Automotive Purchasing and Supply Chain — 2023-10-13
News from ECG
Supported by the Association of European Vehicle Logistics (ECG) and ProAct Global Solutions, the ECG Academy is a unique initiative aimed at developing industry professionals. In this article, we'll delve into Laura's insights and use some of her exact quotes to shed light on this transformative journey.
"My journey to the ECG Academy was initiated by Toyota's interest in the program. Although Toyota was familiar with the ECG Academy, they had never sent a representative before. Given Toyota's close relationship with ECG through participation in workshops and activities, they recognised the potential for developing their members further. Last year, Toyota made the decision to send a representative for the first time, and I was proposed as the candidate to gain insights and share feedback with the company. Being the first person from Toyota to attend, I didn't know exactly what to expect, but it turned out to be an enriching experience that exceeded my expectations."
"The ECG Academy is organised into five modules, each covering specific content areas. These modules include topics like innovation, change management, risk management, and presentation skills. The classes are taught by a mix of academics and industry experts. Additionally, we had the opportunity to visit ports, vessels, and compounds as part of the programme. Collaborative work with classmates on various projects was also a key element of the academy. So, in a typical module, we would have a mix of theory-based classes, group work, brainstorming sessions, and company visits."
"Professionally, the ECG Academy is a significant investment for the companies that send their representatives. It offers a chance to develop a wide range of skills and gain industry insights beyond what you might know about your own company. It facilitates the exchange of ideas between OEMs and logistics partners, providing valuable knowledge that can be applied to tackle industry challenges. Personally, the academy has helped me build a network of industry peers and gain a deeper understanding of the sector. The daily discussions with classmates exposed me to different perspectives and ideas, which has had a positive impact on me."
"One of the highlights for me was the collaboration within our group. We worked on various projects, including an innovative project that involved participants from different companies in the logistics sector, such as trucking, shipping, and OEMs. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds, we successfully collaborated on a project addressing industry concerns, particularly related to CO2 emissions. It was inspiring to see how people from different companies and industries could work together to make a meaningful contribution."
"One of the most valuable soft skills I gained was related to presentation skills. Learning how to effectively communicate and present ideas was crucial. On the hard skills front, the academy provided knowledge and tools for leadership and project management. This knowledge equips participants to make informed decisions and tackle challenges within the industry effectively."
"The Best Student Award is given at the end of each module and is based on various criteria. These include performance in projects, written and oral exams, thesis presentation, class participation, and interactions with classmates. It's a recognition of the effort and dedication put into the program. Personally, it's an honour for me to receive this award as a representative of Toyota. It not only reflects my individual achievement but also makes me proud to bring this recognition to my company. It also opens doors for my colleagues, as we've already selected the next participant from Toyota for this year."
"On a professional level, I gained a deeper understanding of market conditions, identified potential solutions during these challenging times, and strengthened the relationship between Toyota and our logistics partners. This knowledge is invaluable for driving innovation and problem-solving within the industry. On a personal level, the networking and knowledge exchange with my classmates were essential. Engaging in discussions with professionals from different companies and industries broadened my perspective and enriched my learning experience."
"While I found many modules interesting, one that stood out was the one focused on negotiation and communication skills. This topic is highly relevant, and the interactive nature of the class allowed us to put our skills to the test. It was both enjoyable and educational."
"Upon completion of the ECG Academy, participants are awarded a certificate. This certificate is a unique recognition in the field of finished vehicle logistics. The programme is a collaboration between ECG and Zeppelin University, with KPMG playing a role in providing courses and lecturers. KPMG experts were actively involved in delivering lectures and evaluating our thesis projects."
ProAct Global Solutions doesn’t just sponsor the ECG Academy, it also presents the Digital Mindset award, a coveted recognition given to the student with the best thesis in the area of Technology and Digitalisation. Moreover, the company also conducts a keynote lecture to stimulate discussion and new ideas about the use of technology among students.
Darlina Mamaqi from MOSOLF Automotive Releasing Solutions GmbH is this year’s winner of the Digital Mindset award.
Speaking about why ProAct Global Solutions is sponsoring the Academy and the Award, Christian Fuss, Managing Director, said: “Digital transformation is increasingly impacting every organisation. We want to bring the topic onto the Agenda in the Academy and ultimately also back into the companies and into the industry in general so we embrace digitalisation and technology.
“Technology should support us in better planning across the supply chain, solving new and old challenges, creating new business models, creating new revenue streams, providing increased visibility and supporting customer expectations.”
Fuss further explained: “The second reason is that if we all have access to the same technology, then why are some companies better than others or further down the road to digital transformation and using technology?
“At ProAct Global Solutions we believe that it is the people in the organisations, the talents, new leaders, a new breed of mentally agile and creative management that can make the difference. This new human digital mindset is critical to the future of our businesses and that’s why we support the Academy in developing the next generation of automotive logistics leaders.”
The ECG Academy, supported by ProAct Global Solutions and led by the Association of European Vehicle Logistics, is shaping the future of young professionals in the automotive industry. Laura Buitrago's journey reflects the programme’s success in providing a holistic education that combines theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and valuable networking opportunities. As the automotive sector faces evolving challenges, initiatives like the ECG Academy are instrumental in fostering collaboration and innovation to drive the industry forward. Laura's experiences stand as a testament to the programme’s impact, not only on her personal growth but also within Toyota and the wider industry.