Presentations
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ Manitoba Section (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Power of Games in Government and Citizen Engagement, presentation to ASQ Government Division (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in government or citizen engagement, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Building Trust, Communication, and Respect at Work: How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Team Environment, presentation to Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City with Douglas C. Wood (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of each living generation in the United States, shared quality tools to improve working across different generations, and examined future trends that will affect the global marketplace.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ BOSCON Conference (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ Rochester Section Conference (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Navigating Projects through Political Science, presentation to Project Management Institute KC Mid-America Lunch and Learn (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of political science in the United States, examined tools for working effectively with stakeholders or teams, and shared best practices from my experience using political science in the workplace.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity in Metrology, presentation to ASQ Measurement Quality Division and Akron/Canton Section Joint Conference (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in metrology, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Future of Work: Automation and Employee Engagement for Modern Organizations, presentation to ASQ Seattle Section with Douglas C. Wood (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of automation, shared best practices for engaging employees using games, and examined best practices for leveraging automation and employee engagement at work.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ Palomar Section (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Building Trust, Communication, and Respect at Work: How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Team Environment, presentation to ASQ Baltimore Section with Douglas C. Wood (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of each living generation in the United States, shared quality tools to improve working across different generations, and examined future trends that will affect the global marketplace.
Building Trust, Communication, and Respect at Work: How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Team Environment, presentation to ASQ Houston Section and Inspection Division Joint Conference with Douglas C. Wood (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of each living generation in the United States, shared quality tools to improve working across different generations, and examined future trends that will affect the global marketplace.
Building Trust, Communication, and Respect at Work: How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Team Environment, presentation to SHRM Wayne State College Student Chapter (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of each living generation in the United States, shared quality tools to improve working across different generations, and examined future trends that will affect the global marketplace.
The Quality Manager as Facilitator: A Deep Dive into Facilitation and Steering Committees, presentation to ASQ Manitoba Section (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of facilitation and steering committees, gave examples of facilitating in-person or virtual meetings, and shared best practices from my experience facilitating meetings or steering committees.
The Project Manager as Facilitator: A Deep Dive into Facilitation and Steering Committees, presentation to Project Management Institute KC Mid-America Professional Development Days (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of facilitation and steering committees, gave examples of facilitating in-person or virtual meetings, and shared best practices from my experience facilitating meetings or steering committees.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ East Tennessee Section (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVHFt-4wMAw&t=1s
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ Salt Lake City Section (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ Vermont Section (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Power of Play: Using Games to Drive Continuous Improvement, presentation to ASQ World Conference on Quality and Improvement (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Building Trust, Communication, and Respect at Work: How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Team Environment, presentation to ASQ Quality Management Division with Douglas C. Wood (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of each living generation in the United States, shared quality tools to improve working across different generations, and examined future trends that will affect the global marketplace.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnifVvnMGqY&t=5s
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ Acadiana/Southwest Louisiana Section (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity in Education, presentation to ASQ Education Division (2022)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in education, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City (2021)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in new or growing companies, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
The Next Generation of Project Managers: Deep Dive into Millennials and Generation Z, presentation to Project Management Institute KC Mid-America Professional Development Days (2021)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of Millennials and Generation Z, examined how these generations can be leveraged in the workplace, and shared lessons learned from my experience working with them.
Unleashing The Power of Play in Project Teams, presentation to Project Management Institute KC Mid-America Professional Development Days (2021)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave examples of using games in agile or for team development, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
NextGen Landscape Architecture: Unleashing Student Creativity and Engagement with Minecraft, presentation to American Society of Landscape Architecture DREAM BIG with Design (2021)
Description: This was a presentation with a mix of educators, landscape architects, and students. The main topics covered included gamification in education, using Minecraft to reimagine local parks, and how educators can get started using games in the classroom.
