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| Date(s): |
May 17, 2012 |
| Location: |
Audio/Web Broadcast |
| Cost: |
Members: $175.00
Non Members: $300.00 |
| Description: |
A Systems Thinking Approach to Creating a Learning Organization
Systems thinking is the process of understanding how things influence one another within a whole. In today’s fast-changing environment it is important for Managers and Public Works Directors to continually work to build a new organization for the future. Systems thinking is an important tool in the Public Works Manager’s arsenal.
This program looks at how systems thinking can be utilized in the Public Works arena. The first half of the program will discuss why systems thinking is important for public works leaders and how colleges and universities are changing their curriculum to prepare. Systems Thinking has been defined as an approach to problem solving, by viewing "problems" as parts of an overall system, rather than reacting to specific parts, outcomes or events and potentially contributing to further development of unintended consequences. This use of both linear and non-linear thinking is critical to success in the future and universities are on the leading edge.
The second half of the program will describe what this new Public Works organization looks like and provide practical steps to transform your agency . Focus will be on how a Director can bring together staff with key roles and engage them in honest conversation on the work they’re doing and how it fits into the “end product.” The importance of continual learning and keeping up to date with technology will also be included.
Systems thinking can initiate a new method of working wherein staff have more of a say regarding their role in the process and therein, a vested interest in the outcomes.
After viewing this program, participants will be better able to:
Appreciate why it is important to retool in today’s world
Recognize the importance of building new organizational structures and the benefits of doing so
Discern how systems thinking can improve inputs and outputs.
This program has been approved for .2 CEUs or 2 PDHs. The form to request these credits is available upon completion of the class evaluation. Please note there is a $5 fee per individual requesting CEUs. |
| Speaker: |
.JPG) George R. Crombie, MPA, BCEEM, PWLF
Senior Faculty, Public Works Administration
Norwich University
George Crombie is a Senior Faculty Member for Public Works Administration in the School of Graduate Studies in the Master of Public Administration program. Mr. Crombie teaches in the areas of public works administration, organization and resources management. Mr. Crombie along with his teaching assignments is currently developing a sustainability curriculum for the graduate school. George Crombie earned baccalaureate degree from the University of New Hampshire and a Masters of Public Administration from Northeastern University.
In 2002 he was named one of APWA’s Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year for the United States and Canada. He is a Jennings Randolph Fellowship recipient and was awarded the Charles Walter Nichols Award in 2001 for his work on environmental issues. He is also a recipient of the International Society of Arboriculture Gold Leaf Award. In 2008 George Crombie was selected by the Public Works Magazine as one of the 50 people, places and events that had the greatest impact on the nation’s infrastructure for creating the Climate Change Collaborative in Vermont that brings together the academic community, government, and business to deal with climate change and creating a new green economy. In 2007 George Crombie was appointed by Governor Jim Douglas as Secretary of National Resources for the State of Vermont.
More recently he has served with APWA as Director-At-Large Environmental Management and in 2010 George Crombie became president of the American Public Works Association
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| Speaker: |
.jpg) Donal F. Hartman, Jr., J.D., LL.M
Program Director
Master of Public Administration
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
School of Graduate and Continuing Studies, Norwich University
Don Hartman obtained his Bachelor’s degree in history from Hampden-Sydney College, his Juris Doctor from Gonzaga Law School, and a Masters in Law at George Washington University.
Don is a former assistant judge advocate in the Air Force where he was a prosecutor, manager of a law office at Altus Air Force Base, and appellate counsel in Washington D.C. After retiring from the service he moved to Vermont and assumed the position of lead counsel for the Vermont Department of Corrections. In 1998 he was appointed as the Deputy Commissioner for the department.
He joined the faculty of Norwich University in 2003, and in 2005 assumed his current duties at the School of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Don is the director for the online master of public administration and master of science in organizational leadership programs
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| Speaker: |
.JPG) Moderator: Sara Croke
President
Weather or Not, Inc.
Meteorologist Sara Croke founded Weather or Not in 1986. Since then, they have been saving money and improving safety for businesses, municipalities, ball parks, golf courses and airports. As the Midwest’s leading meteorological firm, their strength is delivering site-specific, timely answers. They are “The Forecaster That Finds You!sm”
Croke started her career in Chattanooga at WRCB-TV in 1983, then moved to KMBC-TV in Kansas City. Ten years of radio followed with seven years at NewsRadio 980 KMBZ in Kansas City.
Active Memberships:
APWA National, Kansas City Metro and Missouri Chapters
MOKAN Streets Assn. of the American Public Works Assoc.
APWA Mid-America Snow Rodeo
Mid America Regional Council Air Quality Public Education Committee
Kansas City Chapter American Meteorological Society
Kansas City St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee
PEP: Partnership for Emergency Planning
KCPT Auction
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| Content Questions: |
Phyllis Muder
(800) 848-2792
education@apwa.net |
| Technology Questions: |
Phyllis Muder
(800) 848-2792
education@apwa.net |
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National Conference
Continuing Education Units (CEUs)