This fall, the Clemson MBA Program will launch the next installment of the Clemson MBA Executive Board Learning Series, a professional development series designed to offer focused, accessible education on topics shaping the future of business. The series continues to provide low-cost micro-certificates through the Phyfer Innovation Hub at Clemson’s Greenville ONE campus.
The latest certificate program will focus on innovative business decision making and will be led by Steve Layton. Steve has served as an adjunct professor for Clemson’s MBA program, teaching primarily Business Strategy, and has held diverse positions in industry including strategic director for Millikin Company, vice president for Westex and president of Polartec. Recently, Layton and his wife, Jane Layton, launched a safety workwear brand, Norse Safety LLC, where he serves as co-founder and president.
Layton is excited to teach this course. “Efficient and effective decision making is consistently one of the biggest skill gaps I’ve observed over my years as an executive and now entrepreneur,” he says. “Using real-world examples, we’ll cover this skill from start to finish.”
Each session will be offered in-person and virtually. The cost to attend the Learning Series will be $250 for community members and $125 for current Clemson MBA students. The first ten students who sign up may attend free of charge. Sessions will be held every Monday from 4 pm to 6 pm, beginning on October 6th and running through October 27th.
The program is structured to deliver practical takeaways each week. Participants will explore the different steps of innovative decision making, including:
Session 1: Setting aspirations and vision
The first session is where students will learn how to establish priorities and guardrails for identifying and implementing new business ideas
Session 2: Identifying ideas and new initiatives
The second session explores best practices for sourcing new ideas.
Session 3: Idea prioritization and decision-making tools
The third session provides tools and frameworks to help participants grade and prioritize their ideas.
Session 4: Implementation and tracking
The final session in the series will teach students the tools needed to keep new business initiatives on track and set up for success.
“The tools we’ll be teaching can be implemented right away,” says Layton. “Anyone who is involved in the strategic decision-making process at their job will benefit from attending these sessions.”
To learn more about the MBA Executive Board Learning Series, visit its website. To register, click the here.
