09/11/2006 -- The fifth Print Media Academy (PMA) Summer University, which was held in Heidelberg from July 16-21, 2006, gave 15 participants from all over the world the chance to extend their knowledge in the fields of management and technology. The event, which is now firmly established in the industry, is tailored to managers in the print media industry. The lessons dealt in detail with the market and competitive situation and equipped participants with the tools to manage a medium-sized print shop. Other topics included the management of sales, service, processes, organization and personnel. Experienced teaching staff from renowned schools and institutes ensured that the lessons were lively and varied. This year’s Summer University was led by Dr. Thomas Schumacher, osb Tübingen GmbH, and Martina Brand from the PMA Heidelberg. "The last few years were difficult for my family business. When I enrolled for the Summer University, I was looking for a vision to move it forward," explains Andrew Lee-Gough from England. "The PMA event has exceeded all my expectations and I thoroughly recommend it to all managers. I’ve got a wealth of practical knowledge and information which I could apply immediately," says Lee-Gough. "We want to encourage the participants to look beyond their everyday business and give them new ideas on how to expand their business and overcome challenges," says Bernd Schopp, Head of the PMA. "With this in mind, we promote intensive discussion among participants. The materials are worked through and discussed together, analyzed with the experts in the context of the participants' experience and topic areas, and subsequently put into practice." Carla Pereira from Portugal backs up this view. "The Summer University provides an ideal mixture of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The initial analyses are possible on the spot - but there's no need for anyone to feel threatened by any competitors who may be present. Quite the opposite in fact, because the participants learn from one another - aided by the training materials provided by the PMA." Close contacts are often developed among the participants which usually last for many years and form proper networks. "Another aim of the lesson is to check and refresh existing management know-how and technical knowledge," explains Bernd Schopp. "We’re already working on further-reaching modules targeted in particular at previous participants from the last five years." Print Media Academy bolsters international programs for managers At the end of August, the PMA offered a four-day Summer University in Sao Paulo, Brazil. 28 participants attended the program, which specifically addressed the Southern Europe and South American markets. From September 2006, the PMA will be teaming up with the London College of Communication (LCC) to offer an international Masters degree course in Print Media. The new course is targeted at aspiring print media managers and executives and is designed to build their expertise in technical, strategic, and business management issues while also expanding their career horizons. The course involves around nine months of full-time education, two weeks of which is spent at the PMA in Heidelberg. The next Winter University will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from December 18-22, 2006. It will be held in close cooperation with Heidelberg Australia and the London School of Communication. From 2007 onwards, the successful series of seminars "Handing down the family business" will be available for the first time as an international program. Participants at this seminar learn how to structure and plan a handover between generations.