ETM Seminars
2011 Executive in Residence
The Engineering and Technology Management Executive-in-Residence is Dr. Brian Murphy, who brings experience and inspiration uniquely suited to the goals and focus of our program.
Dr. Brian R. Murphy has extensive senior executive experience in development, commercialization, and operations for companies with complex, state-of-the-art technology portfolios. He has founded or been an early leader in five start-ups and negotiated nearly $400 million in financings. Dr. Murphy recently co-founded C-Water Technologies to commercialize technology developed by the global engineering firm, CH2M Hill. In addition to serving as the President and CEO of C-Water, Dr. Murphy also serves as CEO and board member for PCM Innovations. Dr. Murphy holds a BS in mechanical engineering, an MS in engineering mechanics, and a PhD in metallurgy from Michigan Technological University.
Dr. Murphy's scheduled office hours at the Division of Economics and Business will be posted at the school. Dr. Murphy, along with various guess lectures and industry panel participants shall present the following seminars:
Seminar Series
Engineering and Technology Management (ETM) professionals have escalating opportunities to positively impact organizational success in the global innovation economy. The evolving landscape of globalized innovation requires leaders who can define strategy, encourage creativity and foster collaboration while implementing best practices in process and execution and protecting the interests of the enterprise. These diverse skills must be deployed in a dynamic and disruptive environment filled with rapid technological and competitive change. This is no small challenge, but the rewards are great - ETM professionals are uniquely positioned to help change our world.
The ETM Seminar Series is designed to be interactive and practical, exploring contemporary business issues and trends with a focus on the career implications for ETM professionals within the global innovation environment. The topics are intended to provide context for many of the skills and tools addressed in coursework for the ETM Master’s program. Overall, the purpose of the seminar series is to enhance awareness about what professionals should expect in organizations and economies confronted with the new innovation economy realities, and how professionals must take ownership of their career, craft their definition of success, and prepare for, and be, receptive to change.
August 30: So You Want to be an Entrepreneur!
Sixty percent of new jobs in the past 15 years have been created by small businesses – entrepreneurial vision led to the birth and growth of these companies. Dr. Murphy has been the founder or early participant in five small businesses. He will offer his personal experiences to a fast-paced interactive discussion on entrepreneurialism. Topics will include enrolling others in your vision, pillars of a successful business, common pitfalls, professional advisors, how to raise money, and knowing when to shut down a business.
Presentation
September 20: Operational Excellence – The Ability to See
Many people have the training and ability to solve problems presented to them by others - professors, supervisors, or co-workers. But you also need to be able to discover issues and problems within a workplace. We investigate the tools used to expose and highlight normal and abnormal conditions within an operation. There are many terms used throughout industry to describe this toolbox: “Lean,” “Toyota Production System,” and “House of Quality” are a few of these terms. We will work through the common themes in all of these toolboxes to give people the “ability to see.” Guest speaker Mark Desrochers has been in leadership roles at companies as diverse as Shell Oil (oil exploration, drilling, and refining), Magna International (tier1 automotive supplier), and Colorado based PrimeStar Solar, now General Electric (renewable energy). Mark is a 1985 Chemical and Petroleum Refining Engineering graduate of CSM.
Presentation
September 27: Communication – The Achilles Heel of all Relationships
We depend on communication in all facets of our lives to receive and deliver information ranging from ‘what time and where are we going to meet for dinner tonight’ to ‘you are authorized to spend $500 million dollars to build the new factory.’ The timeliness, frequency, and specificity of communication are within our control. Yet in today’s fast paced electronic world, the mechanism of communication is often beyond our control and has a significant impact on what the recipient hears. Communication theory will be presented as a foundation for practical advice on techniques for effective oral, written, and visual communication. Students will have the opportunity to participate on stage!
Presentation
October 11: Does Organizational Culture Really Matter?
Whether they like it or not, all organizations have their own distinct culture or personality. Ideally an organization’s personality is a “culture by design” instead of a “culture by happenstance.” The primary types of culture will be introduced along with organizations that are most aligned with each type. Dr. Murphy will lead students in an exercise focused on shifting an existing culture of happenstance to a culture best aligned for long-term organizational success.
Presentation
November 1: The Nuts and Bolts of Sales and Marketing for Today’s Leaders
Guest speakers Colleen Stanley and Brett Schklar will engage the audience in a discussion on effective sales techniques and marketing strategies ranging from knowing your customer to internal accountability and “shock and awe” techniques that really work. Colleen is founder and president of SalesLeadership, Inc (www.salesleadershipdevelopment.com), a monthly columnist for national business journals, author, and popular speaker. Brett is founder and CEO of Market Creation Group (www.demandmcg.com), well-known market guru, Denver community leader, author, and popular speaker.
Presentation
November 29: Leadership is Not Just for Breakfast Anymore
True leaders follow the mantra of leading by example –‘Do what I do, not just do what I say.’ We will explore and debate the characteristics of a “true leader.” Students will come away with an understanding that leadership is a process, a never-ending journey. Tools and ideas to aid aspiring leaders in this journey will be presented – specifically the need for regular self-assessment.
All seminars are held from 4:00 - 5:15 pm in Hill Hall 202. This seminar series is free and open to the public.