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ABLE® Business Decision Analysis

Target groups: fast-track graduates, management trainees, business consultants, middle managers, director-level positions.

The ABLE (Aptitude for Business Learning) Series of exercises combines the richness of a work simulation with the objectivity of a psychometric instrument. Ground-breaking contextualised exercises teach and then test, giving a dynamic measurement of the candidate's ability to learn.

Skills measured

The Business Decision Analysis test asks candidates to identify and take on board the concepts underlying business decisions and then apply them to new situations.

Qualification required

BPS Test User, Occupational: Ability

An example task

The task is set within the context of a business planning consultancy working in the confectionary industry. A file of information provides the candidate with details about the ingredients of chocolate bars among different fictional brands. The information file also provides facts about which target market the different chocolate products are aimed at, depending on the content of the bars. From this information the candidate is expected to build up a pattern of knowledge that he or she must then apply in a new setting, with a new collection of fictional chocolate brands. The task is completed by answering four questions in a separate answer booklet.

What information will be provided?

The information provided in the file is presented in either a written, graphical or tabular form in the different tasks. There are 48 questions in the question and answer booklet and 12 separate information sheets within the information file. Candidates are assessed on their skill in understanding concepts embedded within the information file and correctly applying the concepts to questions from a variety of different settings.

The test assesses learning and does not assume prior knowledge of the confectionary industry or consultancy: candidates with knowledge of these sectors will not have an unfair advantage. A preparation leaflet is available which briefs candidates on what to expect.

What skills will be assessed?

  • Ability to discover concepts and acquire skills without being taught
  • Ability to discern apparent patterns masked by complexity
  • Ability to analyse and reason with data in graphs, tables and charts
  • Aptitude for finding structure in data

What comparison groups are available?

In occupational testing we interpret individuals’ scores by comparing them against samples of applicants, incumbents, etc. The following samples or norm tables are available:

  • Undergraduates, graduates and management trainees
  • Graduate recruits working in administration
  • Graduates within UK airline industry
  • Graduates within food and confectionary industry
  • Fast track applicants within police force
  • Test analyst
  • Operational and research role
  • Managers within sales
  • Middle-management government organisation
  • Senior fire-fighters
  • Senior managers from central government
  • Senior sales director within global business services firm

What are the business applications?

The test is useful within a recruitment and selection scenario, or where the focus is more developmental, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

How long does the test take?

The test is timed and lasts 40 minutes. Practitioners should allow up to 15 minutes beforehand to brief the candidate as part of the administration, and to account for two practice questions which the candidate is asked to work through before the start of the exercise. A suggested allocation time for one full assessment, including briefing, completion of the timed test and collection of the test materials would be one hour.

What materials do I need?

For the practitioner:

For the candidate: