Overview of ManagementExcel

ManagementExcel is the name for Ohio State University Extension's programs that focus on teaching business management principles. ManagementExcel focuses on the five functions of management (planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling) rather than technical production subject matter. In no sense does ManagementExcel substitute for or compete with technical education for producers. The two types of educational activities are highly complementary.

ManagementExcel is the general label for the federation of individual teams functioning in four of Ohio's five Extension Districts. Eleven teams are currently functioning: Ag Excel, Dairy Excel NE, DairyExcel SW, Equine ManagementExcel, HortExcel, Grain Excel, Fruit and Vegetable Excel, Pork Performance Plus, Pork Excel, Small Business ManagementExcel and Southwest ManagementExcel. Extension personnel develop the curriculum and teach the material in workshop settings. The basic workshop, called Managing for Success (MFS), is typically conducted in three one-day meetings, one week apart.

Paramount to the success of the ManagementExcel programs is the commitment and involvement of agents and district specialists on the teaching teams. The need for programs is determined at the county and district level. Teams are established through the initiative of interested agents and district specialists. Bernie Erven, a state specialist in the Department of Agricultural Economics, assists ManagementExcel teams with organization, curriculum development and teaching to the extent requested by individual teams. Lanny Anderson, Ashtabula County A&NR agent, worked half-time state- wide during 1995 and 1996 to support ManagementExcel teams. In 1996 Eric Barrett joined ManagementExcel as a half-time Extension Associate in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Eric works with Bernie Erven and the newly formed ManagementExcel Assistance Team to help ManagementExcel teams.

Considerable preparation time is required for teaching at the Managing for Success workshops because in practically all cases, it is the teachers' first experience in teaching the management concepts of ManagementExcel. Several characteristics of ManagementExcel teaching including experiential learning and extensive interaction with students also challenge new teachers. However, ManagementExcel teachers have been highly successful as evidenced by the enthusiasm of managers participating. In every case, attendance is nearly 100 percent over the three days of Managing for Success.

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