The Power of Games to Unleash Collaboration and Creativity at Work, presentation to ASQ Quality Management and Software Division Conference (2021)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave a framework for how to use games for team building and skill development, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Using Games to Engage, Motivate, and Train Accounting Teams, presentation to Kansas City Institute of Managerial Accountants Chapter (2021)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave a framework for how to use games for accounting teams, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Using Project Management for City Planning, presentation to PA599 class (2021)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of project management, examined a few common strategic frameworks, and shared lessons learned that can be used in the workplace.
Students and Gamification: Using Games to Increase Student Engagement, presentation to Virtual Academic Conference with Dr. Susan Keim and Rashad Mahyaddinli (2021)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, examined how gamification benefits students, and how faculty can get started using gamification in the classroom.
Data Analysis, Gamification, and Project Management, presentation to the ASQ Student Chapter – University of Central Missouri (2020), Warrensburg, MO
Description: This was a keynote workshop I presented as part of the ASQ Student Chapter – University of Central Missouri conference. My keynote covered data analysis, gamification, project management, and how they apply to the modern workplace.
Student Perspectives – Programming Voice Controlled Devices, presentation to Voice Summit (2020)
Description: This was a student panel I moderated. The Alexa Programming Club students provided their perspective on voice technology and what they learned from building Amazon Alexa skills.
How Millennials Are Using Project Management In An Age of Technology and Innovation, presentation to the Kansas City Project Management Institute Professional Development Days (2020)
Description: This presentation examined emerging technology and innovation. Participants reflected on the future of work and learned about innovation governance.
Using Games to Engage, Motivate, and Train Project Teams, presentation to the Kansas City Project Management Institute Professional Development Days (2020)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of gamification, gave a framework for how to use games for project teams, and shared best practices from my experience using games in the workplace.
Tutoring Across Generations, presentation to the Greater Kansas City Writing Centers’ Project Tutor Conference (2020)
Description: This presentation provided an overview of each living generation and how writing tutors can successfully work with multi-generational college students.
Artificial Intelligence: Alexa, Tell Me about My City, presentation to the American Society for Public Administration National Conference (2020)
Description: This presentation examined using Amazon Alexa in the public sector and how it can help cities connect with a new generation of citizens.
Education and Gamification: Applying Public Administration Theory to Practice in the Virtual World of Minecraft, presentation to the American Society for Public Administration National Conference with Dr. Susan Keim (2020)
Description: This presentation examined using Minecraft and gamification to engage students, communities, and learn transferable skills that apply to real life.
Designing Voice Technology Experiences: Amazon Alexa, presentation to the 15th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2020), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation provided an overview of Amazon Alexa and reflected on best practices for creating a compelling voice technology experience.
Reflections on Minefaire and Minecraft, presentation to the 15th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2020), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation reflected on what I learned from attending Minefaire events and playing Minecraft.
Competitive Gaming: eSports, poster presentation to the 15th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2020), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This poster provided an overview of eSports and discussed best practices for building a competitive video game team.
Students, Educators, and Gamification with Dr. Susan Keim, presentation to Kansas City Enhanced Teaching and Learning Conference (2020), Overland Park, KS
Description: This presentation examined using Minecraft and gamification to engage and motivate students and staff.
Building a Dream Home, presentation to Minefaire Dallas (2020), Dallas, TX
Description: This workshop covered housing and encouraged participants to build their dream home in Minecraft. Participants had a blast and learned lessons about housing that apply to real life.
Video Gamers Are Leaders, Too, presentation to Minefaire Dallas (2020), Dallas, TX
Description: This presentation examined my experience leading people in video games and shared lessons I learned that apply to real life.
How Fighting Monsters and Building Cities Inspired Me, presentation to Minefaire Chicago (2019), Chicago, IL
Description: This presentation examined my experience building cities in Minecraft and shared lessons I learned that apply to real life.
Virtual Tutoring with Zoom, presentation to the Greater Kansas City Writing Centers’ Project Tutor Conference (2019), Overland Park, KS
Description: This presentation covered tips and best practices for what writing tutors should do when doing virtual tutoring using Zoom.
