Energy, Economics and Entrepreneurship

CANCELLED

Fall 2012, Winter 2013 and Spring 2013 quarters

Faculty

Zoe Van Schyndel finance , Glenn Landram management science, statistics

Fields of Study

business and management and sustainability studies

Preparatory for studies or careers in

business, management, and education or non-profit organizations.

Description

This three-quarter all-level program examines how energy, economics, and entrepreneurship have influenced the growth of the United States as a nation, and the development of global economic enterprises. The theory and practical application of working through ethical issues will be examined primarily through the use of case studies. This methodology of how to examine ethical issues will include the consideration of legal requirements, economic outcomes and ethical principles.

In fall and winter quarters we will examine finance, accounting, quantitative methods and macroeconomics through two in-depth case studies that will show how American entrepreneurs think and work. In the fall, our case study will consider the golden age of American whaling, a mid-19 ^th century version of global economic enterprise. We will experience the age of sail firsthand with a cruise in the San Juan Islands on the tall ship Zodiac. This experience will be bolstered by a visit to the Whale Museum on San Juan Island; these experiences are expected to serve as team building exercises and to provide perspective on our study of the whaling industry. In particular, the challenges and difficulties whalers faced in their pursuit of a renewable energy source will be compared to our present day pursuit of renewable energy. We will explore how late in the colonial era, the United States, with a strong seafaring tradition in New England, an advanced shipbuilding industry driven first by an entrepreneurial business model and later by a corporate factory ship model, became by the 1830s the pre-eminent whaling nation in the world. The impact of the whaling industry on U.S. culture, finances and global expansion will also be explored.

In the winter, our in-depth case study will cover energy development in the United States in the 20th century. This will include the benefits of inexpensive energy such as hydroelectric, coal and oil, why these energy sources may not be so affordable when all costs are considered, as well as the pitfalls and dependencies that accompanied the immediate economic benefits of these energy options.

In spring quarter we will engage in a capstone simulation project that will challenge students to apply finance, budgeting, marketing, quantitative methods and leadership to establish a sustainable, successful business. Teams will manage simulated businesses competing against each other and will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to synthesize many of the fundamentals of business in one comprehensive computer simulation.

The program format will include workshops, field trips, lectures, films, seminars, guest presentations and group and individual projects. This program can also serve as a preparatory course for continuing work in any master's degree, such as an MBA, requiring a strong quantitative foundation. Students who successfully complete the program will gain a solid introduction to business and management as a possible basis for more advanced study in business, or for jobs in the private sector, government or non-profit organizations. Students will also leave the program with an appreciation of emerging issues regarding energy policies, business and society.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

No Required Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

$250 for a fall field trip on the Zodiac.

Offered During

Day

Program Revisions