Overview

A typical newspaper article: Jonathan Ratner,  Financial Post  Wednesday, November 16, 2005

It seems like a conversation about outsourcing and offshoring  cannot be had without stirring an emotional reaction. It also appears like most of the material on these topics focus on the business side, which may alienate those seeking to learn how to effectively perform in this new work environment. To address these concerns, we have organized a seminar focusing on their effects at a personal level. We hope to help any that may have been negatively affected to understand the opportunities created by these practices. We also hope to demystify these topics to many in Ottawa that may have been blindsided by them.

Dr. Tony Bailetti, Carleton University: Tony Bailetti holds a faculty appointment in both the Department of Systems and Computer Engineering and the Eric Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada. Professor Bailetti has been the Director of the M.Eng. in Telecommunications Technology Management (TTM) program since 1998. He was the Director of Carleton University's School of Business from 1981 to 1988 and worked at Bell-Northern Research (today a part of Nortel Networks) from 1988 to 1992. Professor Bailetti has twenty-seven years experience developing courses and teaching materials as a faculty member, 24 years at Carleton University (1969-2003) and three years at the University of Manitoba (1966-1969). He has taught for the Executive M.B.A. program offered by Queen's University since 1996 and for various professional development programs offered by government departments, universities and private companies.

Michael Wakim, President & CEO Fidus Systems Inc.: Michael is a proven business leader, with 20 years' experience in engineering and electronic design services. He is known for cultivating strong employee loyalty and long-term customer relationships. Michael has contributed to Ottawa’s reputation as a centre of technological excellence. In the four years since Michael founded Fidus in 2001, the company has delivered 330 electronic designs for 89 companies. Prior to founding Fidus Systems, Michael launched two other successful technology companies: Wann Connection Devices, an electronic product company, and Westport Technologies, a design services firm. After selling both businesses, Michael was appointed Group Director for the Ottawa design branch of Cadence Design Systems. In all, Michael has developed well over 100 jobs in Ottawa. Michael serves as a mentor and advisor for several technology entrepreneurs and invests in local startups. In 2005, Michael’s company won two awards: • Service of the Year – Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation (OCRI) • Fastest Growing Business of the Year – Canadian-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ottawa Chapter). Michael began his career on the scientific staff at Nortel Networks (BNR), where he won an Award of Excellence. He has a B.Sc. from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Michael holds two patents.

Jacques Lyrette, CEO & VP Technology Direction, ADGA Group Consultants Inc: Mr. Lyrette has had a long career in research and development in the public sector, oriented towards information technology and communications. He has a unique understanding of the dynamics of the innovation system in Canada (government laboratories, industry and university), an excellent understanding of the policy and regulatory environment, an in-depth understanding of the machinery of government (at the federal and provincial level) and an excellent understanding of the industry especially as it relates to the exploitation and financing of high-risk technology-based projects by SMEs. He maintains an interest and expertise in information and communications technologies and is often called upon for his expertise both at the national and international levels. He has a very broad experience in international relations. He also has demonstrated his ability to undertake new challenges in the private sector.

Kevin Wennekes VP, Research CATAAlliance: Kevin is currently VP, Research for the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA). Kevin possesses over 12 years of consulting experience in the areas of human resources practices, public relations, and public opinion research. Some of his recent survey and research projects for CATA include:

• SOURCING SUCCESS and the Canadian Advantage in a Global Competitive Environment – providing an Action Roadmap for Canada

• Impacts of Free Trade on R&D Services in Canada – A survey of contract research organizations on the impacts of NAFTA and the implications for similar agreements under the General Agreement on Trade in Services under the World Trade Organization
• Impacts of Outsourcing in Canada in partnership with EMERGENCE Canada
• TechAction CEO, providing insights into high tech leadership and keys for success
• High performance computing (HPC) industry in Canada: A Survey of the State of Canadian HPC Readiness and the Need for Highly Qualified People
• Canadian internet service providers (ISP's) on the cost and efforts they are assuming in the fight against Spam
• The impact of ICT on Canadian SMEs, involving an e-survey and case studies
• Vendor outreach to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of IT services and infrastructure to government departments and agencies

Dr. Ana-Maria Davila-Gomez, Université du Québec en Outaouais: Ana-Maria Davila-Gomez is a professor in the Department of Administrative Sciences at the Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO), Canada, where she teaches Management and Organizational Change, conducts researches on the managerial challenges towards more social responsible organizations. She holds a Ph.D. from the École des hautes etudes commerciales de Montréal, and an MBA and an Industrial Engineer degrees from the Universidad del Valle, Colombia. For seven years, she worked at various private and public organizations in Latin America (in the governmental service as well in telecommunications and manufacturing industries) supporting and implementing Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Reengineering projects. Her recent doctoral research treated the human implications of IT in management education

Moderated by the Toastmasters: Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The first Toastmasters club was established on October 22, 1924, in Santa Ana, California, by Dr. Ralph C. Smedley, who conceived and developed the idea of helping others to speak more effectively. More clubs were formed, and Toastmasters International was incorporated under California law on December 19, 1932. Toastmasters International's business and services are administered by its World Headquarters, located in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. It employs no paid promoters or instructors. It has no salaried staff except the Executive Director and World Headquarters staff, who provide services to the Clubs and Districts. .