1991 Program Guide - Curriculum

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:

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.