGBY’s simulation provided a timely and innovative solution, allowing students to engage with complex organizational scenarios and practice leadership and people management skills remotely.
The gamified environment promoted critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and collaboration, all essential skills for HR professionals. Additionally, the rich data produced by FLIGBY enabled faculty to monitor student progress closely and customize feedback based on individual learning needs. This integration not only maintained the continuity of learning during a disruptive period but also enhanced the program’s teaching approach by incorporating a highly interactive and evidence-based leadership development tool that continues to be part of the curriculum beyond the pandemic.
Building the Future of Leadership Learning in the UK
FLIGBY’s increasing adoption in the UK shows its flexibility and importance in addressing local educational needs. By working with top institutions like Birmingham and Manchester, FLIGBY helps connect academic theory with real-world leadership skills, preparing students to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
As the demand for high-quality, experiential learning continues to grow, FLIGBY is prepared to support the UK’s mission to develop ethical, effective, and inclusive leaders for the future.
By Judit Nuszpl, ALEAS Group, Head of Program Development
