ARA Management Academy

Program Overview

Ag retail managers and leaders need a toolkit that includes new trends and best business practices to lead to effective decision making, value creation and differentiation from competitors. During this three-day academy, Drs. Joan Brett, Scott Downey, Allan Gray, Mark Manfredo and Doug Olsen will aid you upgrading your management, leadership and decision making capabilities through presentations, case studies, interactive exercises and small group discussions. You’ll enhance your understanding of core business functions, explore management challenges and establish relationships that will improve business results.

The academy includes a broad-based selection of managerial courses chosen specifically to meet the needs of managers in the agricultural retail industry. The program is particularly beneficial for salespeople, agronomists and agronomy managers who expect to take on more responsibilities in the future, as well as experienced managers interested in refreshing best practices. While it is not required to attend as a team, past participants have found it beneficial to attend with others from their organization.

For questions about this program, team pricing or more information on who should attend, please contact Taryn Nance at tnance@purdue.edu or (765) 714-2771.

The ARA Management Academy is a great opportunity for growth. I know I will be able to take what I have learned and implement actionable insights immediately into my work, and I look forward to returning to additional programs to continue my education to benchmark, refresh and hone my abilities. – Jackson Allen, Assistant Manager, BRANDT, Inc.

Key Benefits

During the academy, you will:

• Increase your understanding of core business functions and how to leverage the links between them;
• Explore management challenges to uncover business opportunities;
• Strengthen your leadership qualities and learn to improve business results through effective communication and relationship building;
• Network with peers from different markets across the country;
• Debate and discuss industry issues with well-known management faculty.

Program Content

Future Drivers of Change: Implications for Business Strategy

Drivers of change in agriculture have significant implications for the U.S. input supply channel. During this session, you’ll analyze changing markets, consumers and customers and determine what actions agribusinesses should consider in response to these trends.

Examining Profitability: Your Role and Impact

Understanding financial statements and the profitability linkage model are essential in today’s industry. This session will examine how financial statements provide valuable data for decision-making purposes and how the profitability linkage model evaluates your company’s position and performance within the industry.

Creating Value for Your Customers

Standing out from the crowd is easier said than done, but this session will provide you the opportunity to hear from Southwest producers, discover what it takes to create value in the marketplace and differentiate your organization from the competition.

Implementing Organizational Leadership Strategies

In an environment of constant change, thriving can be difficult. That’s why this session will focus on exploring ways to embrace organizational transitions, overcoming resistance to change and developing the skills needed for adaptive leadership.

Services Excellence and Blueprinting

Service blueprinting allows you to clearly visualize your service processes and delivery from the customers’ point of view. During this session, you’ll learn how this technique can result in service improvement and innovation for your organization.

Program Partners

The center offers this program in partnership with the Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) and Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business.

Educational Credit

You can earn CEU and CCA credit at this program.