FALL 2009

Leadership Roundtable
Metro leaders share firsthand experiences on topics ranging from ethics and leadership to community relations and sustainability. Integrated with case studies and readings on each topic, these in-class discussions will explore the interaction between theory and application. Participants will have an opportunity to gain insights into how leaders approach these issues in real world situations.
 
Managing Your Career
Turmoil is a constant feature of the job market. No matter how well or how poorly the economy is doing, you may want — or need — to change jobs. How do you position yourself for a successful career in a changing world, recognizing the inherent risks while embracing the possibilities? This seminar will explore some of the practical aspects of career management, from the perspective of individuals who have made a career out of changing careers.

Marketing Strategy
Marketing is all around us. Organizations market products and services, companies market their business to potential future employees, and individuals market themselves everyday both personally and professionally. The key to effective marketing is setting a strategic plan to meet specific objectives. This seminar demonstrates how a strategic marketing plan enables a business to achieve its core goals and objectives. Students will learn what key components should be included to develop a plan and how to implement the plan for maximum impact. Topics discussed include knowing your audience, setting objectives, developing strategies to meet objectives, overcoming challenges, and measurement. The class will also discuss building relationships and communicating effectively with business partners to meet goals. Students will have an opportunity to converse on how to present a marketing plan in a real world setting. Note: MBA 251 is recommended prior to this seminar.

Health Care Financing
The current health financing system in the United States is not working for all concerned. This course will review the current system; compare and contrast it with other major economic powers. It will review the impact the current system has on manufacturers, employers and the small business owner. The course will review the potential changes and how the overall system might look in the future. The course will enable the student to investigate what the potential health care financing system in the United States might and should look like after the healthcare reform debate!

Managing Turnarounds – not your normal day at the office!
Sometime during your career you might be challenged to salvage a valuable business segment or an entire organization. The demand may range from resolving cash flow shortages or covenant violations; or correcting serious marketing or operational problems; or re-directing an office or a plant; or overhauling an entire company.
 
Regardless of the scope of the challenge, the principles and questions are similar – it’s a matter of scale. Understand the potential financial, legal, HR, project, market, and customer issues. Know when to get some help from lawyers, accountants, or consultants. Time frames for action are frequently narrow and the stress levels are often high. What do you consider and decide – all the while taking care of lenders, customers, employees and shareholders.