Management Studies and the Impact of Polar Bears on Running Time

We all like to brag about getting stranded in Grise Fiord for a month waiting for the weather to clear. But the flip side of northern travel is a trip when the weather is perfect, the assignment goes smoothly, and you get to enjoy a community. Jimmy Jacquard recently had one of those when he delivered the Principles of Management Course for Arctic College in Rankin Inlet.

"The Campus in Rankin was great," Jimmy says. "Noreen Russell is in charge of program, and she was very helpful and welcoming. It's a top rate program and staff. Everyone's so friendly, the facility is great, good infrastructure, excellent computer lab, all modern equipment...can't ask for better."

Working for two weeks with Charlotte Hickes and Tracy Pitsiulaaq Ayaruak (Rankin Inlet) and Roxy Iilnik and Howmik Alagalak (Arviat), Jimmy focused on case studies both from the text and from other relevant Nunavut businesses and organizations.Technology was used throughout the course—all assignments and projects were handed in via e-mail and feedback and grades were sent to students via e-mail as well. Very little paper was used in the course.

Students were assigned one major case study in which they chose a local business or organization to do a comprehensive strategic analysis (based on course concepts). This case study was presented to the rest of the group on the last day of the course. Students were a bit shy, especially to present their case study, but everyone a great job, and all finished the course with new skills, new knowledge, and a new level of confidence in their abilities.

On the personal side, the Jacquard Journal reports:

The weather in Rankin was incredible for those 2 weeks - clear, no wind, absolutely gorgeous. I was in training to run a half marathon at the end of the month, and had to run 5 times per week. I found a 5 km loop that went out of town a little bit and then looped back. I have a GPS watch that records distance and speed, and my training in Rankin produced the fastest runs in all of my training -especially the stretch out of town. Thinking back, this was probably due to being on edge a little bit knowing that polar bears also live in the area.

Bottom line - two of the best teaching weeks ever, great students, a course that I liked, exercise outdoors, and stayed at good friends- can't wait to return.

Alas, no pictures—too bad but will know for next time.