MPA (M) Program

Celebrating 5 Years of Connections!

November 1, 2021 denisehinds Leave a Comment

Since the beginning, CEGE Connection has been a place where all are welcomed. We have and continue to build a Virtual Community that thrives on the exchange of knowledge, experience, and wisdom. We thank everyone that has shared their life-affirming story with us and appreciate all our readers, supporters and casual observers. We have had over 600 diverse and inclusive dialogues and we look forward to many, many more connections to come.

A 5-year collection of CEGE Connection Contributors and Images (2016 to 2019)

SHARE.LEARN.INSPIRE.TRANSFORM

A 5-year collection of CEGE Connection Contributors and Images (2019 to 2021)

Congratulations Graduates of the Class of 2021

October 14, 2021 denisehinds Leave a Comment

This year, the Fall Graduating Class of 2021 will walk across the virtual stage to receive their diplomas and step onto the world’s stage.

Graduations mark the ending of a demanding academic journey and signal the beginning of an adventure that awaits. It is a time of celebration and anticipation, of farewells and of new plans.

CEGE Connection sends out warm congratulations to the Class of 2021. Thank you for your commitment to excellence, life-long learning, and the communities in which you live and work.

We know that whatever you do, you will be remarkable.

The CEGE Team

Master of Business Administration

Daniel	Adams	Leadership
Matthew	Allen	Leadership
Janet	Bangma	Leadership
Michael	Baskin	Leadership
Stephanie	Boyd	Leadership
Andrew	Bruce	Leadership
Joseph	Burchat	Leadership
Treyman	Burrows	Financial Services
Giuseppe	Collura	Financial Services
Steven	Cowan	Leadership
Drew	Craswell	Financial Services
Olusegun	Dada	Leadership
Prerona	Datta	Leadership
Megan	Donaldson	Leadership
Kelly	Esteves	Leadership
Benjamin	Forsyth	Leadership
Brandon	Franklin	Leadership
Thomas	Goodwin	Financial Services
Dominika	Gorzynska	Leadership
Leigh	Irvine	Leadership
Hemnath	Kuarsingh	Leadership
Caleb	MacDonald	Leadership

Master of Business Administration

Rory	MacNeill	Leadership
Paul	MacQueen	Leadership
Meaghan	Marzyk	Leadership
Aram	Masseredjian	Leadership
Jane	Matthews	Leadership
Nektarios	Moumos	Financial Services
Kourtney	Nelson Bernard	Leadership
Kyle	Nickason	Financial Services
Amanda	Oake	Leadership
Trevor	Poole	Leadership
Davina	Reid	Leadership
Ghaith	Sahawneh	Financial Services
Julia	Scott	Financial Services
John	Skerry	Leadership
Robert	Taylor	Financial Services
Kerry	Ternes	Leadership
Sebastien	Tessier	Leadership
Mary	Tsai-Corindia	Leadership
Grace	Vela	Financial Services
Karen	Wong	Financial Services
Jonathan	Yacoub	Leadership
Jason	Young	Leadership

Master of Information Management

Lisa	Holmes
Sabrina	Mughal
Eun young	Park
Emily	Speight

Master of Public Administration (Management)

France	Bertrand
Heather	Casavechia
Stefania	Cerisano
Angela	Christensen
Precious	Ehiozomwangie
Anna	Ou
Joren	Palmer
Amber	Potts
Jagdesh	Singh
Christine	Szarmes

And all those who are receiving their Graduate Diploma in Public Administration and Information Management and the Graduate certificate in Information Management.

Advance Your Career Through Blended Online Learning – MPA(M)

October 12, 2021 rbudd Leave a Comment

DRIVING YOUR DEVELOPMENT

CENTRE FOR EXECUTIVE AND GRADUATE EDUCATION (CEGE)

Learn from Wherever You Are!

Develop your leadership and strategic knowledge management skills. Our experiential learning model allows you to apply your new competencies in your workplace with your very first course.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The MPA (M) is designed to meet the needs of not-for-profit and public service professionals seeking to enhance their careers. The program provides the flexibility of online instruction while ensuring an educational experience that is rigorous, relevant, and practical.

Designed and delivered by internationally recognized academics and senior public service practitioners, our program’s optimal blend of theory, analysis and day-to-day practical learning gives you a unique framework to address the complex national and global issues that leaders and executives face today and in the future.

