Fall 2009 Newsletter
The new program director, Professor Ray Fisman discusses an innovative look at the field of social enterprise. Read his message...
"Social Enterprise" has come to connote very different things to different people. Rather than trying to add yet another attempt at an authoritative definition to an already crowded field, I'd like to provide some insight into what social enterprise means to us and our program at Columbia Business School. The view from 60,000 feet, so to speak, is that social enterprise comprises the issues and activities that lie at the intersection of business practice and the interests of society. This incorporates questions of how businesses impact society through their strategies and operations -- by reducing their carbon footprints, developing products to serve disadvantaged communities, supporting charities and myriad other activities.
The Annual Social Enterprise Conference takes place in NYC on October 9, 2009
From Vision to Practice will engage 600 attendees -- including top practitioners from business, public and nonprofit institutions -- to explore innovations addressing today's most pressing social issues, including clean technology, profitable models to address poverty, education reform and financial innovations that generate social return.
Professionals and alumni are also welcome to attend the closing keynote (with Thomas Gensemer of Blue State Digital, and and the social networking strategist of the 2008 Barack Obama presidential campaign), and the networking reception. However, online registration for the networking reception only (at a discounted price) is required.
The conference will be held in Alfred Lerner Hall on Friday October 9 at Columbia University in New York City. Visit the conference site and register today.
I'd like to take this opportunity, on behalf of tomorrow's students, to thank those of you who have contributed to the Ray Horton Social Enterprise Fund.
Looking at the names of the nearly 300 people who have supported the Fund brings back a lot of very nice memories. In the entire list I can only count 13 names I don't recognize; it's nice to have so many friends, forgotten as well as remembered.
The return of fall finds me busier than ever with my classes and new responsibilities as Director of Programs in Social Enterprise in Executive Education, where I'm responsible for developing open enrollment programs as well as programs customized for single clients in the social enterprise space. It's a challenging but interesting assignment.
Best wishes to all,
Ray
Watch webinar presentation by Ray Horton on why nonprofit professionals need strong management and leadership skills hosted by Programs in Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School Executive Education.
Read Hermes article about Ray Horton and the history of Social Enterprise at Columbia Business School.
Up-close with the Faculty Members
Healthcare changes on the horizon
Professor Linda Green, the Armand G. Erpf Professor of the Modern Corporation, shares her expertise about one of today's most timely topics: healthcare. Learn more about Professor Green's course Healthcare Industry in the 21st Century.
Professor Geoff Heal offers another look at energy markets this fall
Heal's course, New Developments in Energy Markets, starts with an analysis of the factors driving changes in energy markets -- the rise in oil prices, geopolitical and energy security concerns, climate change and the need to decarbonize the economy and the current regulatory framework of the industry. The course also explores specific energy types and their economic and commercial characteristics, including solar thermal, solar PV, biofuels of various types, geothermal, wind, tidal, nuclear and then the use of energy in transportation (hybrid vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, electric vehicles). The financing of new energy ventures is also discussed.
Professor Heal is the Paul Garrett Professor of Public Policy and Business Responsibility. Learn more about his course New Developments in Energy Markets.
Professor Antony Bugg-Levine speaks at the International Conference on Social Enterprise in Korea
Bugg-Levine speaks about impact investing as a source of financing for social enterprise. Learn more about his course Business Innovations in International Development.
Up-close with Students
Summer Fellows lend essential business skills to organizations in NYC
More than 40 first-year students spent the summer working with socially engaged organizations in NYC (and another 17 worked with organizations around the world). Here's a recap of some of their work. Visit the summer fellowships web site to learn more about the work performed this past summer by MBA students.
Alumni Corner
Social Venture Network selects Ben Powell '05 and Agora Partnerships as finalist for award
Powell, Managing Partner of Agora Partnerships, was selected as a finalist for the Social Venture Network (SVN) Award. The SVN Award is designed "to inspire and support the next generation of innovative, socially responsible business and nonprofit entrepreneurs." The winner of the award receives the support of the SVN Network, which brings together more than 500 thought leaders, nonprofit executives and investors. Learn more about Agora Partnerships or visit the Social Venture Network.
David del Ser '08 receives Echoing Green Fellowship to further his work with Frogtek
Del Ser and Mark Pedersen '07, who heads operations for Frogtek, are in the initial stages of creating a mobile phone prototype that will allow small business owners in Colombia and Mexico to conduct business more efficiently. Learn more about Frogtek.
Acumen Fund Fellow, Trisha Morente '05, works with student course projects
Morente, who heads strategy and marketing for Lifespring Hospitals, worked with current students in India during professor Gita Johar's Global Marketing Consulting for Social Enterprise course.
Acumen Fund selected Morente as a fellow in 2008 to work with Lifespring Hospitals in Hyderabad, India. View her fellow video. Learn more about Lifespring Hospitals.
