Automotive Service Management, the 18-credit course required for completion of the Automotive Management Institute's (AMI) Accredited Automotive Manager (AAM) designation, is the first AMI course to be offered online. 

It also is available to students in a self-study print format. "Our goal is to provide easy access to AMI education. This new online format is user-friendly, interactive and easy to follow," said AMI Executive Director Toni Slaton, AAM. 

The course is an introduction to three of the most critical business development skills: sales and marketing, personnel management, and financial and business management. Sales and Marketing addresses the challenges of finding and keeping a solid customer base.

Personnel Management dissects the hiring process and helps pinpoint applicant recruitment and selection criteria. This segment includes writing a job description, finding qualified applicants and selecting the right employee.

The Financial and Business Management segment provides an understanding of financial statements and how productivity and efficiency affect the bottom line.

"This format gives students the flexibility and convenience to take the course when it fits their busy schedule. Students can take the course in one setting or complete it in modules to best accommodate their needs," said John Francis, Jr., AAM, AMI Board of Trustees chairman.