The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Program (IALP) Class of 2020 participants recently learned factors critical to sound business decision making. The “Business Decision Making” seminar, held at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, included presentations by six of the University’s world-renowned faculty covering various business topics. The seminar was sponsored with the generous support of IALP alumni. The IALP is sponsored by the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF).
Over a nineteen-month period, the class is attending 14 seminars covering current social, political, business and economic issues in the agriculture industry. The “Business Decision Making Seminar” began with Dr. Gail Berger leading the class in a discussion of the art of collaboration. She utilized group dynamics theory and small-group project competitions to facilitate hands-on learning opportunities. Rounding out the day was a presentation by Dr. Adam Waytz discussing the importance of ethical leadership in creating a value-based environment where morale and job satisfaction can be achieved.
On the second day, Dr. David Schonthal presented on the process and discovery of new ventures in business, focusing on how to best utilize collaboration and creating an environment for the free exchange of ideas to foster development. Dr. Mitchell A. Petersen led an informative discussion with case studies on aspects of risk management in business strategy. He outlined objectives of risk management programs, risk exposure and evaluating success. Rounding out the second day was a presentation by Professor Adam Pah on the future of artificial intelligence, not only for business as a whole but for agriculture as well.
On the final day, the class explored perspectives on business innovation in a discussion led by Dr. Mohan Sawhney. He focused on patterns of innovation across industries and creating a corporate environment for innovation and developing resources and human capital.
The Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation provides a 19-month seminar series that develops knowledgeable and effective leaders to become policy and decision-makers for the agricultural industry. It is a non-profit educational corporation under Illinois law. A board of directors, comprised of recognized leaders in agriculture and business, oversees the program.
For more information on the program or foundation please contact the IALF at (309) 837-7711.
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