Caterpillar University Celebrates the Graduation of Sales Management Certificate Program
Recently, 30 dealer management personnel from around the world became the inaugural class of the Caterpillar University / Rutgers University Sales Management Certificate Program. This 10-month program mixes 65 hours of e-learning courses through the Dealer Performance Center (DPC), with seven Webinar teleconferences taught by certified Rutgers professors. The Webinars cover several topics important to dealer managers, such as developing solutions, being a leader, sales funnel management, and coaching for performance. The Webinars also encourage participants to interact with managers from different dealers to share experiences and best practices, making this a truly collaborative program.
In a recently completed survey, 95% of participants said they were able to apply knowledge learned immediately and have improved the working relationship with their teams. An overwhelming percentage highly recommends this program to all managers at a dealership.
Several graduation ceremonies were held around the world to recognize this global group of participants. Participants in the New Jersey celebration for Foley Inc. included Ruud Kronenburg, Dean of Caterpillar University as well as Jonathan Lane Project Manager/Assistant Director of Rutgers University; Karen McCaffrey, Program Manager Rutgers University; and Dennis Wilson, Rutgers University Professor. For the graduation celebration in Dubai for EAME graduates, Stu Levenick, Caterpillar Group President and Paolo Fellin, Vice President of EAME division, as well as Rudd Kronenburg were on hand to congratulate each manager.
Reflecting on the 10-month program, the participants overall expressed a great appreciation for this type of program noting that they were able to apply the learning right away. “The curriculum was tailored to my specific needs and covered real-life decision-making scenarios,” said Glenn Bouthillette, Product Support Manger, Foley Inc.
The Sales Management Certificate Program is expecting to have over 100 graduates by the end of 2012. The program runs three classes per year, with the next session beginning in June 2012. For more information about the program, please contact Jindriska Martinez (Americas), Matinez_Jindriska@cat.com or Natasza Walus (EAME & APD), Walus_Natasza_A@cat.com
