In the closing months of 2013, two events were predominant the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy (22 November) and the death of Nelson Mandela (5 December). Many words have been written about both individuals. One life was relatively short 46 years; the other twice as long 95 years. One life was challenged by back trouble and the glandular disorder Addison’s disease; the other by 26 years of imprisonment because of his opposition to his government’s apartheid policy. Both had their critics and their admirers. Neither was without faults. Both became influential leaders of their respective country, and history regards them with considerable respect.
The beginning of a new year provides us all with the opportunity to reflect on who we are, where we are going, strategies to realize our dreams, and perhaps to think about our legacy to the world. Our life may be short like Kennedy or long like Mandela. It may even be very short, but the legacy long-lasting, like a Terry Fox 22 years “Terry Fox: A Remarkable Legacy” World Bytes, May 2010]. Success is not measured by accumulated possessions or length of life. We decide for ourselves what we would like our legacy to be. No one has the right to discourage you from believing in yourself or to prevent you from achieving your potential. It is not easy to take a stand and act courageously (I have been there) myself, and it is often a lonely journey (I have been there too). The reward for doing the right thing as you define it exceeds difficulties that will arise during the journey. Best wishes for 2014, and may you be successful in achieving your goals.
Other Bytes
Here are some of the things going on in and around the community:
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As more and more employees are for a variety of reasons postponing retirement employers must tailor their management approach to effectively utilize the knowledge and experience of an older workforce. Peter Garber in his article “Older and Wiser” [Training and Development. 67(12):48-53. December, 2013] states “members of the greyforce are perhaps the most underutilized employee population in most organizations because they often get overlooked.” Best practices for the management and motivation of this valuable resource are provided by the author.
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How women fit into the contemporary entrepreneurial world is the topic of Maura McAdam’s concise (146 page) book Female Entrepreneurship, [Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-67819-3. 2013]. Integrating theory and practice the author will increase your understanding of women entrepreneurs as individuals, organizational leaders and economic participants. The author takes a novel approach, considering women to be a heterogeneous group where ethnicity, culture, class and education all influence their entrepreneurship. Information provided will be particularly useful to women looking at starting their own business.
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The regular “Technology Quarterly” feature is provided as a 20-page inset in the November 30, 2013 issue of The Economist [Volume 409, #8864. www.economist.com]. A plethora of topics are discussed including using magnetic tape for mass storage, mitigating mobile device carnage, aircraft de-icing alternatives, desalination, arms control, and virtual currency to name but a few.
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Organizations often need to engage third-party business partners. Issues arise with regard to governance and control of the business partner. Javier Kuong and the editorial staff of Computer Security Auditing and Controls ( COM-SAC ) in the cover story “Governance, Risk Management Compliance, Security and Privacy Aspects of Dealing with Third-Party Business Partners” [40(3):2-8, 2013] discuss the issues and mitigation strategies.
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Howard Thomas, Lynn Thomas and Alexander Wilson reflect upon the role, impact and future of management education in Promises Fulfilled and Unfulfilled in Management Education: Volume I. Emerald. ISBN 978-1-78190-714-6]. Perspectives emerge from a wide variety of global experts in management education using an open-ended interview research process. The focuses of this first volume is on the challenges, issues, themes and lessons learned the 40 years of experience from the European Foundation for Management Development. Volume Two will focus on the future of management education.
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A special issue of Forbes. [192(9):102-177. December 16, 2013. www.forbes.com] provides a guide to investment in 2014. Edited by Janet Novack and Matt Schifrin investing advice has been distilled into its essence.
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The Best Predictions of 2014 are provided as a 12-page inset the January-February 2014 issue of The Futurist [48(1): 31-41. www.wfs.org]. Compiled by the staff of The Futurist important evidence based insights into what the year might bring. Business and government leaders, top scientists, major institutions, and even celebrities contribute their perspectives in the categories of science and technology, humanity, commerce, energy and transportation, and the environment and resource futures.
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Two dozen leaders of business education explore how to prepare tomorrow’s leaders for success. [Shaping the Future of Business Education: Relevance, Rigor, and Life Preparation. G.M. Hardy and D. L. Everett editors ; MacMillan. ISBN 978-1-137-03337-6 2013].Their formula consists of a broad, rigorous, and relevant education that fuses business knowledge with arts and sciences, technology, and ethics; that emphasizes integrated thinking, broad perspectives, cultural awareness, along with specific expertise. Practical methods of including arts and sciences in business education results in business leaders who can communicate and be successful in today’s business environment.
