Final project by Abdellah Joundan

 

My Course ProjectLinks to an external site.

Course reflectionLinks to an external site.

2023 Fall Final Project by Vicki Cooper

 

Vicki Cooper

 

EDAC 632 – Fall 2023 Final Project

 

Dr. Bo Chang

 

Organization:

Introduction - 

In this paper I will discuss Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), a non-profit organization located here in Muncie, Indiana. This organization is endorsed by my current employer Ball State University, along with thirty-eight organizations and businesses who are local or reside within the state of Indiana. Shafer Leadership Academy’s vision statement on their website reads “Empowering people to inspire positive change in their community.” The Shafer Leadership Academy takes pride in knowing their participants excel in their careers, enrich the lives of others, and transform their communities. They are with you each step of the way to help you grow your leaders and help them reach their full potential. The mission statement for the Shafer Leadership Academy reads on their website that they “provide inclusive leadership development so that people, organizations and communities reach their full potential.” Shafer Leadership Academy’s core values express that they empower people to see the potential in others and see outside of themselves. They model inclusiveness by encouraging everyone to embrace differences. Shafer Leadership Academy assists by encouraging service and goodwill in others, they show compassion by their willingness to help others. They also foster catalysts, meaning they maintain the “can do attitude” and they promote self-discovery by encouraging continuous learning.

 

Organizational Structure -

The Shafer Leadership Academy is a community leadership institute where people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests can access the tools necessary to develop and enhance their leadership skills. The Shafer Leadership Academy provides scheduled leadership programs, facilitate various leadership events, and can also build custom courses for individuals and organizations that desire to obtain the benefits of personal, organizational, and civic leadership development.  The Shafer Leadership Academy is a curriculum of workshops and experiences designed to promote leadership excellence.  The workshops help students to boost their leadership capabilities as well as develop their leadership potential.

The Shafer Leadership Academy believes effective and enthusiastic leaders, more than anything else, are the difference between success and failure within the organizations and communities they represent. The two areas that are organized are the Community and Custom Programs. These programs facilitate powerful exercises and enlightening interactions with others, so participants can discover effective leadership. Many of these programs are offered at little to no cost and they are made available to the public and instructed locally at the Innovation Connector. The Shafer Academy provides custom programs to organizations which gives them the unique ability to create a program that fits the individual leadership development needs of its team. By utilizing their expertise and resources, organizations can build exactly what they need from a single day event up to a comprehensive staff development program.  The team's Inclusion Ambassadors work to build relationships across all communities withing East Central Indiana. The Ambassadors will travel the region to connect individuals with inclusive leadership development opportunities.

Implications -

This assignment highlights the function of management in the context of adult education and the resources that are available to several individuals who would like to expand their knowledge to either move up within the company they work for or to simply broaden their knowledge and skills to become a better leader and employee. These programs at the Shafer Leadership Academy have partnered with Ball State University by allowing Ball State University staff to take advantage of their numerous programs at no cost to the Ball State University employee. I have taken advantage of these programs and I’ve found them to be very useful and they have helped me grow personally and professionally.

I have learned a few facets made by the Shafer Leadership Academy from this assignment such as the many businesses it has to support it and many of the facilitators are volunteers but there are also the executives whom also facilitate some seminars. I believe this shows a lot about their mission, future vision, and core values. I know the seminars I’ve had the opportunity to attend, the facilitators were empowering, showed compassion, and they promoted self-discovery and just these three core values alone gave me self-discovery and showed me how I could better serve in my current position and my future position.  

Leadership and Administration:

Roles and Positions 

In this portion of my project, I will discuss the leadership and administration roles within the Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA), along with the roles, positions, activities, and qualifications of the Executive Director, Mitch Isaacs, and the Program Director, Tisha Gierhart. Mitch Isaacs was named Shafer Leadership Academy’s Executive Director in May 2015. In this role, he works closely with the organization’s board of directors to fulfill the mission, goals, and objectives of their Strategic Plan. Tisha Gierhart has been the Program Director since January 2014. In this capacity, her primary responsibility is for all activities related to the development, delivery, and assessment of leadership programs. In this role, her primary focus is building collaborative relationships with SLA’s participants and partners.

