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 An abstract of 500 words that would describe the aim of the paper, whether it is empirical, conceptual or theory based, the approach (methodology), findings or propositions, implications for practice (education included) and theory - to reach Yochanan Altman at y.altman@mdx.ac.uk by January 30, 2017.  Please copy Blake Sandridge at bsandridge@walton.uark.edu

Transformative Curriculum Track:  More and more of us in higher education recognize the need to engage students as whole persons who need more than knowledge and skills to flourish.   Exploratory research indicates a rich variety of teacher motivations, approaches and outcomes.  Threads that connect these varied and highly innovative courses include stimulating students to reflect on meaning, purpose, values and direction.  Discerning the kinds of persons they wish to become and how they will contribute to others are often listed as outcomes. Highly positive student evaluations, anecdotal evidence and studies on specific courses indicate that we are touching lives at a deep level.  Students in business, engineering and hard sciences may benefit as much as students in the humanities when approaches are adapted to their needs and mindsets.

The transformative curriculum track invites scholars to share approaches, best practices, student responses, measures of success and obstacles we face.  We welcome proposals for papers, symposia, PDWs or poster sessions.  We will also offer a PDW designed to create a community of scholars interested in transformative curricula. 

For details and examples of research to date, go to:  https://eventmobi.com/iamsr2017info/documents/204161

or contact Daniel Harris dharris@walton.uark.edu.

Professional Development Workshops (PDW):

 A PDW is a 60-minute experiential workshop that explores cutting edge ideas and practices in our field.  This is quite different from the scholarly paper presentations and is designed to be highly interactive. 

The PDW provides the perfect platform to share cross-disciplinary knowledge and expertise in exploratory research and also offers opportunities for personal and professional development. A 1000 word (maximum) overview of the workshop, which will include:

1. A 200-word abstract of the workshop. 
2. A description of the intended audience.
3. An explanation as to why the workshop should be of interest to the IAMSR Conference participants.
4. A description of workshop's format. 
5. A summary of what participants will take away from the workshop.

Please email proposals to Judi Neal at judi@edgewalkers.org by January 30, 2017.

Open Forum: 'The Open Society Under Threat?'  The last few months have evidenced an avalanche of major upheavals in democracies world-wide: the Islamic terror attacks in France resulted in a National State of Emergency (still in place); Brexit unleashed a string of xenophobic attacks on foreigners in the UK, as well as the murder of a Member of Parliament; the failed coup in Turkey saw an unprecedented wave of attacks on free expression (universities included); in Hong Kong elected legislators were banned from office by the Beijing authorities; and the United States is facing many uncertainties in a Donald Trump presidency.

Why is all the above relevant to our conference? Because the movement of spirituality and religion at work, which we champion, has evolved in the past two decades under a banner of tolerance, inclusivity and love.  Can that be sustained? Is the Open Society that evolved in the past two generations under threat? We pose the question and invite responses. Responses could include a variety of expressions: a short paper (2000 words), a suggestion for a point/ counter point debate (300 words), a brief play (15 mns.), a musical piece (10m mns.), a dance (10 mns.), an artistic installation. Depending on what is on offer, we will endeavor to provide an outlet for it in the conference.

 Please write with suggestions to Yochanan Altman at y.altman@mdx.ac.uk by January 30, 2017 and copy Blake Sandridge at bsandridge@walton.uark.edu.

Registration: https://tfsw.uark.edu/conference.php

Early Bird Registration is $390 US until February 28, 2017.

Regular Registration is $450 US.  A cancellation fee of $50 will apply for cancellations after April 15, 2017.

Publishing Opportunities: 

• The Management Teaching Review (Sage) will do a special issue, open only to participants in the conference. This will provide an excellent forum for innovative teaching ideas and practices to reach a wider audience.  For more on the criteria for selection, go to the MTR Website:  https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/management-teaching-review/journal202457#description 

• Springer Publishers will be publishing a volume of selected papers from this IAMSR conference.  Springer Senior Editor Nick Philipson will conduct a workshop on publishing in the field. 

Cultural Programs:

 A cultural program will focus on the Walton Museum and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.  Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, and nestled around two creek-fed ponds, Crystal Bridges boasts an exceptional collection of American art spanning five centuries, an outdoor sculpture garden and a house designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

Optional activities on Sunday (after the conference) will feature the acclaimed beauty of the Ozark Mountains (hiking, biking, canoe/kayak excursions), visits to vibrant religious services (including a mega church), cultural history, and/or more time at Crystal Bridges.  U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Fayetteville as the third best place to live in America, based on quality of life and its welcoming community spirit.

 Climate: Fayetteville experiences mild temperatures this time of the year. The average high is 76 degrees and the average low is 56.

Conference organizers: 

Dan Harris, Director, Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace

Judi Neal, Judi Neal & Assoc.

Yochanan Altman, International Association of Management, Spirituality & Religion

Blake Sandridge, conference coordinator, Tyson Center for Faith and Spirituality in the Workplace

Scientific committee:

Jody Fry, Texas A&M University

David Miller, Princeton University

Catherine Voynnet-Fourboul, University of Paris

Taran Patel, Grenoble School of Business

Anne Gombault, Kedge Business School, Bordeaux

Michael Muller-Camen, WU, Vienna

Avi Kay, Jerusalem Technology College

Simon Dolan, ESADE, Barcelona

Alan Au Kai Ming, Hong Kong Open University

Erna Oldenbloom, Orakel B.V. Cape Town

Clive Morton, Middlesex University, London

 Monrudee Tungtakanpoung, South Bank University, London