IRI Shaping Innovation Leaders Program
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management  *  June 7 – 14, 2008

Managers in today’s competitive R&D marketplace rely on enhanced business skills to improve their company’s competitive edge.  The Industrial Research Institute (IRI), in partnership with the Kellogg School of Management, specifically designed Shaping Innovation Leaders to meet the needs of demanding leadership roles in promising, mid-level managers in research, development and engineering. The program’s curriculum is designed by Kellogg, in cooperation with senior R&D executives of IRI Member Organizations.

Participants gain the skills, concepts, language, and tools they need to make more effective strategic decisions.

• address the challenges of leadership and motivate and lead others
• gain knowledge of general management through insights into marketing, finance, accounting, organization behavior and operations functions
• develop their ability to analyze, formulate, and implement strategies
• learn techniques for communicating with executives in other divisions
• grasp the latest thinking and management tools used in the business environment
• gain fresh perspectives for competing in a global marketplace
• gather priceless knowledge gleaned from networking with industry peers

Program Topics:

Learn these essentials to successfully understand the business side of technology:

• Evaluating Performance & Earning Quality
• Evaluation Performance: Cash Flows & Asset Utilization
• Leading the Strategic Change Process
• Evaluation of Investment Programs
• Financial Strategy & Cost of Capital
• Strategic Investments
• Financial Reports
• Marketing in New & Established Markets 
• Law for Technical Managers
• Voice of the Customer
• Negotiations: Strategies & Pitfalls
• Building Social Capital
• Strategic Alliances
• Market Segmentation, Targeting, & Positioning

Additional Links: More coming soon!

• Participant Profile
• Program Facilities and Format
• Hours
• Faculty
• Brochure
• Registration Form

Participant Profile:

Participants are seasoned, successful managers of their firm’s technological innovation efforts and are the future leaders of industrial research and development. The common characteristic of all participants is that they have reached a level that demands close interaction with executives from a cross-section of vital functions.

A typical participant:

• holds at least one graduate degree, usually a Ph.D.
• has approximately 15 years post-BS experience
• has substantial managerial experience with a number of direct reports
• effectively manages a laboratory or department, its personnel and budget

Program Facilities and Format:

Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University is consistently ranked among the top business schools in the nation and highly regarded around the world. Home to a renowned, research-based faculty, Kellogg keeps pace with the ever-changing business world through dedication to academic excellence, a commitment to serving the needs of organizations worldwide and an innovative approach to learning.

Lectures, case studies, team assignments, study groups, and other formats are combined for an enriched learning event. The setting offers an ideal opportunity for technology managers from a cross-section of industries to exchange ideas with peers in an informal atmosphere. Coffee breaks, group meals, and social hours present an excellent interactive learning and valuable networking experience.

Location:

Shaping Innovation Leaders is held at the James L. Allen Center, at the heart of Northwestern’s Evanston campus overlooking Lake Michigan. The center contains classrooms, study rooms, bedrooms (each with private bath), dining rooms, lounges, and recreational facilities.   This quiet campus environment is within close proximity of downtown Chicago and O’Hare International Airport.

Hours:

The program begins Saturday at 4:30 PM and concludes the following Saturday at 4:30 PM. The typical study day begins with breakfast followed by two class sessions, lunch, two afternoon sessions, reception/dinner and an evening session, study group session, or a free night.

Several weeks prior to the program, accepted applicants will be mailed both pre-program study materials and logistical instructions concerning the facilities, travel directions, message systems, etc.

Current Program Faculty:

Ranjay Gulati          Brian Uzzi     

Marian Powers        Leigh Thompson  

Stephen Presser      Art Raviv  

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