Daily Routines and Activities -

The daily routines and activities of being the Executive Director include Board and volunteer relations, finances, fundraising, operations, sponsor and partner relations, marketing and communications, community relations, program participants and alumni, and related professional organizations throughout the community and region. He is responsible for creating vision, connecting with stakeholders, overseeing program offerings, and leading the organization in profound ways. Mitch describes himself as a passionate professional who excels at leadership program development, impactful civic engagement, marketing, and building goal-oriented teams. He also enjoys public speaking, forming intentional partnerships, effectively using social media and mentoring.

The daily routines and activities of being the Program Director for SLA are building relationships with in-depth experience in leadership, customer service, and project management. Demonstrating success and communicating across all department levels within SLA. Strong qualifications in facilitation, organization, and planning skills. Effective communicator, leader, self-motivator, and problem solver known for building collaborative teams that surpass goals. Recognized talents for building relationships, motivating others, and managing multiple priorities. During my Zoom meeting I had with Tisha, I had asked her what some of her “hats” would be, and she laughed and said, “Well I would say Program Director, Inspiring Authentic Leadership, Building Collaborator, Coach, Trainer, and Facilitator.”

Qualifications -

The operational side of business or educational programs has the responsibilities of management, organization, and operations are the administrators (Schmidt & Yelich Biniecki, 2016). It is noted by Schmidt and Yelich Biniecki (2016) that not every administrator is held responsible for the same tasks, the daily routines and activities of an administrator are dependent on their responsibilities within that said organization. Administrators can have circles of power and guide people with authority. They may focus more on sticking to business norms or traditions. Leaders have circles of influence where they collaborate with larger groups or unconventional collections of people to get as many new ideas or types of feedback as possible.

Mitch is an active member of the Muncie community, and he is committed to enhancing the leadership skills of the community and dedicated to Shafer Leadership Academy’s mission to ensure that individuals who have the desire to demonstrate leadership have access to world-class leadership training close to home. Mitch Isaacs has also developed proven strategies for leadership program growth and first-year college student retention.

Tisha is also an alumnus of Shafer Leadership Academy’s Emergence program and has completed Advanced Facilitator Training. Tisha is also a Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach, and Trainer. Tisha is an active member in her community where she serves as a board member for the Jay County Cancer Society and is the Co-Chair of the Jay County Cancer Walk. Her work reflects her passion for making a difference, building relationships, and motivating others. She believes in leading by example and developing purposeful connections.

During my Zoom meeting with Mitch and Tisha, I asked their opinions regarding leadership and administrator and they both agreed that in order to effectively perform the duties they have within SLA, administrators must fill the roles of a leader, mentor, manager, decision maker, and builder. Tisha agreed that these five roles are interdependent and interactive as they impact one another and gain value as expertise develops in one of the other roles.

Implications -

This assignment has given me more insight into leadership and administrators and their profound duties and responsibilities. I had the opportunity to attend a couple of Tisha Gierhart’s seminars at the Ball State University Alumni Center and I must say she really makes an impact on you when you’re in her seminars. I can honestly say that I remember every step of that seminar because that is the impact she made on her attendees. Tisha had started the seminar off with an unusual way of how she had administering introductions and that was retainable information rather than the “traditional” introductions. I do know that if I should decide to go in this direction with my degree, I’ve taken so many ideas to use if I should become an adult educator. I also watch out for any seminars that come across my email to attend as well.

Budget and Funding:

Income and Expenses -

Shafer Leadership Academy is a nonprofit organization that receives its income from the following grants: Hamer D. and Phyllis C. Shafer Foundation Charitable Trust, The Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, and Mutualbank Charitable Foundation. They also receive income from their sponsorships from individuals, and local businesses, and fees they receive from offering their educational resources.

