University of Dammam (Saudi Arabia), King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia), University of Wisconsin, MSUGlobal, Advanced Management Institute (AMI)

Problems Solved: Advanced e-Learning Solutions, Optimizing Learner Success		Strategic Focus: Leading/Navigating Change; Crafting/Executing Change; Aligning Learning, Knowledge, and Performance; Enhancing Revenues.
Thought Leaders and Project Managers: Donald M. Norris, Paul Lefrere, Bassem Khafagy.

Current Leading-Edge Projects in e-Learning. Dr. Norris is leading a team including Drs. Lefrere ad Khafagy in crafting a new vision for e-Learning and Distance Learning at the University of Dammam and King Khalid University. Our team has also developed a Vision for a Virtual Universty for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Long-Term Throught Leadership. Dr. Norris has worked with some of the leading e-learning providers to co-create new perspectives and e-learning applications. He has consulted with industry innovators such as University of Maryland University College, University of Wisconsin Learning Innovations, MSUGlobal, and Central Michigan University. Dr. Norris has consulted with the Advanced Management Institute (AMI) to develop a new generation of e-learning programs for large engineering/architecture firms. He has also been hired by Sun, SCT, PeopleSoft, Datatel, Oracle, and other technology companies to share his e-learning perspectives with their customers and incorporate his insights into their products. He is a recognized expert in e-learning applications in professional societies and associations. Dr. Norris has also written, spoken, and consulted on e-learning opportunities in government, health care, and industry.

Dr. Norris has recently completed several engagements that leverage e-learning, knowledge management, and process reinvention to create new value propositions for the stakeholders of enterprises like Eastern Michigan University, New York Law School, University of Wisconsin System, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and Wilkes.

Case Study: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities – electricity Grid for e-Learning. The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities include 34 campuses, ranging from technical colleges to comprehensive universities. Beginning in September 2003, Strategic Initiatives was called in to facilitate broad-ranging discussions on the challenges facing MnSCU and to craft appropriate, system-wide initiatives. While MnSCU was undertaking many nationally-recognized initiatives (MnOnline, e-folio), it was not achieving enterprise-wide leveraging of these innovations. The conversations resulted in a series of interconnected expeditions that MnSCU could follow, in parallel to the existing system-wide strategic plan. Dr. Norris was invited to engage meetings of the System's CIOs, CFOs, Provosts, VPs for Student Affairs, and Enrollment Services teams, discussing new strategies and expeditions.

Strategic Initiatives continued to work with MnSCU, supporting four expeditionary "big ideas" that emerged from the visioning and planning activities. These include the creation of a seamless electricity grid for learning. The grid metaphor is a holistic response to the numerous, interconnected needs facing MnSCU institutions. These ideas are being shaped by working groups and Dr. Norris' continuing involvement with MnSCU leadership. Strategic Initiatives has developed a Change Management Plan which portrays a vision, timetable, and change strategy for developing the seamless learning grid over a 10-year period. Dr. Norris is continuing to work with MnSCU in pursuing this vision.