Created in 2001, the Chair researches techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the value chains of different enterprises. Working collaboratively with faculty and students, the private sector and scholarly community, the Chair facilitates the growth of teaching, course development and research in the area of technology management.

CHAIR OF INSURANCE

Established in July 1999, the Chair in Insurance is responsible for developing courses that promote the development of graduates for future employment in the property and casualty insurance industry. As a focal point for the property and casualty insurance industry in Canada, the Chair conducts research in insurance and risk management and be responsible for helping raise the profile of the industry among students as well as in the broader community.

CHAIR IN THE MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY ENTERPRISES

The Chair in the Management of Technology Enterprises was created in 2000 to enhance the teaching and research capacity of the School in the management of early-stage technology companies. The Chair holder is responsible for working with Laurier faculty and the high-tech community to design research projects and new programs of direct relevance to the marketplace.

Several objectives exist for this position. First, to focus and develop Laurier’s considerable ability to influence the next generation of business leaders’ level of technical sophistication. Second, to act as a focal point for new and existing research activities, and to link with other universities to leverage potential synergies in research.

The Chair was created in response to the stated needs of Ontario’s technology sector, especially those of Canada’s Technology Triangle in which Laurier is located. This position is jointly funded by Laurier, the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund and Research in Motion.

CHAIR IN BRAND COMMUNICATIONS

The American Marketing Association definition of marketing refers to an activity, set of instructions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings of value.

Brand communications focuses on the "communicating" part of the definition; but, takes an important step by noting that marketing communications must be strategic not just tactical or creative.  The key driver of that strategy is the brand. The goal of the Brand Com program is to produce graduates who can articulate an understanding of the brand and know how to engage consumers in brand-directed conversations.  With the generous support of the Marketing Communcation Educational Trust (www.mcet.ca) the Laurier Chair will seek to develop innovative curricula and educational experiences to further brand marketing education. The Chair in Brand Communications was introduced in 2011.

DOBSON PROFESSORSHIP IN INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

The Dobson Professorship in Innovation and Entrepreneurship was established in the fall of 2011 through a generous donation by the Dobson Foundation.  The inaugural holder of the professorship, Prescott Ensign, is currently focusing his expertise on mentoring students and young entrepreneurs with their upcoming ventures.  His present research (2011) is aimed at entrepreneurship in the periphery, in particular, Canada's far North and among Aboriginal communities.