The main expenses for the Shafer Leadership Academy would be compensation for current officers, non-officer salaries and wages, pensions/retirement accruals and contributions, payroll taxes, legal fees, advertising and promotions of services, information technology, and miscellaneous expenses.

The fixed expenses would be the compensation for current officers, non-officer salaries and wages, pensions/retirement accruals and contributions, and payroll taxes. The variable would be the legal fees, advertising and promotions of services, educational resources needed to conduct the different programs, and miscellaneous expenses.

 Budget and Funding -

The need for the many programs it offers to the community and surrounding areas within the state of Indiana. If there are no businesses or individuals signing up for the courses, then this could essentially lead to the failure of this nonprofit organization. This could also lead to some local sponsorships to withdraw their endorsements with the organization.   The steps to take to avoid failure would be advertising more within the surrounding areas of Indiana and to possibly offer classes to businesses on a sliding scale the more you have attended the less it will cost for each employee.  This would require the board to look at the bottom dollar and make a structured tier that would be benefit them. 

Financial donations and sponsorships are monetary contributions made by individuals or groups of individuals to the Shafer Leadership Academy.  

The challenge would be to be certain and know the difference between donations and sponsorships. These two terms can overlap in many ways. Financial donations are funds given to support an organization’s mission and there is no expectation that the organization will pay that back or compensate the donor in any way. Donating is a one-way exchange, meaning the donor simply gives money to the organization. The donation can be made for a specific initiative or project or the general-purpose fund.  

I think there should be more lobbying happening by these non-profit organizations that specialize in adult education. Lobbying is public policy advocacy activity and lobbyists are individuals who advocate for these interests.

Implications -

I went into this assignment not really knowing the terminology for some aspects of nonprofits and how they get their funding. As our textbook states there are no one-size-fits-all approaches for establishing the proper mix of funding for your organization. The nonprofits must not forget that new potential sources of revenue can become available at any given time along with those who dry up and disappear.

Human Resource Management (HRM):

Introduction -

Human Resource Management (HRM) is the general term for all of the functions encompassed in the acquisition, retention, development, and administration of a company’s employees (Schmidt and Biniecki, 2016). Human Resource Management (HRM) is also the strategic approach to nurturing and supporting employees and ensuring a positive workplace environment. Human Resource Management is employee management with an emphasis on employees as assets of the business. In other words, employees are sometimes referred to as human capital. The core function of the HRM is listed below (Schmidt and Biniecki, 2016).

1.     Policies and Procedures – development of policies for the organization, including policies related to hiring, compensation, performance review and appraisal, discipline and termination, safety, and employee benefits, sick and vacation time policies, and services such as employee assistance programs.

2.     Recruiting and Hiring – includes the analysis of work-related needs and the development of positions and job descriptions. Recruitment and hiring are resume screening, interviewing, and making hiring decisions.

3.     Orientation and Training – once the person has been hired the candidate must be provided with an orientation to the organization as well as job-specific training.

4.     Records Maintenance and Legal Compliance – records related to an employee such as hiring, personnel files, and any information about compliance with legal requirements, including safety, employment law, and tax laws.

5.     Strategic Planning – this would be the strategic planning process of the overall organization so it is prepared to serve the organization effectively in the future.

“These five core functions of HRM have direct effects on the employees and volunteers of the organization. If these five core functions are designed and administered fairly, the result can be satisfied employees and volunteers. Alternatively, if they are inconsistent or poorly designed and executed, they can cost the organization a great deal” (Schmidt and Biniecki, 2016).

Routine of the HRM -

Human resource managers plan, coordinate, and direct the administrative functions of an organization. They often oversee the recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of new staff, consult with top executives on strategic planning, and serve as a link between an organization’s management and its employees. The HRM team members help create and post job descriptions, search for qualified people to apply for the open positions, screen candidates’ applications and conduct interviews. The HRM may also liaise with hiring managers to reach decisions and coordinate with candidates during the recruitment process.

Planning effective educational programs for adult learners is a complex ongoing process and planners should reflect on and consider for all of the involved factors, context, and people. Factors that promote adult education:

·       Learner background, adverse experiences, hearing, literacy environment, and physical well-being.

