Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Signs of Scientific and Creative Genius in Business



Genius, previously termed gifted, is a person who excels in one or a number of fields in a manner that contributes something new and unique. Geniuses develop new ideas, concepts, artistic forms, or new scientific breakthroughs in order to advance the field. Businesses are naturally interested in geniuses because they can either solve new problems or create new discoveries. A study by Dr. Keith Simonton helps define the differences in creative and scientific genius and how these are impacted by genetics and life. 

Genius as a Creative Output

Genius is more than being intelligent or ranking high on certain abilities tests. It is also about the actual output marks the individual that creates it. For example, having all the abilities in the world is great but eventually they must be used to create something. A telltale aspect of genius is the advancement of a new artistic piece, a scientific theory, or literary work. 

Genius as Intelligence:

Creative genius and scientific genius may hold some similar traits but ultimately rely on different types of skills. For example, scientific genius typically has intelligence over 140 while creative genius has an IQ over 125. The reason may be more associated with the nature of test taking whereby creative individuals could see multiple answers to problems and may take longer to answer questions.  The higher forms of genius having greater broader skills that applies across multiple spectrums. 

Genius as an Environmental Factor:

Genius is not all biological. Some places and times in the world created more geniuses than others. These are certainly not due to the slow pace of biological development and more likely oriented toward the sociocultural aspects of society at the time. The right atmosphere can help more geniuses come forward with ideas and created golden ages in societies. 

 The Benefits of Applying Genius to Business:

Genius can have many uses and each advancement in knowledge or creative output helps push society forward. When applied to the business world it can have a significant impact on the type of products developed and the amount of profits a business can make. A single invention can change the trajectory of development creating new lines of market solutions and put companies on top of their game.

It may seem like genius in one field cannot be applied easily to business but this is not always the case. Artistic genius can be transferred to media arts and design, scientific genius to product development, and creative genius to solve strategic problems. The transference of skills may not be one to one but the general skills can apply to solve unique problems. Developing the right exploratory environment and applying the skills to a specific task can make a big difference.

Simonton, K. (2012). Creative Genius as a Personality Phenomenon: Definitions, Methods, Findings, and Issues. Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 6 (9).

Monday, December 22, 2014

Utica College Online Adjunct (Multiple)



We are currently accepting applications for adjunct instructors to teach in all disciplines to support programmatic and enrollment growth. If you hold the minimum of a master’s degree, you are welcome to submit your application for consideration. The only exception to this requirement is the nursing clinical opportunities which require a bachelor's degree in nursing.
  • Review course descriptions
  • Complete the online instructor application and attach your CV and unofficial transcripts for review. You will receive an auto-reply once you have successfully submitted your application.
  • Although we are accepting applications in all disciplines we may not have an immediate need for someone with your background and experience. Your information will stay on file and active. If we have an opening that is a match for you, you will be contacted by a member of the Office of Human Resources.

The Generalist or the Specialist: Which Approach Should You Take?

Those embarking on their career, or a new career, may want to understand what type of training or education is likely to lead to higher levels of pay and performance. Some will skip college and become specialists while others will move through a broader education and become generalists. A few may do both. Each has their advantages and weaknesses in the short and long-term and career enthusiasts should consider both.

A young person graduates high school and must make a decision between obtaining certificates and entering the workforce or frequenting a college. Specialists are easier to train and don't often required a lengthy college education which can be an advantage for those not willing to take on debt. However, it can also leave a person less likely to be promoted in the future. 


 Adaptability of Skills

Generalists are more adaptive than specialists and offer opportunities for greater levels flexibility in a changing market.  The broad based skills are more transferable and portable across both industries and companies. Specialists are focused on a particular function and may not always be able to easily apply those skills to other companies thereby limiting their opportunities. 

Specializing and Wages

Specialists typically earn more money in the beginning of their careers when compared to generalists. As a specialist in demand oriented markets like technical support the specialist can make a lot of money with certificates and training. As the skill sets become broader the more time it makes to earn higher wages.

Management and Generalist Skills

At the management level the generalist skill takes precedence in promotion. Generalists have a wide range of experiences and skills that help them manage other people. A specialist will be more limited in their perspectives and knowledge. For those seeking to eventually move into management and executive positions the generalist approach is a better long-term avenue. 

Sunday, December 21, 2014

Call for Papers: 2015 International Business Conference



Conference Dates: August 2-6, 2015

Final abstracts/papers due: July 7, 2015


Join us at our 2015 International Business Conference in New York City, at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel! In addition to the Business Conference, we are also hosting a Education Conference that will be held on the same days, at the same venue. One registration fee will allow you to attend both conferences.

Topics

The business conference provides a forum for faculty and administrators to present their research on all aspects of business. Topics include, but are not limited to:
  • Accounting
  • Auditing
  • Banking
  • Business Education
  • Business Ethics
  • Business Information Systems
  • Business Law
  • Business Teaching Methods
  • Business Technology
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Diversity Management
  • E-Commerce
  • Economics
  • Energy Policy
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Human Resources
  • Information Systems
  • International Business
  • International Energy Development & Usage
  • Management
  • Marketing
  • Service Science
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Taxes

College Structures that are Changing to Student Needs



It wasn’t long ago that the only option for higher education was to attend classes full-time and put your life on hold. The traditional educational model was implanted from European religious models and existed in the country and unchanged for hundreds of years.  The advent of new virtual information and the interconnectedness of media tools have changed the fundamental way in which colleges operate. 

Retrofitting Traditional Structures:

Traditional structures are based on traditional mediums of learning that rely heavily on face-to-face communication. As technology made its way into the modern educational world such colleges first implemented this technology in individual classes and then into the infrastructure of their universities. Older platforms are in the process of retrofitted to handle more data and virtual learning platforms. 

Newer models do not have large physical infrastructures but are marked by their sleek and cost saving designs. Lacking a physical product like traditional campuses, the new designs provide data driven highways and greater virtual access than traditional universities can provide. Learning is not limited to campus residing students but may reach out over the globe while keeping costs low. 

Changing Demographics of Students:

Today’s world is more complex than it was in the past. A few decades ago a person would either get a job or they would attend college. College was a step into a better life where the ends were limited by the dreams of the graduate. Even though the same fundamental choices exist today, not having a college degree can be seriously limiting for one's lifestyle. College has become the new high school diploma.

Students are likely to be older and return to school at various stages of their life. They may get a bachelor degree, work for 10 years, and then go back for a Master's degree. Virtual education is matched to the needs of changing demographics and learning-living lifestyles. It is not yet a fully explored medium and will someday continue to improve speed making information limited to the capacities of the human mind.