DIPLOMA OPTION

The MPA (M) offers a seven course Graduate Diploma option. Recipients of the Graduate Diploma may elect to continue their studies to earn the Master’s degree

ADVANCED STANDING/PLACEMENT

Dalhousie recognizes several professional designations. Consult the department for more information.

Flexibility: Enjoy a highly flexible timeframe that caters to your lifestyle and learning needs. Our program’s blend of distance and face-to-face learning provides you with an opportunity to learn from
anywhere in the world.

Networking: Build a lifelong network of like-minded professionals across Canada.

DEVELOP YOUR COMPETENCIES

All courses in the MPA (M) program focus on the development of skills, knowledge and capabilities that will prepare you to manage and lead public sector organizations. Each course exposes you to the theories, concepts, applied techniques and current issues affecting the modern state and society and public governance. Graduates of the MPA (M) program will be able to effectively make decisions by applying a best practices approach to management.

BLENDED/ONLINE LEARNING – THE DALHOUSIE EDGE

The MPA (M) is a part-time program delivered primarily online, complemented by onsite intensives.

Instructors in the program are award-winning teachers with broad experience in distance education, research, and consulting. Our highly experienced team in the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education (CEGE) ensures high quality online learning.

LEARN FROM WHEREEVER YOU ARE

Designed for dedicated and goal-oriented mid-career professionals, programs delivered through the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education (CEGE) can be tailored to meet your needs.

Learn from wherever you are: Our blend of distance and face-to-face learning lets you study from wherever you are. Courses are delivered via the university’s online learning system, concluding with a two to five day face-to-face intensive component conveniently held in cities across Canada.

Flexible program options: You can complete your degree in as few as two and a half or as many as seven years, giving you the flexibility you need to balance your learning needs with your lifestyle and current professional responsibilities. Choose from a list of courses available year-round.

Learner-centred approach: Our award-winning instructors use an array of integrated learning technologies to provide you with a dynamic and interactive online learning environment.

Support centre dedicated to mid-career learners: The CEGE team will ensure you have the information and resources you need to focus on. driving your development and advancing your career.

CONTACT US

We are here to assist you every step of the way.

Apply Now: dal.ca/mpam

EMAIL: cege@dal.ca I TEL: 902.494.6391
TOLL FREE: 800.205.7510

School of Public Administration
Faculty of Management I Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3H 4R2 ‘

Chris Strutt on Preparing for the Intensive Season

May 11, 2021 rbudd Leave a Comment

Strategic Financial Management (MPA(M))

The virtual winter term Intensives are in full swing; some have ended, some are just beginning, and some are in the thick of it. Our MIM, MPA(M) and MBA(FS) program courses end with a two-to-four-day Intensive session in which students can solidify and apply their newly gained knowledge presented in the concepts, theories, and learning objectives of the course.

So, what should students expect during the intensive sessions?

CEGE Connection reached out to Chris Strutt, who is in the MPA(M) program at the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education. Soon to graduate, Chris shares his thoughts with fellow students on how to prepare for their first Intensive.

Chris Strutt, MPA(M) Class of 2021
Parole Officer

Congratulations on making it to the end of your first course in the MPA(M)!

Honestly, in my experience over the past 12 courses, the Intensives have always been the best part of the class. Not just because they signal the end of 12 weeks of hard work, but everything we have learned and discussed in the course will suddenly come together. Intensives are the best opportunity to finally put the theory and concepts into actual practice with some real-world application.

My biggest piece of advice is pay attention during the Intensive. You have completed your assignments and reviewed your course notes and text. The Intensives are your opportunity to ask questions. Our professors are fully engaged with students and are committed to providing the highest level of teaching. By the end of the Intensive, you will understand the course materials and will be prepared for the exam. Based on your efforts over the past four months, you are ready to be tested. The readings, assignments, and term project have prepared you, not only to complete an examination, but to think strategically within your chosen career path.

While Covid19 prevented us from meeting in a classroom, every effort was made to ensure that there was a sense of belonging that fostered exploration and teamwork. We are learning to connect virtually. Ask questions, share ideas, and participate in discussions and real-world collaborations. Use the Intensive to review and integrate main concepts, consolidate information and dialogue with your peers. You will have an amazing time.

