Knowledge Network
In This Issue
Where is the The Corporate University Catalog?
Knowledge Network Updates
Complimentary Lean Six Sigma Informational Event
Upcoming Lean Six Sigma Webinar and Programs
Employees and Customers: The Driving Force Behind Your Business
Preparing for the Workplace of the Future
Quick Links
   
  

Corporate U Logo Long

Centennial Logo
Where is the The Corporate University Catalog?
 
If you are wondering why you have not received a 2011-2012 Program Catalog, we would love to speak with you. In response to client feedback, we are proud to announce a new way of delivering professional development programs - designed to address the unique needs of your organization through a long-term, customized partnership. While we are not mailing catalogs, we do want to speak with you, in person or by telephone, to discuss how The Corporate University and the new Knowledge Network programs continue to fulfill the professional development needs of your organization. Please call us at 330-244-3508, so that we can discuss the needs of your organization.

 

Note: Knowledge Network updates are in the article below.
Knowledge Network Updates
by Willetta Shoemaker, Public Programs Coordinator 

 

The Knowledge Network, The Corporate University's new approach to professional development, was launched in September 2011. New certificate programs and partnership tiers have been well received. The Knowledge Network was conceived and designed with extensive input from you, our clients. We are working on some refinements and upgrades to the Knowledge Network that will include an additional partnership tier. The new tier will provide all the support you expect from The Corporate University and is an intermediate tier providing a number of Knowledge Network Units (KNU) that will suit the needs of many of our clients.

 

Tier 3 is the new level of partnership; it will provide 18 Knowledge Network Units (KNU) as well as the following value-added benefits:

  • Priority registration
  • Promise of no cancellations of programs
  • Individualized transcripts
  • Individualized development plans
  • Access to post-program support in the form of networking groups and follow-on support
  • Learning impact tools and consultation
  • Access to Individual Learning Plan Advisor  

Look for more upgrades to The Knowledge Network in future communications.

 

For information about The Knowledge Network, click here.

Complimentary Lean Six Sigma Informational Event

 

Lean Six Sigma is a business improvement methodology that can transform an organization and impact the bottom line. Get the facts on how Lean and Six Sigma tools can make a difference to your company's business metrics. Hear how Lean Six Sigma can be applied to any organization. Here is what organizations are saying:
  • The Kent State University Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification program opened my eyes to the reality of using a data-driven process that expands one's imagination to creatively solve the vexing business issues many face in today's tough economic times.
  • This training was very in depth with an exceptional consultant. I learned how to find the answers to problems that plagued our business for many years. I have successfully used the techniques to complete several projects ...
  • Great education. Support and service from the consultant and staff helped me to develop, nurture and expand my skills to better support my company's production processes and bottom line.

Lean Six Sigma

Complimentary Breakfast

Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

The Corporate University, Kent State University at Stark

Located in The University Center

6000 Frank Avenue NW, North Canton OH 44720

Call 330-244-3508 to make your no-fee reservation.

 

Survey results show that an organization sponsoring a Kent State University Black Belt trainee will see an estimated 28-to-1 return on their training investment with the first project alone!

Upcoming Lean Six Sigma Webinar and Programs
 

Kent State University's Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification programs continue to garner praise with current and past participants. Tom Mego, director of quality, continuous improvement and IT at Keithley Instruments, Inc., says "The benefit of the Kent State program is that it goes much deeper than superficial book learning or online learning. The consultant leads the exploration of core concepts in a manner that participants can comprehend and apply to a wide range of circumstances. Having a consultant with tremendous practical experience, insights from years of training and a great sense of humor make this training very effective."

Can your organization benefit using the Lean Six Sigma tools? You will have the opportunity to learn more about the Kent State approach to Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification on February 7th. Kent State University is hosting an informational webinar to describe the Kent State approach to Lean Six Sigma deployment in your organization. The no-fee, one-hour webinar begins at 11:30 am. To register for the webinar, click here.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training and Certification programs meet over four months - from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday - one week per month.

The 2012 schedule of Lean Six Sigma Training and Certification programs is detailed below.

