Fourteenth MSU RMC program under way

Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-Chief
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Jeremy Johnson (left), Train & Terminal Operations Manager, Lake State Railway, receives a commemorative plaque from Nick Little, Director of Railway Education, MSU Center for Railway Research & Education, to celebrate LSRC’s 2018 Short Line of the Year award from Railway Age.

The fourteenth group of North American railroaders, representing Class I, II and III railroads, the U.S. military and major industry suppliers from the U.S., Canada and Mexico, on April 16 began work in Michigan State University’s Railway Management Certificate program.

The program commenced with a week studying railroad business administration, including leadership, industry structure, transportation, business strategy, marketing, finance, supply chain management, risk management and critical thinking. It culminated with application of these subjects to the intermodal business. Instruction on traditional railroad traffic was combined with discussions on creating new traffic through economic and business development.

A highlight of the week was a field trip to Lake State Railway (LSRC) in Saginaw and Bay City, Mich., where a presentation was made to a class member from LSRC in recognition of its award from Railway Age as Short Line of the Year for 2018.

Nick Little, Director of Railway Education in MSU’s Broad College of Business Center for Research and Education, said “The class demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges facing the industry, and was highly engaged throughout the week seeking to learn from the MSU faculty and other presenters. This enthusiasm and commitment bodes well for the future of the rail industry.”

The RMC program comprises four modules that can be studied in sequence in one year or spread over time to gain a certificate in railway management. “The course is unique in its business, management and leadership focus while covering operations, engineering, safety, and regulation—all supported with numerous site visits and subject-matter-expert presentations that bring the concepts to life,” noted Little.

Details are at www.raileducation.com.

 

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