|
SEMINARS
Six different SMSS faculty members lead six-week seminars on topics
developed and introduced over the course of the year. These seminars
explore in detail the areas of knowledge identified as crucial
to the modem executive's success:
Globalism and Interdependence
Technology and the Management of Change
Environment and Resources
The Corporation and Government
Capital and Productivity
Organization and Human Resources Management
Philosophy and Ethics
SYMPOSIA
The membership of the SMSS represents a powerful resource in itself.
In this series of symposia, the experience and real world knowledge
of SMSS members are brought to bear on some of the world's most
perplexing problem areas and critical issues. SMSS Fellows with
special expertise form ad hoc panels to examine and dissect these
issues, to be joined by the larger SMSS community in general discussion.
Because no decision is made in a vacuum, these symposia provide
cogent, hard-edged analysis and foresight for the executive who
must consider issues beyond the operations of his or her own organization.
Six symposia, lasting two weeks each, are scheduled between the
main theme conferences.
ADDITIONAL OFFERINGS
In addition to the seminars and symposia, the School of Management
and Strategic Studies also offers a variety of additional offerings
throughout the year. Ranging from community conferences to VIP
interviews, these occasional entries allow colorful and personal
exchanges beyond the deliberations of the leadership issues.
V.I.P. INTERVIEWS
An opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with high visibility
leaders from a variety of fields, gaining the special insights
they bring to issues of concern to executives. The VIP interview
will be announced at least one month prior to the event.
Past interviews have included:
| |
Conservative William F. Buckley |
Author Michael Crichton |
| |
Author Riane Eisler |
Politician Geraldine Ferraro |
| |
Computer innovator Marvin Minsky |
Ocean Scientist Roger Revelle |
| |
Researcher Jonas Salk |
Nobel Laureate Glenn Seaborg |
| |
Astronaut Rusty Schweickart |
Author Harvey Wheeler |
| |
Labor's William Winpisinger |
|
CULTURE
AND CRITICISM SERIES
To expose SMSS Fellows to new ways of thinking. especially interpretive
thinking, we bring into the mix of offerings special events led
by outstanding figures in the arts and other humanistic disciplines.
The objective is to not only learn from the content of their communications
but to also learn something about the way they think, the style
in which they approach situations, the posture they assume as
they confront the future, and the issues that emerge as important
to them. This series ranges from film and music criticism to design
for the 1990s.
COMMENTARY
Similar to magazine or newspaper columnists, key members of the
SMSS community, whose ability to analyze current issues lends
itself to this form of communication, contribute regular commentary
on a broad range of subjects. Readers of the SMSS's electronic
commentary, however, have the opportunity to interact with the
commentators by asking questions, adding their own insights, and
discussing the issues raised.
OTHER WORKSHOPS, REPORTS AND PROGRAMS
A variety of different offerings are available throughout the
year. Advance notice is given through electronic messaging, and
by way of monthly newsletter.
TASK FORCES
Several task forces will be launched in the coming year, following
the successful initial task force on abortion policy, which was
completed in December 1990 with a full report due for publication
Spring 1991. Composed of a core group drawn from the SMSS and
augmented by knowledgeable or accomplished non-members by invitation,
the task forces tackle intrinsically difficult policy issues.
The
goal is to produce a published report for circulation within appropriate
policy-making circles. Foundation support is developed for each
task force, the Abortion Policy Task Force having been the beneficiary
of several private sponsors. Issues currently under consideration
for further task forces are public health, education and corporate
environmental responsibility .
THEORY CONFERENCES 1991 will also mark the advent of theory conferences,
organized by and for faculty members to engage groups of scholars
in focused deliberation on specific topics. Funded by various
foundations, these conferences will enable the assembly of a global
session, enhancing research and widening perspective.
The first of this series is slated to begin in March, led by
British anthropologist Mary Douglas, entitled Cultural Theory.
This conference is made possible by a generous grant from the
Rockefeller Foundation. Additional topics are under consideration.
|