Amazon Alexa: A Tool to Complement Teaching in Education with Melanie Kinney, presentation to the Summer Institute on Distance Learning and Technology (2019), Hays, KS
Description: This presentation examined using Amazon Alexa as a teaching tool and to expand services across the university network.
Gamification, Higher Education, and You, Oh My!: Using Minecraft to Engage College Students with Dr. Susan Keim, presentation to the Summer Institute on Distance Learning and Technology (2019), Hays, KS
Description: This presentation examined using Minecraft and gamification to engage and motivate students and staff.
Amazon Alexa: A Tool to Complement Teaching in Education with Melanie Kinney, presentation to the Kansas City Professional Development Council Conference (2019), Kansas City, KS
Description: This presentation examined using Amazon Alexa as a teaching tool and to expand services across the university network.
Gamification, Higher Education, and You with Dr. Susan Keim, presentation to the Kansas City Professional Development Council Conference (2019), Kansas City, KS
Description: This presentation examined using Minecraft and gamification to engage and motivate students and staff.
Alexa, Play the Future: A Three-Sector View, poster presentation to the 14th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2019), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This poster examined how Amazon Alexa is used in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
Gamifying Government with Dr. Susan Keim, presentation to the 14th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2019), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation explored gamification in the public sector and transferable skills that are applicable in the workplace.
Innovation and Emerging Technology in the Public Sector, presentation to the 14th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2019), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation examined trends in innovation and technology in government.
Boredom, Board Games, and Zombies (Using Games to Enrich Student Learning Outcomes) with Dr. Susan Keim and Dr. Dmitry Gimon, presentation to the Faculty Center for Innovation (2018), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation demonstrated how Minecraft and gamification can be used as a teaching tool to engage and motivate students.
Connecting the Virtual World of Minecraft with Public Service and Citizen Engagement with Dr. Susan Keim, presentation to the Southeast Conference of Public Administration (2018), Birmingham, AL
Description: This presentation demonstrated how Minecraft can be used to teach students about local government and explored what skills learned from playing video games transfer to real life.
The Disengaged Student: How to Tap into Hidden Creativity and Passion, presentation to the Greater Kansas City Writing Centers’ Project Tutor Conference (2018), Overland Park, KS
Description: This presentation covered tips and best practices for what writing tutors should do when working with disengaged students. I shared some best practices for how to re-engage students.
Generation Z: Best Practices for Management, poster presentation to the 13th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2018), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This poster examined generational trends with Generation Z and explored best practices for managers.
Minecraft and Higher Education with Dr. Susan Keim, presentation to the 13th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2018), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation demonstrated how Minecraft can be used to teach students about local government.
The Story of The Business and Investment Club: How Warren Buffett Inspired a Student Organization to Change the World, presentation to the 13th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2018), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation examined the history of the Business and Investment Club and focused on how Warren Buffett influenced the club.
Proposal for the Use of Platte Landing Park, presentation to the city of Parkville, MO Community Land & Recreation Board (2017)
Description: This presentation was for the Community Land & Recreation Board in Parkville. I presented the class recommendation regarding the use of Platte Landing Park for athletic and baseball fields.
Proposal for the Use of Platte Landing Park, presentation to the city of Parkville, MO Board of Alderman (2017)
Description: This presentation was for the city council in Parkville. I presented the class recommendation regarding the use of Platte Landing Park for athletic and baseball fields.
Writing Tutoring Outside My Discipline, presentation to the Greater Kansas City Writing Centers’ Project Tutor Conference (2017), Overland Park, KS
Description: This presentation covered tips and best practices for what writing tutors should do when helping students with technical writing that is outside of the tutors’ academic discipline.
The Economics of Space Exploration, poster presentation to the Alpha Chi National Convention (2017), Louisville, KY
Description: This poster examined the benefits of space exploration, discussed current efforts by private companies and governments, and provided policy recommendations.
