NEWPORT, R.I. – Salve Regina University has stepped up its green initiative by offering two graduate-level environmental courses in its MBA and master’s in management programs that could lead to a concentration in environmental management.
Registration is currently underway for both special topics courses being offered back-to-back beginning in January at the university’s Pawtucket location at the Blackstone Valley Visitor’s Center. “Advanced Resource Management” (MGT 581 02) will meet Monday evenings from 5-9 p.m., Jan. 25 to March 15; and “Managing for Successful Buildings” (MGT 581 03) will be offered on Monday evenings from March 22-May 3.
Both courses will be taught by Chris Haines, a licensed architect with 20 years of experience in the U.S. and abroad in the fields of commercial and industrial energy efficiency, renewable energy, building construction, sustainability, and environmental management systems (ISO 14000).
Advanced Resource Management will focus on the major resources business and society depend on, including energy, water, food, major materials, petro-chemicals and composite technologies. Students will investigate sources, supplies, costs, consumption, products, production technologies, recycling, waste and pollution, depletion and environmental impacts.
“Business plans and strategies built on last year’s realities will likely fail if those realities change,” Haines said. “Smart business people must be fully up-to-date on changing conditions for the resources their businesses depend on. Those who understand the changes taking place will be better able to correctly interpret current events, predict future events and keep their businesses flourishing."
Managing for Successful Buildings will investigate building design and construction, the players involved, and how to avoid failures while maximizing benefits in a construction project. Students will examine building components, including the construction process, building performance and causes of building failures.
“Buildings, whether leased or owned, represent a significant cost to any business and many businesses (banks, real estate, etc.) work in the business of buildings,” Haines said. “Those who understand the industry will make better business decisions than those who do not (errors by some have cost many millions of dollars). This course will provide an understanding of the industry to keep you successful managing buildings and construction projects.”
Students who complete both courses in combination with another already offered in the graduate management or international relations programs will qualify for a concentration in environmental management. By completing two additional courses, students can earn a certificate in environmental management.
“Salve Regina is continually responding to the needs of students,” said Dr. Thomas Sabbagh, dean of graduate studies and continuing education. “Responsible allocation of resources, issues related to the ‘greening’ of the economy, social and environmental responsibility – these are all issues that fit within our mission and are integral in a changing world.”
For more information or to register, contact Salve Regina’s office of graduate studies and continuing education at (800) 637-0002, (401) 341-2385 or graduate_studies@salve.edu.