·       Social and emotional learning, emotion, learner mindset, motivation, self-regulation.

·       Cognition, attention, auditory processing, and cognitive flexibility.

·       Adult literacies, background knowledge, composition, and digital literacy.

To operate successful adult education programs, organizations must have the correct people with the correct knowledge, skills, and abilities, doing jobs that they are capable of doing and doing well. These people can be volunteers as well as part of the organization's team.

At The Shafer Leadership Academy, they know you want to grow your leaders and help them reach their potential. But without an easy way to develop people, you can feel you are missing opportunities to make an impact. Each year, The Shafer Leadership Academy provides training for over 3,000 leaders through dozens of community programs. The Shafer Leadership team can customize a program that fits your company’s specific needs. The Shafer Leadership Academy offers customized sessions of many of their popular workshops and seminars. These custom programs can be delivered virtually, in person, or hybrid to accommodate your company’s learning requirements.

The Shafer Leadership Academy is always looking for facilitators who are passionate about a leadership development topic that they want to share with the community. You don’t need a specific credential or job title, just a demonstrable knowledge of your topic and the ability to facilitate an audience. The Shafer Leadership Academy seeks facilitators, not presenters.

Implications -

This assignment has been very useful in regards to learning the Human Resource side of a company or organization. I believe it would be beneficial for any company or organization to utilize outside resources like The Shafer Leadership Academy. By utilizing The Shafer Leadership Academy, the company is enhancing its employees by offering additional training to the employees’ company or organization. This assignment not only demonstrated the many steps of the human resources division, but it also demonstrated how a company can provide great leadership to their employees which would allow the employee to advance and grow.  

                                                              Marketing:

Introduction -  (please note the information in this section is “fictious” ok’d per Dr. Bo in her syllabus)

I am working with Shafer Leadership Academy (SLA) and their partnership with Ball State University (BSU) to increase their enrollment targeting adult learners while keeping the cost down and qualifying them for grants to assist the adult learners financially. Marketing is the analysis, planning, implementation, and control of carefully formulated course plans designed to bring about voluntary exchanges of value (tuition) with target markets for the purpose of achieving the successful completion of higher education degrees (Schmidt & Yelich Biniecki (2016).  

Marketing Strategies w/Implications -   

Shafer Leadership Academy gives adult learners educational experiences that offer flexibility for work and family responsibilities, deliver a specific set of skills to advance their careers, and allow for faster completion of their degrees.  

Course cost and length of time to completion are often the deciding factors that lead adult learners to choose one program over another. However, the SLA offers several degrees that are solely online, and they all complete at the same time.  

Shafer Leadership Academy is the only online program in the state of Indiana that permits an adult learner to earn a degree without having to pay for additional online course fees (most educational institutions charge additional fees for online courses) and the adult learner would be eligible to receive grant monies that will not have to be paid back (must meet certain criteria). 

Strategy 1: Understanding the Needs and Motivations of Adult Learners – adult learners have diverse needs and motivations compared to traditional learners, those adults who went straight to college from graduating from high school. To effectively market SLA to this demographic group, it is crucial to understand what factors drive their enthusiasm to learn.  Using transparency, outreach, and using consistency can be helpful when trying to achieve this. The following implications can also be used as a “strategy” technique because the adult learner could gain all these positive actions.

 

Implication: 

·       Career Advancement (Climb the corporate ladder for better opportunities)   

·       Social Connection (Expand their Networking Circle)  

·       Personal Fulfillment (Intrinsic Rewards)  

·       Increased Earning Potential (Financial Security) 

Strategy 2: Develop Relevant Programs for Prospective Adult Learners – adult learners often align their career aspirations and educational goals around certain programs and seek out the degree program that better serves their demographics.  

Implication: 

·       SLA offers graduate programs or certifications that align with the industry's demands.  

·       SLA offers hands-on experience to the learners along with incorporating practical skills (internships that can be worked around the learner’s schedule).  

