Old toys and value: trash or treasure?
Old and collectible toys are shared to illustrate the valuable roles that toys play in our lives and society. All participants are encouraged to bring an old toy and share its values story with the group.
Ronald L. Friesen
Ohio toy producers over the years: Who were these characters?
Examples of old and collectible toys produced by Ohio businesses over the years are the basis for a discussion of the history of toy production in Ohio. Stories of unusual and interesting, even weird, Ohio inventors and entrepreneurs are shared. All participants are encouraged to bring toys and share what they know about the producers of these toys, whether made in Ohio or elsewhere.
Ronald L. Friesen
The advantages and implementation of community corporations
In an economy that threatens to leave our Main Streets full of vacant store fronts, the implementation of community corporations provides a realistic and interesting development opportunity for small towns and cities.
J. Peter Suter
The peaceable manager
An exploration of issues we must consider if we seek to apply the ethical standards of peacemaking to the practice of management.
George Lehman
The utilization of soft information in small community banks: Building sustainable competitive advantage
During the last two decades, the number of community banking institutions in the United States has decreased by 50 percent. Given this staggering reality, remaining community banks must develop non-traditional lending skills to compete in the marketplace. The utilization of soft information is one such skill which has proven to be an effective and durable strategy for small community banks.
J. Peter Suter
Managing your small business
The presentation will discuss the need for a sound business plan in managing a small business.
Bill Lyons
Swings of the pendulum: How management theory alternates between control and innovation
Some see the task of management as creating control. Others see the task of management as creating innovation. Organizations and management gurus have gone back and forth between these extremes for decades. Which is the best? The answer, unfortunately, is "it depends on the situation."
George Lehman
How a "flat world" is impacting organizations in northwest Ohio
All over northwest Ohio organizations are making use of this new "flat world" to streamline processes and cut costs out of manufacturing, accounting and even certain kinds of medical diagnostic procedures. Some see this change primarily as a threat, but the "flat world" is also allowing organizations to serve their customers more effectively at a lower cost than they were able to do in the past.
George Lehman
Why the ability to collaborate is replacing competitiveness as a core strength of successful organizations
Particularly in areas related to new technology, the strongest organizations today seem to be those that can establish collaborative relations with suppliers, customers and even competitors. Innovation requires a range of specialized knowledge that no single firm is able to generate and manage, hence the need for collaboration.
George Lehman
For more information or to schedule a speaker, contact the public relations office at news@bluffton.edu at least two weeks prior to your meeting.
