2009 Program Details
Sessions change each year
Session 1
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 (AM)
Forecast Modeling
Demand forecasting is a critical input to all planning activities. In those cases where historical demand data is available, one approach to forecasting is to project the historical time series into the future. This module will introduce the student to the role and purpose of forecasting time series data. The module will provide an overview of the characteristics of forecasts, the components of time series data, basic models for time series forecasting, and measuring and monitoring forecast accuracy. Students will use historical data to develop and evaluate forecasts.
Session 2
Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 (PM)
Attracting and Keeping the Best Employees
The best employees will still have work in this economy. How do you attract and keep them? Based on the organization’s strategic plan, attracting them requires the utilization and analysis of multiple search options. Advances in web technology, media changes, and new legal restrictions make searches more challenging. A tour of multiple search options and case studies will help attendees investigate talent searches. Once candidates are in your door, assertive interviewing strategies can help seal the deal. Role plays will help understand such strategies. Retaining talent involves more than providing better pay and benefits. Lifestyle opportunities, scheduling, career portfolios and “supposed small things” often become more significant. Debate and case studies will help attendees consider new retention ideas
Session 3
Thursday, November 5th, 2009 (AM)
Financial Management Update
Finance is the heart of every business venture. Keeping your financial skills up to date and fresh is as important to your success as it is your organization’s. This is a dynamic review of financial analysis with emphasis on current practical applications of arbitrage arguments, capital budgeting, financing alternatives, and risk-return models. Financial Management Update returns again this year and delves into common financial pitfalls and how shareholder value is maximized or diminished. Reinforce your knowledge and understanding of the complexities of corporate value creation and disclosure.
Session 4
Thursday, November 5th, 2009 (PM)
Future Trend Analysis
Today’s experienced managers face unpredictable environments and messy problems in setting direction for their firms. Strategic models can help them assess the environment and set future directions, even in conditions of uncertainty.
This hands-on session will introduce participants to a flexible model of strategic, ask them to use it in different example cases and then apply in their own organizations.
Participants will need to read and be ready to discuss two short cases prior to the start of the session:
1. “Do you really have a strategy” – Hambrick and Frederickson
2. Honda (A)
Cases will be provided to participants about 1 week before the session
Session 5
Friday, November 6th, 2009 (AM)
Presentation Zen
Want to make presentations that people actually notice and remember? Working from your specific presentation needs and objectives, we’ll review strategies and tactics, from design to delivery, to make your presentations memorable. Bring your needs and we’ll work together to build your customized presentation strategy.
Session 6
Friday, November 6th, 2009 (PM)
Innovation Workshop
Having survived the worst economic shockwave to hit business since the great depression, forward thinking managers are now planning how to move beyond retrenchment and cost cutting to the task of creating new sources of organic growth. Innovation is back on the agenda, but it cannot be at the expense of operational efficiency and rigorous risk management. Today’s managers want to know how to build innovation into their everyday operations so that team members at all levels of the organization are routinely creating new sources of value for their customers. This workshop will provide a “hands on” review of what we have learned about the innovation process, how it differs from traditional management tasks, and how it can, nevertheless, be integrated into every manager’s day-to-day job.