The DNA of Ethical Leadership & the Good Society

This seminar was developed by Marv based upon a paper he wrote in conjunction with the Masters of Science in Global Leadership program at the University of San Diego in 2001. The seminar examines the basic premise of leadership, specifically the primary factors that determine an individual's personal approach to leading others to achieve and succeed in a highly diverse and competitive global society.

Join the seminar and participate in a unique introspective learning experience that will reshape your view and increase your appreciation for the circumstances that influence character development and, ultimately, our destiny as leaders.  If interested in tailoring a seminar to meet your organizational needs, please contact Marv directly to schedule a mutually convenient date/time.

“Addressing Smart Grid Planning and Implementation on both sides of the Meter; the Case for the Smart Grid Maturity Model”

Abstract

The utility industry is in transition. There are a number of reasons driving this transition some of which include state and federal regulatory policies, enhanced physical and data security requirements, rising generation fuel costs, environmental concerns, the demand for more renewables in the generation mix, aging infrastructure and workforce, changing customer needs and expectations, and current financial market conditions. Industry executives point to “Smart Grid” as the solution to address these challenges in transitioning the energy and utility industry on both sides of the meter to an analog-to-digital age. In view of these various challenges, utilities must make decisions today to ensure that whatever Smart Grid strategy they deploy, it will be practical, affordable, precisely tailored to their needs, and viable well into the future. On the customer-side of the meter, their proactive approach and knowledge of energy management and sustainability issues will benefit utility stakeholders and help to accelerate the Smart Grid transformation.

This presentation will provide an overview of what some utilities are doing to determine their own unique approach to Smart Grid deployment. Many have applied the "Smart Grid Maturity Model" as their management tool to create a roadmap of activities, investments and best practices that lead to a desired future state. Significant benefits of the model lead to knowledge sharing and organizational learning both within and between utilities.

Project Leadership for Global Leadership (MSGL 533)

This course is part of the University of San Diego's Masters of Science in Global Leadership (MSGL) program.

This course examines the relationships a project manager has with all project stakeholders, especially focusing on the nature and importance of leadership in projects. A strategic approach is taken to successfully managing within the larger organization, forming, leading and forging the project team, and satisfying the customer. Topics include project leadership, forming and forging the project team, responsibilities and authority, staffing projects, project communications, and time management. Emphasis in the course is on the nomenclature and skills needed to successfully pass the PMP® certification examination in project management. Teaching methods include lecture, case studies, and experiential exercises.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Students who complete this course will:

1. Be able to explain the role of Projects in the current business environment;

2. Apply the elements of a project management maturity model when developing a project implementation plan;

3. Use specific skills to achieve excellent management of project stakeholder relations;

4. Use specific skills to form and lead an effective project team;

5. Understand and be able to apply the key components of effective Project Team leadership;

6. Be able to apply key competencies of Human Resource Management in Project Team leadership, including staffing, training and development, compensation and rewards, and performance management;

7. Understand key elements in project team communication, including virtual and cross-border teams; and

8. Develop a robust project leadership cognitive schema and apply it in developing leaders and teams.

Note:  "The MSGL prepares students to succeed in the global arena through study of the principles of ethical leadership, best business practices, and respect for cultural, political, and economic differences."

For further details on the MSGL program, please go here.

In Pursuit of Excellence in Communications Training

In any professional endeavor or academic setting speech content is important, yet of equal importance is the ability to convey that content to an audience and achieve specific learning objectives in sharing that information with that audience. Marv Serhan offers a short seminar-style training program tailored to help business professionals, undergraduate or graduate students learn how to organize and present their topics in a more thorough and concise manner. This training will instill greater confidence and precision in communicating ideas to any audience.