Fall/Winter 2010 - Technological Leadership Institute - University of ...

F R O M T H E D I R E C T O RGreater reach and impactWelcome to the Fall/Winter issue of Technological Leadership.Massoud AminDirector, TLIH.W. Sweatt ChairProfessor, Electrical andComputer EngineeringTLI’s mission is to develop local and global leaders for technology enterprises. Thediverse activities and multiple accomplishments noted in this summary and inthis newsletter are parts of a multi-pronged approach, all contributing to a largerstrategy—working together to shape leadership talent development and positivelyimpact across all sectors of technology-based economies, and pertinent aspects ofscience and engineering leadership in Minnesota and beyond. I am pleased to offer anupdate on our progress during the past year.Building on Strong FoundationsThe 23-year roots of the Institute’s success aredeep, with its foundation and early achievementsthe direct result of the commitment and pioneeringvision for technological leadership and managementtraining for Minnesota’s scientists and engineers.Thanks to that vision and commitment, TLI continuesto develop and deliver an exceptionally rich learningenvironment for the career development needs oftechnical professionals, including: In 1990, TLI’s Master of Science in Management ofTechnology (MOT) program became the first suchprogram at a public university in our nation. Thisissue of Technological Leadership celebrates the20th anniversary of the MOT program launch. The Master of Science in Infrastructure SystemsEngineering (ISE) program’s blend of engineeringand management prepares alumni for positionsof leadership in our critical infrastructurerevitalization and sustainability. Congratulations tothe 10th graduating class: The ISE Class of 2010. The Master of Science in Security Technologies(MSST), TLI’s newest degree, is a 14-month programthat prepares scientists, engineers, and publicpolicy experts for leadership roles and fast-pacedadvancement in the public and private sectors.With the continued commitment of an exceptionalteam of faculty, staff, alumni, students and devotedfriends, TLI continues to fulfill its mission.MOT Accreditation Board (MOTAB) and theInternational Association for Management ofTechnology (IAMOT) Accreditation: In 2009, for thefirst time in the history of the discipline, the IAMOTand the MOTAB began the process of developingworldwide curricular standards within the MOTdiscipline. IAMOT selected the University’s MOT as oneof the six programs (three in Europe and three in theU.S.) for the pilot evaluation. After a rigorous andcomprehensive internal and external review process,our MOT program was granted full accreditation forsix years, the maximum possible.Capstone projects: A key integrative course ineach of our three graduate programs is the capstoneproject class undertaken by student cohorts. For thefifth consecutive year we have 100% retention andgraduation rates for our programs, with all capstoneprojects successfully completed, with sizable realworldapplications and financial impacts.Foresight After Four seminars: Professor Roberto Ballarini, Department of CivilEngineering Head, highlighted the effect of ournation’s critical infrastructure on our nationalsecurity and quality of life. Dr. Rias van Wyk, Director of Technoscan® Centre,spoke on “Technology foresight: Mindset, map1and metrics,” exploring experiences in technologyforesight exercises over the past decade andthe changing requirements associated with theeconomic slowdown.New Graduate Program, Security Technologies: Aspart of TLI’s 2005-2010 strategic plan, a new Masterof Science in Security Technologies (MSST) is offered(www.msst.umn.edu). The program launch—with 33“hand picked” MSST Class of 2011 students—includeda keynote address by Dr. Leigh Blackburn andwelcoming remarks by Commissioner Gopal Khannaand Dean Steven Crouch.Welcome New Colleagues to TLI: My personalwelcome to TLI’s new staff, faculty and boardmembers. Please see the Institute Insights on pages18-19 to meet the new members of our team.75-year celebrationOctober 19th marked the 75th anniversary of thecreation of TLI’s home college, the University’sCollege of Science and Engineering. Please see theannouncement from Dean Crouch on page 20.2 Technological LeadershipFall 2010/Winter 2011 2