UPCOMING EVENTS

Updated November 20, 2009

RESEARCH WRITING MAKEUP CLASS SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 24

In response to student requests, Dr. Steve Freeman will be running a "makeup" Research Writing Workshop on Tuesday, November 24, 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the Ackoff Library, which is part of the Organizational Dynamics suite, 328A, 3401 Walnut Street. The primary topic to be discussed is How to Develop a Research Question and Thesis. If you are interested in attending the workshop and you have not already been in touch with him, contact Dr. Freeman directly at sf@alum.mit.edu.

DINNER LECTURE SERIES COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL PROGRAM THIS MONTH

TWO MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO HEAR OUTSTANDING SPEAKERS

We have enjoyed a remarkable series of speakers this fall, as everyone who has attended the lectures can attest. There are two more programs yet to go. While both deal with entrepreneurship, their essential content deals with "the power of one" in an organization, a topic of great importance to everyone. We encourage you to join us in welcoming:

November 23 (Monday) - L. Frederick Sutherland - "Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the Individual Level in ARAMARK" [subtltled "Making the Elephant Dance"]
November 30 (Monday) - William Graham - "Being an Entrepreneur in a 'Mature' Business Environment"

Dinner Lectures are open to all and are free to members of the Organizational Dynamics community ($25.00 for "outsiders"). They take place on weekday class evenings at the buffet dinner that precedes class meetings, from 5:15-6:15 p.m. in the Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd Floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. The topics are always timely and of wide appeal, so plan to come to as many of these lectures as you can. They are guaranteed to stimulate and inform your mind. And you will enjoy rekindling old friendships and making new ones. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.

OTHER SPEAKERS WHO VISITED US THIS FALL

October 8 (Thursday) - Dr. Alan Barstow and Students participating in the Flight 93 Project
October 13 (Tuesday) - Dr. Robert Marshak - "Organization Development and Post-Confucian Countries"
October 24 (Saturday at lunch) - Dr. Christopher Born - "Disasters: An Overview of Preparedness and Response Management" - see item below
November 3 (Tuesday) - Marvin Weisbord - “Evolution of Workplace Improvement Strategies from Taylorism through Participative Management to Systems Thinking and Beyond”
November 10 (Tuesday) - Dr. Arthur Freedman - "How Action Learning Team Coaching Contributes to Leadership and Organization Development"
November 17 (Tuesday) - Dr. David Jamieson - "Living on the Bridge . . . Bridging Theory and Practice"

INFORMATION SESSIONS FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

Information Sessions for those interested in the Organizational Dynamics degree program are held monthly except for September, January, and May, in the Program Office, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, usually at 6:00 p.m. The schedule for 2009-2010 is:

Wednesday, October 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, November 4, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 2, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLASS MEETING NOTES - Updated October 26, 2009

ACADEMIC INFORMATION - Updated November 20, 2009

DATES, DESTINATIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL COURSES ABROAD 2010

One course involving travel is being offered during the Spring 2010 semester - students may register now - and three courses will be offered in the upcoming summer, with registration slated to begin after the start of the Spring term.

In the spring:

Professors Peter Steiner and Robert Barsky of Vanderbilt will accompany students on a three-day trip to Montreal as part of their course, DYNM 770: Global Communication: Multiculturalism and Montreal.

In the summer, and scheduled so that students may enroll in one, two, or all three courses:

Dr. Femida Handy will teach the Seoul, South Korea course, DYNM 768: Corporate and Nonprofit Leadership: Balancing Entrepreneurship and Social Welfare in South Korea scheduled for June 23-July 4;
Drs. Peter Steiner and Jan Hanousek will teach DYNM 766: Transforming Central Europe: Lessons, Challenges, Expectations from June 4-June 13; and
Dr. Jean-Marc Choukroun will offer DYNM 786: European Approaches to Complex Multi-Stakeholder Project Management from May 28- June 6.

Note that while the cost to students for summer courses has not yet been determined, the additional fee to travel to Montreal for DYNM 770 students will be only $250.00 over the regular Program Fee, and this includes airfare, lodging, and some meals! Quite a bargain.

All information known to date can be read on the ICA flyer posted here.

TWO NEW CONCENTRATIONS OFFERED BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER, 2009

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Among the many goals academia shares with the private sector are the needs of acquiring, translating, combining and applying knowledge to solve today’s problems and to prepare for tomorrow’s challenges. One of the greatest of these challenges is sustainable development— to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

While many programs and areas of study are focused on what we need to do to create a sustainable future, few look at how we change our culture and methods of approaching the future to adopt sustainable practices. To create a program focused on organizational change with broad application across disciplines, a foundation of knowledge in systems thinking and organizational behavior is needed in addition to a strong understanding of current sustainability practices.

