CLEVELAND, OH - December 14, 2006-- The Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University has launched a new executive program, Sustainability for Value and Profit, to take place on February 21 and 22, 2007.

Instructional leaders include David Cooperrider, professor and chairman of the department of organizational behavior at Weatherhead, and Chris Laszlo, co-founder of Sustainable Value Partners and visiting professor at Weatherhead. Cooperrider, world-renowned author, speaker and facilitator, is the co-originator of the concept of appreciative inquiry (AI), a positive, proven approach to change management. Chris Laszlo, author of the book, The Sustainable Company: How to Create Lasting Value through Social and Environmental Performance, has led over one hundred executive seminars and spoken around the world on sustainability.

The program was inspired by ideas shared by top business and thought leaders at the October 2006 international forum, Business as an Agent of World Benefit, convened by the UN Global Compact, the Academy of Management and the Weatherhead School of Management.

"Business cannot succeed in a world that fails," said Bertrand Collomb, chairman of Lafarge, at the conference. The aim of the forum was to illuminate ways of doing business that are both profitable and succeed in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental and social needs.

Sustainability emerged as the major theme, with corporate executives sharing stories of success in creating business value while also serving as a leading force for the environment, human health and social equity. While the number of corporations and smaller businesses conducting sustainable business practices is growing, there are many challenges to making this transition within the organization’s core strategy.

The two-day program combines sustainability business strategy with the powerful organizational change methodology of appreciative inquiry. Participating executives will develop practical skills for integrating sustainability into the normal course of business. Using AI, they will learn how to engage multiple stakeholders to achieve rapid, dramatic and holistic change. The program will also provide an opportunity to network with other executives facing similar challenges across industries.

A limited number of seats are available for February 21 and 22, 2007. For more information, call Weatherhead Executive Programs at 216/368-6413, 800/736-6403 or visit http://weatherhead.case.edu/exed/seminars/s/Sustainability.cfm.

Case Western Reserve University is among the nation’s leading research institutions. Founded in 1826 and shaped by the unique merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University, Case is distinguished by its strengths in education, research, service, and experiential learning. Located in Cleveland, Case offers nationally recognized programs in the Arts and Sciences, Dental Medicine, Engineering, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, and Social Work. http://www.case.edu.

Case Weatherhead School of Management

Case Weatherhead School of Management

Since its inception, the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University has received international acclaim for developing bold ideas that redefine the way management education is taught. This spirit of innovation has elevated its management programs to global prominence, earning Weatherhead a reputation as one of the most innovative business schools in the world. The Weatherhead School is bold in idea generation, creative in thinking and nimble in adapting to the rapidly changing business environment. Weatherhead's teaching approach delivers a unique blend of functional competencies and interpersonal skills that organizations increasingly need. The input we ask for and receive from industry, corporate sponsors and alumni is critical to designing curricula that advance our graduates' careers and the objectives of their sponsoring organizations. As a result, the people we teach are ready to add immediate value to their organizations, their communities and the world. It is this approach that has earned the school a place in the top 10% of the world's business schools for decades.

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