The new Motor Vehicle Aftermarket Executive MBA from Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School is designed with the career demands of emerging and established industry leaders at all levels of the aftermarket supply, distribution and service network in mind. The inaugural class of this fully accredited MBA program will kick off on Jan. 12, 2015, with enrollment applications now being accepted.
Developed with input from influential aftermarket industry leaders, the Motor Vehicle Aftermarket Executive MBA program serves executives employed by organizations that provide products and services purchased for passenger cars and light and heavy duty vehicles after the original sale. This includes replacement parts and accessories, lubricants, appearance products, service repair and also the tools and equipment necessary to perform repairs.
“Northwood University and the DeVos Graduate School have long been regarded for preparing and developing future leaders of a global, free enterprise society, particularly in the automotive industry,” says Timothy G. Nash, the university’s vice president of strategic and corporate alliances and the David E. Fry Endowed Professor in Economics. “In this landmark program, we will provide our students with an elite, transformational learning experience in an engaging and collaborative environment, using methodology that focuses on students’ critical thinking to help them evaluate and solve business challenges and opportunities in the aftermarket segment.”
During the 30-month study program, which ends in April 2017, students will earn 36 credit hours through online course offerings, along with six, one-week, on-site residencies at Northwood University’s main campus in Midland, Mich., and other locations. The program’s structure is designed to accommodate its participants’ business schedule demands while offering opportunities for practical, tangible learning.
Throughout their studies, students from across the aftermarket industry will learn from each other and share best practices, as well as learn from a variety of guest lecturers. Approximately 20 percent of the curriculum will focus on industry-specific case studies and readings, and each student will be charged with developing an individual capstone project that aims to create a minimum of $50,000 EBITDA savings.
“This innovative program focuses on interaction, collaboration and team teaching that allows our students to immediately apply their expanded knowledge in the workplace,” says Lisa Fairbairn, dean of Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School “For this first class of students, we are seeking a diverse cohort of individuals who are risk takers willing to transform their organizations and their lives and who have a true inventive and entrepreneurial spirit.”
Northwood University’s DeVos Graduate School requires candidates to submit a complete portfolio for evaluation, including an online application; a current, verifiable resume; official undergraduate transcripts; and an admissions interview. While no particular undergraduate major is preferred over others, all candidates should possess competence with mathematics and quantitative components, including finance and accounting,
