Each day in the program has approximately eight hours of in-class sessions, comprised of lecture, discussion, exercises and break-out group work. The cohort has numerous opportunities to work in teams with different people.
Over the course of the program, there will be a total of three graded assignments that are combined with participation evaluations to make the up the participants’ final grade. A certificate of completion is awarded to all students who complete the program. Participants with a bachelor's degree may apply to receive 4 hours of graduate school credit.
The Approach
This program utilizes readings, presentations, case studies, and an experiential exercise designed to engage the participants and deepen their learning. A final exercise is a strategic planning exercise where participants develop a five-year strategic plan for their utility. The exercise teaches foundations in strategic planning and helps participants identify key factors influencing the utility of the future. These include, but are not limited to, regulatory environment, market conditions, competitive forces, financial drivers, customer needs, and technological innovation. The team assignment focuses on the questions:
- How should the utility position itself to be successful in this environment and what strategy should it pursue?
- What are the financial, organizational and customer implications with the scenario and strategy?
The industry information and competency training provided during the program will help participants complete this final assignment. Coaching will be available intermittently during the program to assist with techniques for problem solving and working in teams, and each team will make its final project presentation on the last day of the program.