The Organizational Dynamics Sustainable Development Concentration offers courses based on systems thinking and the four principles of sustainability developed by The Natural Step, a non-profit organization founded with the vision of creating a sustainable society. For two decades, The Natural Step has been at the forefront of international research and dialogue about sustainable development. TNS has developed a proven, science based model that helps communities and businesses better understand and integrate environmental, social, and economic considerations.

A printable Sustainable Development flyer can be found here.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONSULTING AND EXECUTIVE COACHING

Organizational Dynamics offers a unique approach to consulting and coaching education that integrates Penn's academic excellence, real-world experience and a cohort approach to learning. Through rigorous study of theory, personalized faculty coaching, and fieldwork, participants will develop superior organizational consulting and executive coaching competencies.

Through intensive studies, graduates will:

Be fully prepared to guide leaders who are charged with leading complex organizations.
Achieve greater professional effectiveness through experiential learning.
Benefit from personal, integrative learning with a group of dedicated colleagues and faculty who share a passion for organizational consulting and executive coaching.

Learn more

WRITING WORKSHOPS OFFERED IN FALL 2009 TERM

Each year, Organizational Dynamics offers students two workshop series designed to address writing academic writing challenges of all kinds. One series provides help with making the transition from business writing to academic writing and is taught by Dr. Janet Greco. The other focuses on writing the research paper and is taught by Dr. Steven Freeman. Both will be offered on Wednesday evenings.

Students may register for one, two, or all workshops , whatever fits needs and schedule. There is no charge for the workshops, but students are required to submit a $50.00 check, made out to the Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania for each of the sessions registered for. Upon arrival in class, the check will be returned. The check is forfeited if the student fails to appear for class. You may register by sending an email to dynamics@sas.upenn.edu (and mailing your check(s) separately) or by sending a note via regular U.S. Postal Service to Rasheeda Hubert, Organizational Dynamics, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104-6228, and enclosing your check(s).

The fall 2009 schedule is:

Tuesday, September 29, "Getting Started on Research," 6:30-8:30 p.m., with Dr. Freeman in the Program Office
Tuesday, October 13, "From Memos to Footnotes: Moving from Business to Academic Writing," 6:00-8:30 p.m., with Dr. Greco in the Program Office
Tuesday, October 13, "Developing a Research Question and Thesis," 6:30-8:30 p.m. with Dr. Freeman in the Program Office
Tuesday, October 20, "The Reliable Writing Process," 6:00-8:30 p.m. with Dr. Greco in the Program Office
Tuesday, October 27, "Using the University's Library Resources," 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Van Pelt Library with Dr. Freeman.
Please note that this class will be held ONLY if enrollment is sufficient, so register as early as possible!
Tuesday, October 27," Making the Assignment Work for You," 6:00-9:0 p.m., with Dr. Greco in the Program Office.
Tuesday, November 10, "Obtaining and Presenting Evidence and Data," 6:30-8:30 p.m. with Dr. Freeman in the Program Office.
Wednesday, December 1, "Organizing the Research Paper," 6:30-8:30 p.m. with Dr. Freeman in the Program Office.

