Dr. Tim Nash is vice president, graduate and specialty programs and dean, DeVos Graduate School of Management, Northwood University. Nash was responsible for developing the curriculum for the new Aftermarket Executive MBA program that was announced last fall at AAPEX. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Nash shares more details on the program. The first class begins in May.
 
Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School of Management will launch in May the world’s first Master of Business Administration (MBA) program specifically targeted to leaders in the aftermarket industry. This seems like it couldn’t come at a better time, with professionals looking to differentiate themselves from the competition in this tough economic climate. What unique skills will this Aftermarket Executive MBA program provide that will enable students to differentiate themselves?

The key to success for any organization in a competitive marketplace is having dynamic people with sound business acumen, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and who are ’effective’ leaders who make smart decisions. Our Aftermarket Executive MBA program will provide just that. Our interactive approach offers an environment for aspiring leaders from all segments of the light and heavy-duty aftermarket to come together to interact and collaboratively develop these important skills. Individuals are afforded the opportunity both onsite and online to enhance these skill sets as they strive to expand their educational, professional and social networks. In essence, students will learn by ‘doing.’ They will enjoy a truly transformational leadership experience.

What issues drove the development of this new 30-month program?

Northwood University has a storied history as a partner to the motor vehicle aftermarket. Whether through our extensive undergraduate curricula or dynamic executive and continuing education offerings through the University of the Aftermarket, the demand for education has grown among current and future leaders of the industry. This program is a direct response to the increased demand for advanced degrees specifically tailored to automotive aftermarket operations and is the ONLY program of its kind in the world. Aftermarket leaders from across the country and around the globe played a role in shaping this unique MBA offering.

The program combines in-class education with what is described as “personalized” online learning. Can you tell us a little more about this?

We integrate online and onsite education to maximize learning and efficiency and ensure that our core program outcomes are achieved. Students will engage with their industry peers and industry-experienced faculty members to enhance their leadership and management skills. The personalization is achieved through interactive multimedia that is timely and relevant to the industry in general and, in many instances, to the students’ employers. Furthermore, our in-depth online discussion and interaction fosters a true team-learning environment that motivates participation and fuels action in the workplace.

Students are able to bring the real and timely issues they face to a diverse online and onsite forum that drives discussion and the sharing of best practices. By placing the student at the center of the learning, it is difficult NOT to experience a personalized approach.

The curriculum will be a case-based learning model. Can you give us an example of how this works?

The signature “case-based” approach of our DeVos Graduate School of Management engages students at all levels in in-depth discussion of specific, strategic real-world situations. This method is student-centered and involves intense interaction among the participants. Groups work collaboratively to review, analyze and provide solutions to the key issues/problems at hand. The instructor plays the role of facilitator through this process so students are able to effectively develop and fine-tune their problem-solving and critical thinking capabilities.

Through case studies, students get the opportunity to learn management by practicing management. As in real life, there is very rarely one right answer, and it is important to be able to make decisions in a timely fashion. Unlike lecture-based programs that assume the faculty members have all of the answers, we rely equally on the student-to-student interactions to collectively expand their knowledge, insight and capabilities.

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