MTSU’s Jennings A. Jones College of Business is offering a series of courses this fall at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce to enhance the skills of business owners, executives and managers in the areas of online surveys, leadership and lean project management.

The three courses are being offered through the Jones College’s Executive Education program. Registration deadline for all three courses is Oct. 16. For costs, details and to register, visit www.mtsu.edu/business/execed.php.

“Executive and professional education is an important way for the Jones College to meet the continuing need for advanced training that is immediately applicable to solving real world problems,” said David Urban, dean of the Jones College.

The sessions will be facilitated by seasoned faculty members from the college “with proven track records in their respective fields,” said Kim Sokoya, associate dean for graduate and executive education.

“Holding the training sessions at the Rutherford Chamber should offer added convenience to participants.”

The chamber is located at 3050 Medical Center Parkway, just off Exit 76 on Interstate 24.

Those looking to start their own online marketing research program should register for “Online Marketing Research Methods: Developing Online Surveys and Analyzing Respondent Data.”

The three-hour course will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 20. Marketing professor Timothy Graeff, director of the Office of Consumer Research, is the facilitator. The session will teach participants how to create, administer, manage and analyze results from online marketing research surveys.

Dr. Tim Graeff

Dr. Deana Raffo

Those who want to build their leadership skills will be interested in “Maximizing Your Potential with Strengths-Based Leadership,” which will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Oct. 29.

Deana Raffo, associate professor of management and leadership studies coordinator in the Jones College, will serve as facilitator.

This session will teach participants about the principles of strengths-based leadership, leveraging personal strengths, and using techniques for investing in other’s strengths to maximize organizational success.

Dr. Cliff Welborn

Dr. Kimball Bullington

Before the workshop, participants should take the Clifton StrengthsFinder® assessment ($15) at http://ow.ly/SxsYa or purchase the book “Strengths-Based Leadership: Great Leaders, Teams, and Why People Follow.” The assessment will be used during the training session.

Participants can improve their project management skills by registering for “Lean Project Management,” which will be held from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 6.

Facilitators are Cliff Welborn, associate professor of management and a Lean Six Sigma master black belt, and Kimball Bullington, professor of management and Six Sigma master black belt.

This Excel-based seminar will provide participants with a simple, powerful tool to manage basic projects through class instruction, discussion and hands-on project application. Among other things, participants will learn how to manage basic projects, use an Excel spreadsheet and monitor project progress.

For more information about these courses, contact Chrissy Koepfgen at 615-898-2964 or visit www.mtsu.edu/business/execed.php.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)