Calendar of Important Dates, 2009

Updated November 20, 2009

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2009	Event
September 7	Labor Day - Program Office and University closed
September 8	Mandatory orientation for new students - 6:00 p.m. in the Arch Crest Room, Arch Building, NW corner of 36th Street and Locust Walk. Consult the Penn Parking information page at http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/parking/visitor.html.
September 9 (Wednesday)	Fall 2009 classes begin
September 13 (Sunday)	Fall Brunch - 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Hall of Flags, Houston Hall - Dr. Debra Gmelin, speaker
September 14	Deadline to apply for December 2009 graduation
October 7	Information Session for those interested in the Organizational Dynamics degree program, in the Program Office, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
October 8	Dinner Lecture - Dr. Alan Barstow and members of his Flight 93 Projects Course will describe their involvement in the planning of a national Flight 93 Memorial in Western Pennsylvania, 5:15-6:30 p.m., Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
October 13	Dinner Lecture - Dr. Robert Marshak will speak on a topic to be announced, 5:15-6:30 p.m., Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
October 17-19	Fall Break - Classes held at the discretion of the faculty
October 20	Academic Writing Workshop, "The Reliable Writing Process" with Dr. Janet Greco, Program Office, 328A, 3401 Walnut, 6:00-8:30 p.m.
October27	Research Writing Workshop with Dr. Steven Freeman. Program Office, 328A, 3401 Walnut, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
October 22	Open Registration for Spring 2010 courses begins Organizational Dynamics grant application period begins for Spring 2010 grants
October 24	ODEN at Penn presents Dr. Chris Born speaking on "Disasters: An Overview of Preparedness and Response Management" - 12:00 noon with question/answer period following talk - Arch Crest Room, Arch Building, NW corner of 36th and Locust Walk. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
October 27	Academic Writing Workshop with Dr. Janet Greco,"Setting the Writing Problem: Making the Assignment Work for You," 6:00-9:00 p.m., Program Office, 3401 Walnut, Suite 328A.
October 27	Dr. Steven Freeman will hold TWO separate Research Writing Workshops: The first, 4:30-6:30 p.m., is a "makeup" workshop for students who have not been able to attend prior workshops and will meet in the Lenape Room, 2nd Floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. The Lenape room is in the same general area as the University Club and is situated at the end of the corridor where faculty art is displayed. The second will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Van Pelt Library, room 114, the Goldstein Electronic Classroom.
November 3	Dinner Lecture - Marvin Weisbord “Evolution of Workplace Improvement Strategies from Taylorism through Participative Management to Systems Thinking and Beyond," 5:15-6:30 p.m., Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
November 4	Information Session for those interested in the Organizational Dynamics degree program, in the Program Office, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
November 10	Dinner Lecture - Dr. Arthur Freedman will speak on "How Action Learning Team Coaching Contributes to Leadership and Organization Development," 5:15-6:30 p.m., Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
November 13/14	Kickoff event for the new Sustainable Development Concentration. Details in green box, above.
November 16	Open Registration for Spring 2010 courses ends
November 17	Late Registration for Spring 2010 courses begins; courses assigned as available
November 17	Dinner Lecture - Dr. David Jamieson will speak on "Living on the Bridge . . . Bridging Theory and Practice," 5:15-6:30 p.m., Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
November 23	Dinner Lecture - Dr. Fred Sutherland will speak on "Entrepreneurship and Leadership at the Individual Level in ARAMARK," 5:15-6:30 p.m., Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
November 24	Special "makeup" session of the Research Writing Workshop dealing with How to Develop a Research Question and Thesis with Dr. Steven Freeman, Ackoff Library, Program Office, 328A, 3401 Walnut Street. Register directly with Dr. Freeman at sf@alum.mit.edu
November 25, 1:00 p.m. - November 30, 9:00 a.m.	Thanksgiving break - Program Office and University closed
November 30	Dinner Lecture - William Graham will speak on "Being an Entrepreneur in a 'Mature' Business Environment," 5:15-6:30 p.m., Hourglass Room, University Club, 2nd floor, Inn at Penn, Walnut Street between 36th and 37th Streets. Register at dynamics@sas.upenn.edu.
December 2	Information Session for those interested in the Organizational Dynamics degree program, in the Program Office, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
December 15	Deadline to apply for January 2010 admission to the Program
December 18	Deadline for applications for Spring 2010 Organizational Dynamics Grants
December 23-January 4	Winter Break - Program Office and University closed
2010	Event
January 4	End of winter break - Program Office and University reopen
January 9	Annual Spring Brunch
January 11	New Student Orientation, 6:00 p.m. - Location to be announced
January 13	Spring 2010 classes begin
January 15	Deadline to apply for May 2010 graduation
January 18	Martin Luther King Day - Program Office and University closed
February 3	Information Session for those interested in the Organizational Dynamics degree program, in the Program Office, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
February 15	Open Registration begins for International Courses Abroad only - schedule to be announced
March 3	Information Session for those interested in the Organizational Dynamics degree program, in the Program Office, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
March 6-14	Spring Break - Classes held at the discretion of the Faculty
March 15	Open Registration ends for International Courses Abroad only Open Registration for Summer 2010 courses begins
April 7	Information Session for those interested in the Organizational Dynamics degree program, in the Program Office, Suite 328A, 3401 Walnut Street, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.
April 15	Deadline for application for admission to Summer 2010 term
April 18	Open Registration for Summer 2010 courses ends
April 19	Late Registration for Summer 2010 courses begins
April 27	Spring 2010 classes end
May 10	Late Registration for Summer 2010 courses ends
May 18	Commencement 2010 - Degrees Awarded
May 24	Summer 2010 classes begin
May 31	Memorial Day - Program Office and University closed
June 14	Deadline to apply for August 2010 graduation
August 13	Summer 2010 term ends
September 7	Orientation for new students - details to be announced

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3401 Walnut Street
Suite 328A
Philadelphia, PA 19104

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T: 215-898-6967
F: 215-898-8934

dynamics@sas.upenn.edu