Nurturing leaders for transformative organizational impact through OD academic prowess

In the ever-changing business landscape, the significance of Organization Development and Planning programs cannot be overstated. As market trends continue to evolve, these programs offer a strategic framework for institutions, fostering adaptability and sustained growth. They are critical in developing astute leaders capable of steering companies through complexities while maintaining competitiveness and excellence in a rapidly changing environment.

In light of this, the Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute (SAIDI) is a venerable institution dedicated to propagating the principles of organization development. SAIDI has been a stalwart presence in academia since its inception in 1975, issuing diplomas, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in organization development and planning. SAIDI’S roots trace back to the late 60s and early 70s when missionary nun Sister Jacqueline E. Blondin – a PH.D. holder from Michigan State University – started teaching teachers. In 1975, she officially registered SAIDI with the Department of Education, marking the beginning of an educational legacy that has endured for over four decades. With a history steeped in educational commitment, SAIDI continues to thrive as a beacon of transformative learning.

As part of our ongoing endeavor to address the evolving needs of the business community, we’re actively incorporating courses designed to captivate interest. We firmly believe that OD serves as a potent catalyst and game-changer for those seeking to navigate organizational transformation amid the dynamic challenges presented by the swift currents of technological advancements,” emphasizes Eliseo A. Aurellado, president.

A holistic journey at SAIDI

SAIDI’S admission process involves a thorough resume evaluation, ensuring that candidates are prepared for the rigors of the Master’s or PH.D. program. With reasonable and competitive fees, SAIDI’S international reach attracts students from Asia, Europe, the

Americas, the Middle East, and more. Spanning two hectares, SAIDI’S campus offers a serene environment conducive to learning and growth. With administration buildings, libraries, dormitories, and even a swimming pool, the campus provides a holistic setting for academic pursuits, retreats, and team-building activities.

SAIDI stands out with its unique hybrid format, combining modules and personalized mentoring. This one-toone approach creates a classroom-like experience where candidates and mentors collaboratively decide on meeting locations, fostering a tailored and effective learning environment. Mentors at SAIDI are seasoned professionals, each with a wealth of experience in their respective fields. The faculty’s multidisciplinary background, including MBAS, CPAS, and entrepreneurs, enriches the learning experience.

At SAIDI, the flagship academic program centers on Organization Development and Planning (OD), strategically positioned to navigate the swift currents of the evolving business landscape. Specializing in OD and planning, SAIDI recognizes its pivotal role in the face of rapid technological disruptions. Conceived by Sister Jackie Blondin, the institution’s visionary, an operational planning system underscores the significance of communication in the planning process. The PH.D. program features core courses, delivered in six mentored modules, fostering a harmonious blend of research rigor and practical relevance.

Candidates actively apply acquired concepts to their workplaces, ensuring tangible real-world impact. Post-core courses and cognates provide avenues for candidates to expedite their degrees by crediting relevant experiences. With a flexible enrollment calendar, SAIDI prioritizes individualized learning, empowering candidates to complete their degrees within regulatory timelines. “The curriculum, self-paced and research-based, is modular, allowing candidates to progress at their own pace. This unique structure, unlike traditional regimens, caters to selfstarters by placing an emphasis on initiative and in-depth research in our graduate-level programs, fostering a proactive and independent learning environment,” adds Eliseo A. Aurellado.

SAIDI’S teaching methodology combines a comprehensive bibliography with practical application. Candidates apply concepts to address workplace concerns, producing a 20 to 30-page paper describing the outcome of the action research. This paper undergoes mentor review, allowing progression to the next module upon compliance. Whether online or faceto-face, an essential module outcome is a substantive paper submitted for mentor assessment. A creative module prompts candidates to craft a project on a personal concern, leading to a comprehensive exam and paper defense before a panel. With a dedicated advisor, its Od-focused program prioritizes candidate support, resulting in an exceptional success rate.

Embracing change, fostering transformation

SAIDE envisions a future marked by expansion into new markets and increased international student enrollment, notably from China, where a growing demand for PH.D. and master’s programs exist. Embracing digital transformations, the institute focuses on advanced education technology, including artificial intelligence. Collaborating with a Google-affiliated student contributes to crafting innovative processes. The goal is to remain at the forefront of technological advancements while staying true to the essence of Organization Development (OD) – a catalyst for change management and organizational transformation. This is why the institute continues positioning itself at the top through adaptive education, aligning with the evolving needs of organizations in an era of technological dynamism. (Article first published in Asia Education Review, Top Ten Philippine Universities and Colleges, 2024.)