The International MTM Directorate serves as a coordinating body for research activities of the National Associations, for publication of international standards of practice, for membership development, and for communication and exchange of information.
The major areas of activity of the IMD to reach the general objective are:
- Research
- Standards of Practice
- Membership development
- Communications
With its own officers elected by the NMTMA delegates, the IMD has distinct power and activities in addition to providing guidance and influence within NMTMA groups.
Served by a Secretariat based in Varese, Italy, is the Executive Director with executive powers, who reports to the Managing Board of Trustees. A General Assembly holds legislative powers and meets once a year to define policy and ratify interim actions of the Managing Board. Besides the Executive Director, other executives, forming the Executive Board, are the President and the Vice President.
The NMTMAs work actively with industry, associations, wage contract parties and representatives from universities, colleges as well as other research institutions. They also arrange national conventions, conferences for MTM users and workshops. They put out numerous publications as well.