Strategy 3: Market the Convenience and Flexibility of SLA’s Adult Learner Programs – Time, cost, and convenience are all key factors for adult learners who must balance their personal lives with their educational endeavors.  

Implication: 

·       The SLA courses are online and taught by BSU faculty.  

·       The cost of the SLA online courses is less expensive than traditional on-campus courses.  

·       The SLA courses are eligible for grant monies (must meet certain criteria).  

Strategy 4: Marketing via social media – adults spend a significant amount online visiting social media platforms, making digital marketing essential for reaching prospective adult learners.  

Implication: 

·       Social Media Platforms  

o   Facebook®  

o   LinkedIn®  

o   Twitter®  

o   Instagram®  

o   TikTok®  

·       Email  

·       Search Engine Optimization (SEO)  

·       Paid Ads  

·       Social Media Ads  

·       PPC Advertising  

·       Link on BSU Website  

Strategy 5: Providing Clear Information on the Cost of Courses and Grant Aid Information – Adult learners are more conscious of cost than the typical learners who attend college right after high school. 

Implication: 

·       SLA will only offer online courses.  

·       SLA’s degrees are all the same as course credits, so the cost is the same for all degrees.  

·       SLA will offer grant monies (must meet certain criteria) with the provision of only needing to take one course at a time to allow for personal obligations.  

·       All information regarding cost and grant monies (must meet certain criteria) is clearly outlined on the SLA website and BSU website.  

Strategy 6: Personalized Support for Adult Learners – if SLA adult learners need help or advice about their courses, they can reach out to their advisor.

Implication: 

·       Advisor and Support Staff at SLA – these individuals will give you a “map” of your courses and determine your time to graduate.

Strategy 7: Encourage Alumni Success Stories – encourage alumni to share their success stories for future adult learners to read and inspire them to come to SLA.  

Implication: 

·       Add adult learners’ testimonials to the SLA website to allow for video, social media, and blogs and highlight alumni achievements.  

Strategy 8: Adopt a Community for Prospective Adult Learners – some adults are too shy or disconnected from the community. SLA can help with this feeling of isolation or disconnection by: 

Implication: 

·       Create online forums and social media groups.   

·       These can also be created by adult learners who are studying media and computer courses.  

Strategy 9: Providing Outstanding Customer Service to All Prospective Adult Learners – exceptional customer service is necessary to attract adult learners. This can be achieved by: 

Implication: 

·       Having a user-friendly website illustrating clear navigation.  

·       Have a FAQ (frequently asked questions) section  

·       Have appropriate contact information for staff, faculty, and any administrators.  

Summary Table 

Rationales	Strategies	Goals	Possible Results
Determine the demographics and desire for adult learners.	Focus on the demographic area of the adult learners.	To increase enrollment  numbers.	Higher adult learner enrollment.
No hidden fees.  Set costs for all degrees.  All courses are online.	Eventually, expand this opportunity outside of Indiana.	More affordable cost.  All fees are the same for all degree options.	Allows the adult learner to balance work, family, and educational life.
Utilize both websites for HALA and BSU.  Email  Social Media  Pay for ads	Advertise at a minimal cost by utilizing social media platforms and websites.	Advertise to increase enrollment and make adult learners aware of their options for higher education.	Reach a larger audience.  Increase enrollment.
Encourage Alumni success stories	Promote the program with personal growth and financial rewards.	Recruitment Connections	Build connections and place in jobs that align with the degree earned. Increase job placement rates.

 

            I believe if they do more marketing in their strategies, they could possibly increase their enrollment and improve their funding. The students building connections with other alumni and possibly be a marketing tool to gain more adult learners.

 

References:

Cause IQ, Shafer Leadership Academy, https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/shafer-leadership-academy,270671331/ 

 

Schmidt, S. W., & Yelich Biniecki, S. M. (2016). Organization and administration of adult education programs: a guide for practitioners. Iap, Information Age Publishing, Inc.

 

Shafter Leadership Academy – Inclusive Leadership Development, Shafer Leadership Academy, www.shaferleadership.com/.