Example of Executive Ability Tests
(From the SHL Advanced Managerial Test Battery)

Verbal Analysis
The test measures the ability to interpret high level written information in a number of ways. The test consists of a series of passages of complex information. The questions asked address a broad range of verbal analysis skills such as summarising, drawing appropriate inferences and logical reasoning. This test would assess a manager's ability to understand and interpret complex written reports and policy documents.

Numerical Reasoning
Measures the ability to understand the relationship between pieces of numerical information and to complete the relevant operations needed to solve particular problems. The test consists of a series of short problems set in a range of business contexts. Candidates are required to use the information given and, with the aid of a calculator, reach appropriate solutions. Problem types range from straightforward arithmetic to proportions, ratios and probabilities. The main use of this test would be to establish a manager's competence in handling basic business data.


Executive Level - Occupational Personality Questionnaire (OPQ)
The SHL range of Occupational Personality Questionnaires (OPQ) are the most widely used measures of behavioural style in the world. The OPQ is designed to provide information on individual styles and behavioural preferences at work, and is internationally recognised for its accurate assessment power. Used by thousands of organisations across Australia, the OPQ has demonstrated value in predicting job performance, minimising the risk of incorrect selection decisions and maximising developmental outcomes for people.

The OPQ is a self-report inventory designed for managerial assessment to assess behavioural preferences and style in the workplace. A measure of relative preference is obtained whereby candidates are required to state which work-related behavioural statements are most and least true of them. Their responses to this questionnaire are compared to data generated on the responses of a large number of Australian managers and professionals. The validity of the candidates’ responses is examined in greater depth via a follow-up validation interview (of up to one hour).


Executive Level Simulation Exercises
CREAM of the Crop has access to a number of simulations for executive level selection and development. In consultation with our clients, we will determine which assessments are the most appropriate given the competencies of the executive role as identified in the job analysis stage. However, the following section provides an indication of the assessments available for executive assessment:

The Department In-Tray Exercise
The participant is required to deal with a number of urgent issues related to a forthcoming merger, such as aligning computer systems, aligning the cultures of the two organisations, staff performance and public relations.

The Department Analysis Presentation
This involves the participant planning and then presenting their recommendations for managing the implementation of the merger in their region.

The Department Coaching Role-Play
The participant has to meet with a member of their team to discuss their performance which has been below usual standards.


New Gas Analysis Presentation
In this exercise candidates are asked to assume the role of an external consultant to the Managing Director of a manufacturing organisation. They are asked to analyse the current issues and changes facing the company. Following this review they are required to present their recommendations for steps that should be taken to address these issues.


Jo Pool Leadership Role Play
In this exercise candidates are asked to provide comments on a report a subordinate has prepared for the Marketing Director. As in many instances in managerial life, the problem presented was not the only problem facing the person. The task requires candidates to achieve a balance between addressing the personal problems of the subordinate and the submission of an adequate report.

 
Example Assessment Matrix

Sample client - CEO Assessment Matrix
COMPETENCIES	ASSESSMENT EXERCISES				TOTAL AVERAGE*
	Verbal & Numerical Evaluation Assessment (VMT3, NMT4)	Strategic Analysis Presentation (New Gas)	Leadership Role-Play (Jo Poole)	Personality Questionnaire (OPQ32) & Validation Interview
Leading & Supervising			y	z
Analysing	y	y		z
Formulating Strategies & Concepts		y		z
Entrepreneurial & Commercial Thinking	z	y		z
Persuading & Influencing		y		z
Planning & Organising			y	z
Relating & Networking			y	z

y - denotes primary source of evidence,

z - denotes secondary source of evidence

*- Not mathematical definition of average, assessment exercises are weighted