Entrepreneurship and Power

REVISED

Fall 2012 and Winter 2013 quarters

Faculty

Zoe Van Schyndel finance , Brenda Hood (F) organizational planning and development, collaborative governance, leadership capacity building and learning

Fields of Study

business and management, economics, leadership studies, maritime studies and sustainability studies

Preparatory for studies or careers in

business, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Description

Why do some organizations succeed while others fail? One answer to this question lies in the decisions and strategies organizations select. Others may be found by examining an organization's ability to adapt to fluid legal, cultural, political, environmental, and economic realities. Strong, competent leadership results in strong, successful organizations. This program will explore the essentials of for-profit and non-profit entrepreneurial business development through the study of basic business principles, sources of innovation, systems analysis, leadership decision-making, social responsibility, and ethics.

We will explore the multidimensional aspects of “Power” in business entrepreneurship: to create innovative organizations that address the needs of today and tomorrow; to be the drivers of social, economic, and political change; and to utilize resources of the natural world essential to the development and exponential growth of society. We will engage in a critical analysis of historic and contemporary cases to examine the synergies of energy technology and entrepreneurship (whale oil, coal, oil, and alternative energy sources), as well as mini-cases to examine other examples of natural resource utilization and entrepreneurship (such as fisheries and forestry).

You will be introduced to the tools, skills and concepts you need to develop strategies for navigating organizations in an ever-changing environment. Business management is a highly interdisciplinary profession, in which  knowledge of the liberal arts and humanities, or of technological advances, may be as vital as skill development in finance, law, organizational dynamics, or the latest management theory. As an effective leader/manager you must develop the ability to read, comprehend, contextualize and interpret the flow of events impacting your organization. Communication skills, critical reasoning, quantitative analysis and the ability to research, sort out, comprehend and digest voluminous amounts of material define far-thinking and effective organizational leaders. 

Fall quarter will focus on basic business principles, understanding the business lifecycle and entrepreneurship within the larger context of systems dynamics, and on case studies in energy and natural resources. In early October, we begin with a team-building adventure—sailing in the San Juan Islands on the Zodiac. Zodiac trip dates will be October 2-4, 2012 and include one night camping and one night aboard ship.  

Winter quarter will continue building on these concepts and incorporate critical discussions around ethics and “good business.” Cases will explore concepts of dependence and change, power and politics through such topics as coal, oil, and other natural resource utilization and exploitation. Outside speakers representing a spectrum of organizations from the for-profit and non-profit arenas will be included throughout both quarters to provide a diversity of perspective and experiences.

Class work throughout the academic year will include lectures, book seminars, projects, films, workshops, case studies, guest presentations, group and individual assignments, and field trips. By the end of the program, students will be expected to demonstrate competence in current business practices and concepts in innovation and entrepreneurship, environmental impact, sustainability, and distributive justice as ethical and social concerns.  Expect to read a lot, study hard and be challenged to think clearly, logically and often.

Location

Olympia

Online Learning

Enhanced Online Learning

Books

Greener Store

Required Fees

$300 in Fall for entrance fees and an overnight field trip on the Zodiac.

Offered During

Day

Program Revisions