MIDLAND, Mich. – The spring semester of the 2008/09 University of the Aftermarket educational calendar begins April 13 with four popular industry courses that will be offered in an interactive online format to meet the needs of today’s busy aftermarket professionals.
Each of the 12-week online courses is valued at 3.0 continuing education units (CEUs), which can be applied toward participants’ Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) and Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) certificates.
Registration is open through April 6 for each of the following courses:
Logistics & Supply Chain Management (AAM 360)
Focus: Managing the flow of products, from raw materials sourcing and acquisition to the end user. Key topics include logistics and transportation planning, information technology strategies, third-party logistics, relationship management and the role of distribution in the marketing process.
Aftermarket Field Sales Management (AAM 404)
Focus: Responsibilities of an aftermarket field sales manager. Key topics include selling skills, expense management, time management, merchandising/ advertising plans, sales report writing/sales forecast plans, trade show management and human resource skills.
Introduction to the Automotive Aftermarket and Technology (AAM 110)
Focus: Functions and interrelationships of each step of the automotive aftermarket distribution chain. Key topics include history of the aftermarket, industry terminology, channels of distribution, sales organization, trade associations, trade press and aftermarket trends.
Heavy Duty Parts & Service Marketing (HDM 210)
Focus: Functions and interrelationships of each step of the heavy duty aftermarket parts and service industry. Key topics include industry terminology, channels of distribution, financial implications, supply chain marketing techniques, and industry trends. Also examined are management of heavy duty aftermarket manufacturing, including market planning, sales training, market research, branding, remanufacturing and manufacturer sales representation.
Each online course provides the scheduling flexibility needed by working professionals but also the personalized attention of a Northwood University faculty member.
Participants completing any University of the Aftermarket course can apply the corresponding CEUs toward their AAP or MAAP certificates. Developed in partnership with AAIA, AWDA, MEMA and Northwood University, these certificates highlight the educational and professional achievements of each recipient and, by extension, demonstrate the resulting competitive advantage for employers and the aftermarket industry. The University of the Aftermarket will send biannual educational transcripts via email prior to the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium in May to industry professionals who have earned credits toward their AAP or MAAP certificates.
For additional information and/or to register for a spring semester University of the Aftermarket course, please visit the “Course Calendar” page (2009 courses) at www.northwood.edu/aftermarket or call 1-800-551-2882.
