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AMI's Quest for the Best in Management EducationPosted 8/13/2001By Angela Adams-Hemphill
Not all that long ago, management opportunities seemed to be reserved just for those with a business administration degree. Education in the automotive industry consisted primarily of hands-on instruction from father to son or mentor to apprentice. Most automotive education took place right there in the repair shop. But times have changed. If a shop manager is to compete in today's fast-paced, high-tech marketplace, he or she must have the educational tools needed to cope with the challenge. And that's where AMI comes in. Shop owners wanting to know more about managing their businesses can now get the educational tools they need through the Automotive Management Institute. The same holds true for technicians who would like to advance into management. To date, AMI programs have attracted more than 29,000 students throughout North America. This past year, there were 618 AMI-approved classes held throughout the United States and Canada with the number of credits earned by all students totaling 130,537. This is an increase of more than 9 percent from 1999. Its Reason for Being Founded in 1989, the Automotive Management Institute was established to answer the demand for an education tailored specifically for the business needs of the automotive service industry. Today, AMI continues to meet the demand for continuing education. The institute provides practical business management education to specifically target individuals in the automotive industry, offering a diverse range of courses designed specifically to improve business management skills. AMI is constantly working toward:
The continuing education provided by the institute helps automotive service professionals improve their business management skills as well as their understanding of both employees and customers to promote a well-rounded comprehension of each business component. John Berry, executive director of AMI, said, “My immediate goal is to establish AMI as the globally recognized leader in automotive management education.” The AAM Designation In addition to providing informative courses, the Automotive Management Institute offers the Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation - the first business management accreditation exclusively for the automotive service professional. The AAM designation ensures an industry standard of thorough comprehension of business management in the automotive field. For the recipient, earning the prestigious AAM designation also ensures recognition as a true professional manager. The AAM designation is achieved by successfully completing course work and earning a minimum of 120 credits. At the most recent graduation ceremony, 102 students received the AAM designation - bringing the total number of AAMs to 623. Two honorary AAM designations have been presented - to G.W. “Bud” Merwin III and to Richard J. “Dick” Cossette - for their outstanding support and dedication to the institute and education in the automotive industry. The Curriculum AMI offers courses in the areas of marketing and sales, operations and service, management and administration, financial management, and personnel management and human resource development. These courses are designed to elevate individuals from vocational technicians to management professionals encompassing all aspects of the business. They range from 1 1/2-hour sessions to five-day workshops to self-study programs. Marketing and sales courses provide strategies in the key elements of competitive marketing plans, identification of products and services offered, marketing concepts and maximizing sales leads. These courses investigate issues such as the possible purchasing decisions of customers, the integration of software, and the advantage of using networking resources. Operations and services courses provide an overall framework of business operations and business resources. They may provide such techniques as how to use a repair order diagnostic check sheet, how to use the Yellow Pages, customer service and efficient inventory control. Courses may also address topics such as interpersonal communication skills, labor production effectiveness and Internet resources. Management and administration courses address the topics of staff structure, the complexities of the legal system and how it can impact business, and handling insurance issues. Courses in this category may also cover the implementation of standard operating procedures, identifying the common traits of successful people or creating an environment for innovation. Financial management courses include accounting concepts, profitability and personal financial goals. From topics such as accounting terminology, determining value and compensation, students will gain basic financial business knowledge for their overall business structure. Personnel management and human resource development courses are designed to improve relationships between customers, employers and employees. Topics may include hiring and interviewing techniques, customer and employee interactions, and how to maximize employee potential. Course Access, Development Courses are offered at Automotive Service Association (ASA) national gatherings - including the Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS), the International Autobody Congress and Exposition (NACE) and Annual Convention - as well as at the local level. AMI also offers a number of self-study programs for students who may not have access to seminars. AMI strives to maintain a high standard of quality in management education. As its executive director said, “AMI knows the industry wants more management education, but we will only approve courses with accurate, relevant content that is professionally delivered.” What's Next? Just as the automotive industry is constantly changing and evolving, so is AMI. “Our goal is to provide our students with the education tools they need to keep pace with the ever-advancing challenges they encounter,” says Berry. “We will make sure that it will not be 'business as usual' but instead, 'business anew.'” The increasing number of AAMs in the industry shows that progress is being made through the programs offered. But to ensure its continued success in course offerings, AMI knows it must constantly ask itself:
As AMI addresses these issues, its value to the entire automotive industry can only be enhanced. Future plans call for a redesign of its Web site - not only to update the look, but to create a more interactive site to appeal to the needs of instructors, students and affiliate providers. When a cost-effective plan can be implemented, Web-based education may also be considered. Also on the AMI horizon is the exploration of an advanced AAM degree. According to Berry, all these considerations will be analyzed as AMI continues its quest for the best in automotive management education.
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Just as the day of the shade-tree mechanic is gone, so is the day of a shop owner being able to “wing it” when it comes to managing his or her business. And right there to help, teaching technicians how to become managers, is the Automotive Management Institute (AMI).