All the very best in your studies,

Chris Strutt, MPA(M) Class of 2021

Morven Fitzgerald: Transitions & Transformations

July 14, 2020 rbudd Leave a Comment

“Over the years, technology and new ways of sharing and exchanging knowledge kept CEGE’s programs innovative and relevant. It has been exciting to look back at what we have accomplished, but it is even more rewarding to look forward to new on-line/blended learning possibilities that are waiting for us in the future.” Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator MPA (M) & MIM Programs

Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator MPA (M) & MIM Programs

Over the years, technology and new ways of sharing and exchanging knowledge kept CEGE’s programs innovative and relevant. It has been exciting to look back at what we have accomplished, but it is even more rewarding to look forward to new on-line/blended learning possibilities that are waiting for us in the future.” Morven Fitzgerald

Morven Fitzgerald, Integrated Learning Coordinator for the Masters of Information Management and Master of Public Administration Management programs, was there from (nearly) the beginning of the MBA(FS). From its genesis to present day, Morven has been a witness to the remarkable transformations that have occurred at the Centre for Executive and Graduate Education (CEGE) within the short time frame of 21 years.

I have been with CEGE since 1999,” Morven recalled in a recent FaceTime interview. “It seems so very long ago! But it all comes back with a fresh perspective, especially as we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the MBA(FS) program. I tended to work in the background to facilitate and coordinate student activities and requests. I did not travel as much as Michelle; instead, I was engaged in creating and shipping intensive materials, plus receiving assignments by fax and getting them returned to students and support for whomever needed whatever.

Looking back, what we accomplished was remarkable. Delivery was through a formal web board that today we would call a “blog” (long before blogging was a term). Lesson notes were created to fill the gap created by no formal lectures in a classroom. Any electronic documentation was attached to the blog and viewable by all within the course. Private communication necessitated the use of external email. Assignments were returned by fax. As outdated as this sounds, it was well ahead of its time all those years ago.

In 1999, while I was engaged with the MBA(FS) students, in another part of the building, the Master of Public Administration (Management) students attended school every other Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. There was a two-week hiatus between classes for assignments and hand-ins, readings and research. There was a 3-hour exam at the end of each course. Unlike the MBA(FS) program there were no formal “lesson notes.” The sole means of communication at that time was email; the only classroom equipment were whiteboards and projectors (when they worked, if they were there). The on-campus MPA moved under the CEGE umbrella. With the final cohort of students due to graduate in a couple of years, new means of delivering the program were being explored in order to reach a larger, more diverse, audience. WebCT, a learning management system (LMS) software application for the delivery of on-line/blended education, was the next iteration in technology.

I was selected to bring the Master of Public Administration(M) program online with WebCT. Shortly thereafter, I moved the MBA(FS) program onto the same system as it had tested so well with MPA(M). The Master of Information Management was a natural addition to CEGE’s program.

The Centre for Executive and Graduate Education is known to respond to the ever-changing business environment by offering degree programs specific to the sector and the audience it will serve. In addition to the MBA(FS), professionals have the choice of an MBA that specializes in Leadership, Master of Public Administration (Management) and Master of Information Management.

Passion for complex change: Q and A with Erin Flaim (MPA(M) ’08)

May 12, 2020 rbudd Leave a Comment

Erin Flaim MP(M) 08

Republished from Dalhousie University Alumni Posted: February 10, 2020

Erin Flaim is a passionate professional with over 25 years of connecting with and supporting people during times of change. She is a member of the Association of Change Management Professionals and holds Prosci® change management certification, a Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and a certificate in advanced facilitation.

Degrees: BSc Recreation ’93, MPA(M) ’08

Current position: Senior Consultant and Change Management Practice Lead, Pivot Consulting Inc.

Tell us about your career so far

Since my first job as a summer student working in recreation, I have been dedicated to public service. My career has provided the opportunity to work in a variety of leadership roles in areas such as asset management, transportation and public works, public transit, corporate services and IT.

I have worked extensively in complex, frontline service areas of municipal government and in various emergency response situations, leading organizational change. When I left formal public service I had an instrumental role on the team establishing the municipality’s Performance Excellence office. Guiding organizations and individuals through complex change is my passion.