Debt Management and College Students, poster presentation to the 12th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2017), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This poster provided information to college students regarding debt, credit, and different types of loans.
The Economics of Space Exploration, poster presentation to the 12th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2017), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This poster examined the benefits of space exploration, discussed current efforts by private companies and governments, and provided policy recommendations.
Contemporary Issues in Public Administration: Local and State Government, presentation to the 12th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2017), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This presentation focused on current issues facing local and state governments, how they were reacting to the issues, and my policy recommendations.
Finance and Investing, presentation to the Bishop Ward High School Academy of Finance Leadership Conference (2017), Overland Park, KS
Description: This presentation covered personal finance, credit, investing, and goal setting. Participants created a vision and goals for where they wanted to go in the future.
The Financial Literacy Gap: How to Improve Financial Literacy for College Students, poster presentation to the 11th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2016), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: This poster examined research and discussed policies regarding financial literacy and college students.
The Obama Doctrine: Examining President Obama’s Approach to Foreign Policy, presentation to the 11th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium (2016), Park University, Parkville, MO
Description: The focus of this presentation was to define and analyze President Obama’s foreign policy doctrine.
Publications
Wood, Douglas C., and Jarrard, Zac. (2022). Building Trust, Communication, and Respect at Work: How to Thrive in a Multi-Generational Environment. American Society for Quality Management Forum (QMF) Fall 2022.
Description: I co-authored an article with Douglas C. Wood on working effectively across different generations. This article provides an overview of each living generation in the United States, shares tools for working effectively with different generations, and provides some thoughts on where the global marketplace will be in the next 5-10 years. This article was published in the American Society for Quality Management Forum (QMF) for Fall 2022.
Keim, Susan, Jarrard, Zac, and Mahyaddinli, Rashad. (2021). Building Cities, Pirate Ships, and Fighting Zombies: Using Minecraft to Enhance Online Teaching. American Society for Quality Education Division (QED) Newsletter Winter 2020.
Description: I co-authored an article with Dr. Susan Keim and Rashad Mahyaddinli on our work with Minecraft in public administration and K-12 kids camps. This article provides an overview of our graduate Minecraft course, K-12 kids camps, and explores possibilities regarding using Minecraft as a teaching tool in online education. This article was published in the American Society for Quality Education Division (QED) Newsletter for Winter 2020.
Keim, Susan and Zac Jarrard. (2020). Building Communities, Pirate Ships, and Raining Chickens: Park University’s Minecraft Camp Experience.
Description: I co-authored a blog post with Dr. Susan Keim on our work with Minecraft K-12 kids camps. This article provides an overview of the two kids camps we did for Park University faculty and staff during the 2019-2020 academic year and shows the possibilities regarding using Minecraft as a teaching tool. This article was published on the Minecraft: Education Edition website.
Keim, Susan and Zac Jarrard. (2020). Building Cities and Fighting Monsters: Park University’s Minecraft Journey.
Description: I co-authored a blog post with Dr. Susan Keim on our work with Minecraft in public administration. This article provides an overview of the graduate public administration course we created and highlights several student outcomes. This article was published on the Minecraft: Education Edition website.
Keim, Susan and Zac Jarrard. (2020). Board Games, Zombies, and Minecraft, Gamification in Higher Education.
Description: I co-authored a book chapter with Dr. Susan Keim on gamification in higher education. The main topics we covered included an overview of gamification academic literature, using Minecraft as a gamification and civic engagement tool, and lessons learned for how to get started with gamification. This book chapter was published in the second edition of Current and Prospective Applications of Virtual Reality in Higher Education.
Jarrard, Zac. (2013). An Important Investment: Graduating College with Little to No Debt. Park University Financial Literacy Center Newsletter.
Description: I submitted this essay for a financial literacy scholarship contest in 2013. The main topics it covered included college students and debt management. A group of judges reviewed my essay and decided it was the runner up for the scholarship contest. My essay was published in the Park University Financial Literacy Center Newsletter in Spring 2013 and it was sent out to all university students.