EIPM and Making the Transition from Quality to Purchasing
 

Massimo Monetti was lucky enough to have his company’s support in his completion of his MBA program. On the other hand, with or without company support, the challenge of balancing full-time work with study is never a simple task, and neither is making the transition from a technically-oriented position to that of purchasing manager. Massimo appreciated his company’s choice of EIPM – a choice that allowed him both the flexibility to work and study simultaneously, as well as a peer group of seasoned professionals. Massimo discusses all this in further detail and more in the following interview.
 

Please start by telling us a little about yourself?

Well, to start with, I come from Italy. It was there that I began my career in quality management at an American company called the United Technology Group. I later moved into the automotive industry in SKF, the Bearing leading company, while still focusing on quality management, until I joined the purchasing sector of the same company. It was through the MBA at EIPM that I was finally able to make the transition from polytechnician to purchasing manager, with the added value of developing a solid managerial understanding of business in the process.

Tell us a little about EIPM. What does the acronym EIPM stand for ?

EIPM stands for the European Institute of Purchasing Management.

How did you decide on EIPM?

At first, it was the decision of my company, to which I naturally agreed immediately. I realized from the very beginning that this MBA was the opportunity of a lifetime, particularly since I knew that EIPM, the school selected by my company, was truly international. Moreover, I knew that through this program it was possible to accomplish the required coursework on a part-time basis – a priceless factor for working professionals. In this particular program, the added value comes from the significant specialized experience of the professionals attending the program. While it is possible to attend an MBA program immediately following one’s undergraduate university degree, I believe that accomplishing an MBA this way amounts only to a greater accumulation of theoretical knowledge. Doing an MBA mid-career allows for that same accumulation of knowledge, but with the added perspective of knowing the practical applications of theories as they are being taught. A classroom with students who have various careers and disparate professional experiences also challenges the professor to keep the course curriculum current and pertinent, because their students are informed enough to challenge.

There are two additional benefits of attending this professional program: first, you can share your experiences with others coming from similar situations, and second, you can complete the program on a part-time basis so it isn’t necessary to spend months or years without working. In my own situation, the program made it possible for me to switch from a technical to a commercial position. Because I came from an engineering background, I knew the transition to business would only be possible through the completion of the MBA program at EIPM. This would allow me to utilize my valuable prior experience while enhancing my educational qualifications.

What were the most valuable aspects of the program for you?

The professional nature and part-time schedule were two of the more unique factors that I greatly appreciated. Also the international-multicultural environment prepares us to operate successfully in foreign environments. This is particularly true in the purchasing field, because we are beginning to increase our contact with Asian countries and cultures. Finally, the atmosphere is very friendly, the people are unassuming and they don’t take themselves too seriously. One often hears students at some of the larger business schools complain that courses are too large and impersonal, and the instructors are unapproachable. At EIPM, I was surprised to discover this is not the case. Even if the teachers are Harvard educated, at EIPM they are relaxed and accessible. This makes students more comfortable in approaching them.

What was the most difficult aspect of program?

I would have to say that the most difficult aspect of the program was combining study with fulltime work. It is difficult to imagine, but more than one third of these serious professional students missed a significant amount of class time. This made it more difficult for them to keep up with the rest of the class, complete their course work, and finish the program on time. Without the part-time option, it would be completely impossible for these professionals to complete an MBA program, and all the same it is a remarkably difficult situation. Another challenge is not simply learning the concepts, but rather learning to compromise in team work environments. MBA programs are filled with very qualified people and excellent leaders. This works wonderfully when you have clear leaders and others are happy to follow. However, when you fill a class with people who all feel they are the best leaders, learning to compromise becomes the focus, and the best students are those that learn how to operate as part of an effective team. Since the same thing also happens in companies, this exercise in compromise helps students prepare for leadership in the real world- an invaluable experience. Another good thing is that if you have, like me, a tendency to focus too intently on details and lose sight of the bigger picture, an MBA program can help you learn to put details in perspective in order to get to the important points. By the time you finish the MBA you have gained valuable knowledge and experience synthesizing with colleagues and focusing on what’s important – two key skills for management success.

So, why did you choose to do an MBA at this point in your life?

My company offered me the opportunity and encouraged me to attend the program. At that time I was hoping to make the transition into the purchasing department and the company knew that this MBA program was the best way to make that happen. In fact, in most cases like mine, where it is the company that sends you, they decide where you will go; they don’t ask your opinion. I was thrilled that I was chosen for this opportunity, since an MBA, unlike the in-house training offered by some groups, is a real investment that pays off continuously in the future. The trick is that when it is the company’s decision to offer you this additional training, you must prove yourself valuable enough to merit the complement.

Do you have any advice to give to someone who wants to obtain an MBA?

I think an MBA could and should be worked into company negotiations if possible. For example, instead of simply asking for a salary increase when a company offers a challenging mission, an MBA could be included as part of the package. Instead of focusing only on money or bonuses, MBAs are long-term investments and, as an additional perk, salaries generally improve immediately after an MBA. This is also true in my experience, since after my MBA I moved to an American company and my gross salary boosted significantly. Even though I am Italian, I am currently one of the best paid employees as a Senior Purchasing Manager in this American company.

Massimo Monetti (Graduation 1999)
MANAGER PURCHASING INDIRECT MATERIALS
TRW ITALIA SPA - Italy