Tell us about your current job and how you got there

In 2018, I joined Pivot Consulting, a professional business consulting and digital transformation services firm, as a Senior Consultant leading the firm’s change management practice. I moved into consulting to make a difference doing the work I love. I chose Pivot because its culture and values matched mine.

I work specifically in the discipline of change management. It is what I love to do and every day I bring my skills and experience to guide, coach and support transformative change within organizations.

What part of your job are you the most passionate about?

People. Being able to support them through complex change is highly rewarding. I form genuine and lasting connections with my clients because I am able to demonstrate my passion and expertise in a way that is meaningful to them. The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people I work with embrace the change through open hearts, honest conversations and awareness of their impact.

What has MPA meant to your career?

I believe so strongly in public service and this degree was a match I knew would allow me to leverage my skillsets even further. Studying while working was highly beneficial as I was able to apply theory to actual practice. I have held senior leadership positions and found my passion as a result. The added benefit is the large network of individuals you develop and maintain contact with.

Any advice for future MPA students?

Take advantage of every experience you can and don’t limit yourself. The MPA program introduces you to many areas of study you will use throughout your career and is translatable to so many different areas, including in volunteer work. I believe strongly in supporting mental health services and, through the skills acquired from the program, I give back to my community through volunteer work with the Canadian Mental Health Association Halifax Dartmouth Branch.

Christina Bouchard: Building Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure

October 22, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

“Governments that want to build more sustainable road networks may need to change their administrative processes, shift the work culture of the public service, and even restructure the approval bodies made up of elected officials.”

Christina Bouchard MPA(M) Class of 2019

Christina Bouchard is a Transportation Planner and Project Manager for infrastructure engineering projects. Located in downtown Toronto, she specializes in the delivery of sustainable transportation projects. Her recent projects include transportation master planning, major capital implementation coordination, strategic policy design and infrastructure design for walking and cycling infrastructure. Following 10 years working as a public servant at Toronto City Hall, Christina now works with a variety of Canadian and international jurisdictions as a consultant. Following the completion of a Masters in Public Administration (Management) at Dalhousie, Christina will be pursuing PhD studies at the University of Ottawa. Her doctoral research will center around a comparative analysis of infrastructure delivery by Canadian municipalities.

CEGE Connection reached out to Christina for her insights on building sustainable transportation infrastructure.

Christina Bouchard:

What are the processes to construction of a road design?

As a manager of transportation infrastructure engineering projects, I have seen a lot of variability in how different jurisdictions are planning, designing and building their infrastructure. Some jurisdictions have been rapidly planning, approving and building networks of separated cycle tracks. These types of successes are great from both an environmental and public health perspective for the people living in those Cities. Unfortunately, some other jurisdictions struggle to install modest changes.

How would doing a comparative analysis of infrastructure projects in different Cities help?

No one has compared the political structures, government structures, government processes and stakeholder engagement that affect the implementation of Canada’s sustainable transportation infrastructure. Interviewing practitioners in Canada’s major Cities will help map best practices as well as the pain points that are causing projects to be installed very slowly or not at all.

The professionals that make up Canada’s transportation sector include traffic engineers, civil engineers and transportation planners. I have been fortunate to work with many capable professionals in both the public and private sectors. However, the successful implementation of transformative change goes beyond good planning or good engineering for individual projects.

Why is studying the implementation process that governments use important?

Wherever you go, everyone wants government to be efficient. Unfortunately, it is not always easy for bureaucracies to change their own structure and processes. Bureaucrats often use process and protocol as measurements of transparency and accountability. Studying implementation realities across multiple jurisdictions is a way to better understand how public value is being created.

If best practices are identified, what comes next?

Governments that want to build more sustainable road networks may need to change their administrative processes, shift the work culture of the public service, and even restructure the approval bodies made up of elected officials.

Did undertaking the Masters in Public Administration offered by Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Management influence your thinking about public sector management?

Yes, and there were many program areas that addressed problems I have witnessed in my professional career. Government structures, accounting practices, intergovernmental relations, risk assessment, information management and human resource management all play a role in the actual ability of a public service organization to address a shifting political mandate. It has been my experience that these aspects of program implementation are often inadequately addressed by advocates and reformers working in the Transportation sector.

When studying at Dalhousie, what was the blended program like?

