This section requires you to interpret the results of your decisions and justify them to a simulated board of directors. Mastering this component requires more than just high performance; it demands the ability to analyze data, connect dots, and communicate strategy effectively.
: Determining how investments in training or recruitment affected labor costs.
Here is the story of how a typical "Board Query" challenge unfolds: The Boardroom Summon
If the board asks for a per-share dividend to achieve a specific retained earnings increase, use this formula: Dividend Per Share = (Projected Profit - Desired Retained Earnings Increase) / Shares Outstanding .
Board Queries account for in the Comp-XM exam. They are distributed as follows: Strategy : 5 questions. Finance/Accounting : 18 questions (the largest section). Human Resources : 5 questions. Operations : 6 questions. Marketing : 7 questions. Common Calculation Topics comp xm board query answers
If allowed or during your own analysis, create graphs and charts to understand trends and patterns within your data.
Pay attention to whether the question asks for the answer in thousands ($000s), millions, or exact raw numbers. Entering "45" instead of "45,000" because of a missed unit prompt is the most common reason students lose easy points.
: Spending the first $1M on ads typically yields a ~26% increase in awareness, while the second $1M yields much less (e.g., ~22-23%). Bond Transactions
. Growth rates are found at the top of each segment analysis page. 4. Stock and Valuation Queries Market Capitalization: (found on the Stock & Bond summary page). Earnings Per Share (EPS): Book Value: Top Tips to Guarantee a High Score This section requires you to interpret the results
Board queries are unique to each student. Because every participant makes different strategic decisions in Rounds 1 through 4, the data in the spreadsheets changes dynamically. Therefore,
There are generic guides from 2018, but Capsim’s Comp XM engine (Version 2.0+) randomizes starting capital, segment growth rates, and even the order of questions. Using a pre-answered PDF will give you a 0% score.
| | Capsim Comp-XM (The Business Exam) | Compaq XM Series (The Computer Hardware) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Context | A business strategy simulation exam, usually for MBA or business courses. | Legacy computer hardware, specifically certain models of Compaq motherboards. | | Key Term | "Board Queries" refers to a set of questions from the company's Board of Directors . | "Board" refers to the physical motherboard itself. | | Content | Content involves financial analysis, market strategies, and reading reports in "The Inquirer." | Content involves CMOS reset jumpers, CPU settings, and physical board schematics. | | Goal | The goal is to ace the test by analyzing simulation data and making strategic decisions. | The goal is to fix or configure old computer hardware. |
Use a calculator to run the math twice. Check for rounding instructions, as Comp-XM often explicitly states whether to round to the nearest whole number, first decimal, or second decimal place. How to Prepare Your Simulation for Easier Queries Here is the story of how a typical
Understand that high automation decreases labor costs but increases fixed costs and takes time to implement.
Invest $1,500 to $2,000 in promo and sales budgets. Spending beyond $2,000 yields diminishing returns on awareness and accessibility. 3. Production & HR: Capacity and Automation
This is your primary source for all data. It is similar to the Capstone Courier Foundation FastTrack Industry Conditions Report:
Customers will not buy products that fall outside the "Rough Cut" limits for price, MTBF (reliability), or positioning.
The board queries are not separate, abstract tests. Instead, they are deeply integrated into the simulation process, testing your understanding of your own decisions and the market's response. As you progress through the four decision-making rounds, you'll also be presented with a set of board queries each round. After the final round, you will answer a fifth and final set of board queries, though no further decisions will be required.
Therefore, the focus of this guide will be on the Capsim Comp-XM exam, which is a much more common and contemporary topic for students and professionals.