COBA conference focuses on technology
LAURA SELLINGER
News Writer
An "informative and exciting event" is headed for Notre Dame's Jordan Auditorium this upcoming Thurday and Friday, according to Edward Trubac, associate dean for the college of Business Administration.
Entitled "Working and Learning in the New Millennium," the event is a series of discussions and panel presentations featuring two of the world's leading experts on trends in technology and the economy. Don Tapscott, chair of the Alliance for Converging Technologies, will speak today at 4 p.m. He is also the author of seven popular books on the application of technology to business. Micheal Mazaar, director of the New Millennium Project, will host a discussion at 8:45 a.m. on Friday.
Suggested as a topic by the Business Advisory Council [BAC], speakers will discuss major changes in society with the coming of the new milenium.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to talk about the millennium and the immediate impact of computers upon society and higher education," said Trubac.
Made possible by the O'Brien-Smith Visiting Scholars Program, Tapscott's presentation will center not only on how the internet is changing the business world, but also how the internet affects universities and school systems.
"Tapscott has labeled people between the ages of two and 22 as the NET generation. These are people who have been raised on digital technology, and will have a profound impact upon society," said Trubac. This will constitute part of the focus in Tapscott's discussion with emphasis on the role of computers and the internet in the coming millennium.
In addition to the Tapscott presentation, Mazaar will discuss his views on changes in society over the next ten years. Following the Mazaar discussion, a series of panel presentations led by BAC panel members will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Gary Gigot will focus on global branding, while Dick Heckmann will cover water as a strategic reosurce and Clark Keough will discuss the communications sector. At the same time, Tom Quinn will host a discussion on European markets, Reverend Ollie Williams will emphasize dominant ethical issues and Moira Shanahan will conclude with corporate communication.
These activites take place in conjuction with the college of Business Administration advisory council's annual meeting on campus. The council will also take part in the dedication of the college's new Doermer Family MBA Career Development Center on Friday at 2:45 p.m.
The new facility was underwritten by a gift from Richard and Mary Louise Doermer. Linked to placement, the center is a place where prospective employees and employers can meet and conduct interviews.
The discussions by Don Tapscott and Michael Mazaar, as well as the panel presentations and dedication activities are free and open to the public to attend.
"It is an unusual meeting because of the unique topics being presented and should be fun," said Trubac.
All News Stories for Thursday, September 30, 1999
