Program Curriculum

Session format: Each class will be conducted using a combination of methods:  These include presentations, small group exercises, guest practitioner/expert lectures and discussion, introduction to and practical application of tools and simulators, case studies, and time for individual work and reflection.

Session One: February 16-18, 2011 - System Dynamics

“Systems Dynamics: Seeing the Interconnections of our Social, Economic, and Environmental Worlds and Understanding Where Are the Greatest Opportunities for Overall Sustainable Well Being ”

This session is the first in a series of three that comprise Willamette University’s Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise. Successful completion of all three sessions is required for a certificate to be awarded.

Session Objectives: After completion of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the systemic nature of how eco-systems thrive, their interdependencies, and the impact individuals and organizations have on these systems
• Think systemically about their businesses, whether profit or non-profit, using the triple bottom-line framework
• Apply best practices, tools and frameworks to work within the context of their business or community
• Understand the most critical levers to positively affect environmental, economic, and social well being
• Understand the necessity for global collaboration on issues, such as Climate Change, using the “Climate Interactive” simulator.

Webinar February 25, 2011
Topic: Climate System Dynamics; Host - Drew Jones
View Drew Jones's website

The webinar is from 9:00-11:00 a.m., participants can dial in beginning at 8:45 a.m. from their workplace.

Webinar March 11, 2011

Topic: Wasteland – A Look at Social Innovation; Host – Lucy Walker, Film Maker View Lucy Walker's website

The webinar is from 9:00-11:00 a.m., participants can dial in beginning at 8:45 a.m. from their workplace.

Session Two: March 16-18, 2011 - Natural and Social Systems

“Social Well-Being: Approaching Overall Sustainability of Our World, Our Organizations, and Our Communities through First Understanding How Social Well-being is Created, Supported, and Expanded”

This session is the second in a series of three that comprise Willamette University’s Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise. Successful completion of all three sessions is required for a certificate to be awarded.

Session Objectives: After completion of this session, participants will:

• Have a fundamental understanding of scientific theories of living systems and cognition.
• Understand research on social action research and how social networks of collaboration generate sustainability in communities and organizations.
• Have access to new management processes to optimize performance, productivity and social well-being in self-organizing social systems.
• Experiment with the application of new measures and indicators of social well-being

Webinar April 1, 2011

Topic: “Transformation of Capitalism 3.0.” with Otto Scharmer View Otto Scharmer's website

The webinar is from 9:00-11:00 a.m., participants can dial in beginning at 8:45 a.m. from their workplace.

Session Three: April 13-15,2011 - Moving Into Action

“Implementing a Sustainability Plan: Determining Goals and Measures that Will Move Sustainability from Conversation to Action.”

This session is the third and final in a series that comprise Willamette University’s Certificate in Sustainable Enterprise. Successful completion of all three sessions is required for a certificate to be awarded.

Session Objectives: After completion of this session, participants will:

• Understand and be able to apply basic concepts and examples of sustainable frameworks in their business or community.
• Have access to best practice case studies and practitioners, and explore the relevant application to their community or business.
• Initiate the creation of a sustainability action plan and the integration or acceleration of this plan within their business or community.
• Apply the tools from previous sessions to the creation of their sustainability plan.