Working all day and then doing schoolwork in the evening requires commitment, but a strength of the program is that you can tie it into your area of expertise. If you’re passionate about your work, Dalhousie’s blended program can help you learn without leaving your workplace. Continuing my work with clients allowed me to remain active and engaged with the industry I care deeply about.

Why do you want governments to succeed at building sustainable transportation infrastructure?

In Canada, there are over 10,000 people killed or seriously injured in traffic each year. Instances of serious property damage during climate change storms is increasing, and there is an obesity epidemic. Sustainable transportation infrastructure addresses all these issues simultaneously – and it’s fun! I have always been passionate about transportation sustainability. As the mother of an energetic child, the need to build infrastructure that makes walking and cycling safe for all ages and abilities has become even more immediate to me.

Editor’s Note: CEGE Connection is pleased to advise that Christina has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection. We wish her the very best as she pursues her PhD studies at the University of Ottawa.

Tanya Chedrawy: Beyond Our Borders

September 12, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

“We all have an innate longing to connect, to engage in discussions that encourage, inform, entertain and inspire. Whether communication takes a traditional form or moves into the arena of social media, successful outcomes reside in an individual’s ability to transmit messages with clarity and integrity. Social media has given local dialogue a global reach that invites a robust and diverse discussion.”

Tanya Chedrawy, MPA(M), BPR, BA

Tanya Chedrawy, MPA(M), BPR, BA
Tanya Media
Founder & CEO
tanyamedia.com

Tanya Chedrawy MPA(M) 2016 is the Founder and CEO of Tanya Media, a premiere media content production and communications company in Atlantic Canada. As the host and producer of Eastlink Community TV’s Small Talk Big Ideas, she understands the power of a story. She uses her expertise to help organizations cultivate a strategic storytelling practice to establish themselves in a category of one. Now as host of the podcast “Beyond Our Borders” produced by Podcast Atlantic and Tanya Media, she is creating a series of conversations with Atlantic Canadians who are impacting the world.

CEGE Connction reached out to Tanya for her insights on how social media can leverage storytelling and build circles of influence that pursue the greater good for organizations and our global society.

Beyond Our Borders

Tanya Chedrawy:

In this digital age it is easy to get lost in the noise. The most successful companies are the ones that cultivate a strategic storytelling practice. Essentially, I am in the business of putting the spotlight on individuals who make an impact. I continue to hone my skills, which is the point of life-long learning. That is what makes life interesting, and our personal narratives remarkable. Each episode of Beyond our Borders, will highlight resonating insights, humor, poignant personal stories, impactful tools, tips and tricks from the most creative and innovative minds from this corner of the world that will inspire you in life and business.

My mission is two-fold. One is to help organizations maximize their reach with audiences by telling their unique brand story. Second, my mission is to contribute to a more enlightened and compassionate world through storytelling. Exploring socially relevant topics and fostering holistic conversations via the podcast Beyond Our Borders will create opportunities to connect and drive impact and action through inspiration.

We all have an innate longing to connect, to engage in discussions that encourage, inform, entertain and inspire. Whether communication takes a traditional form or moves into the arena of social media, successful outcomes reside in an individual’s ability to transmit messages with clarity and integrity. Social media has given local dialogue a global reach that invites a robust and diverse discussion.

Editor’s Note: CEGE Connection is pleased to advise that Tanya has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection. We invite you to get to know Tanya better in the March issue of Spotlight on Business

Dr. Louise Spiteri: Vegan Treats in Halifax

August 20, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Dr. Louise Spiteri

The MBA(FSL), MIM and MPA(M) summer intensive season is coming to Dalhousie University, Halifax. This is a great opportunity to experience the hospitality of the Haligonian community. Walking along the Halifax Waterfront, taking a tour of the Alexander Keith’s Brewery, exploring the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, viewing Halifax Harbour from the ramparts of Halifax Citadel or meandering through the pathways of Halifax Public Gardens – these are not to be missed experiences.

I recently stopped by Dr. Louise Spiteri’s Blog, Vegan Footprints and discovered that Halifax has an outstanding selection of bakeries and chocolatiers that offer vegan treats. From decadent Black Forest and carrot cakes to delicious apple fritters and lemon squares – these treats would add energy for those late-night study group activities.

I encourage you to visit Vegan Footprints for more information.

Welcome to the intensive season,

Rebecca Budd
Editor & Blog Coordinator