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training and Certification - Service, Transactional and Healthcare Concentration

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg, Ohio

                March 12 - 16, 2012

                April 16 - 20, 2012

                May 14 - 18, 2012

                June 11 - 15, 2012

 

Location: The University Center, Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, Ohio

               

                Sept. 24 - 28, 2012

                Oct. 15 - 19, 2012

                Nov. 26 - 30, 2012

                Dec. 10 - 14, 2012

 

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Training and Certification

 

Location: The University Center, Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, Ohio

                March 19 - 23, 2012

                April 23 - 27, 2012

                May 21 - 25, 2012

                June 18 - 22, 2012 

 

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg, Ohio

                Sept. 17 - 21, 2012

                Oct. 8 - 12, 2012

                Nov. 5 - 9, 2012

                Dec. 3 - 7, 2012 

 

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training and Certification programs meet over two months - from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday - one week per month.

Location: The University Center, Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, Ohio

                May 7 - 11, 2012

                June 4 - 8, 2012

 

Lean Six Sigma Master Belt Training and Certification programs meet over two months - from 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday - one week per month.

Location: Hilton Garden Inn, Twinsburg, Ohio

                March 26 - 30, 2012

                April 23 - 27, 2012

               

Location: The University Center, Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, Ohio

                Oct. 22 - 26, 2012

                Nov. 26 - 30, 2012 

 

For information and program descriptions, please click here.

Employees and Customers: The Driving Force Behind Your Business

by Marshall Hill, Research Associate 

 

According to Gallup, the world's top-performing organizations understand that employee engagement is a force that drives performance outcomes. In the best organizations, engagement is more than a human resources initiative - it is a strategic foundation for the way they do business. Research shows that engaged employees are more productive, more profitable, more customer-focused and less likely to leave a company. The best-performing companies know that an employee engagement strategy linked with corporate goals will help them win in the marketplace.

 

Likewise, customer engagement measures the relationship between you and your customer. It takes aim at the emotions your customers or clients feel toward you, so that you may forge lasting relationships with them. Think of it this way ... if your relationship with your customer is simply based on price or service, you can be easily replaced by your competition. On the other hand, if you measure and build customer engagement, you are gaining loyal customers for life. Gallup research shows that customer engagement predicts the likelihood of a continuing customer relationship and the intent to repurchase.

 

What does this mean for your organization? Employee and customer engagement is not a metric that should be examined when it is convenient; it should be regularly monitored and reacted to as if the success of the organization depended on it - because it does. Conducting regular, periodic surveys is vital to learning about and maximizing the engagement of your employees and customers.

 

Become one of the many organizations that rely on professionals at The Corporate University, Kent State University at Stark to develop, deploy and analyze employee and/or customer engagement and satisfaction surveys. The results of employee and customer surveys are important business metrics - they impact your organization's performance, thus its bottom-line.

 

Click here for a sample employee survey.

Click here for a sample customer survey.

What Does "The Workplace of the Future" Look Like?

by Kelli Baxter, Director

 

Recently, Dr. William Draves spoke at the Stark County Business to Business Expo. His ideas spurred me - once again - to think about the future of the workplace. As we move from the industrial era to the knowledge/information/Internet age, business leaders need to plan ahead for changes that will affect their organizations.

 

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Who will make up the workplace of the future?
  • What will a blend of generations mean to the organization?
  • Are we agile and able to adjust quickly, if necessary?
  • How will work be done?
  • How will learning occur?  

Common changes we are already seeing occur in the workplace include:

  • An increase in telecommuting
  • Collaborative work teams from across functional areas
  • A "flattening" of organizational structures; less hierarchy than in the past
  • Learning occurring all the time, with help from mobile devices and Google  

With these changes, the needs of your customers and clientele may also be changing. Regular assessments of customer satisfaction and internal processes, along with competitive analysis, are key components to maintaining and improving your market share.

 

As you consider how these changes will affect your workplace, allow the professional consultants of The Corporate University, Kent State University at Stark, to assist. A team of experts will listen to your needs, ask thorough questions and prescribe a customized approach to assess the future of work in your organization - with the goals being to aid you in streamlining processes, adapting to change, and remaining competitive in Stark County.

We look forward to learning with you soon.

Sincerely,
Kelli Signature 
Kelli Baxter, Director
The Corporate University 
Kent State University at Stark