This program counts as two program weeks towards the Distinguished Certificate in General Management. Complete two additional programs within a four-year period to earn your Certificate.

Details 

Ambitious professionals and their organizations understand that management in today’s environment does not mean doing more of the same. These growth and global minded businesses prepare middle management executives to become more effective leaders who possess broad, strong business knowledge. Providing an enterprise-wide, performance-driven perspective, the Management Development Program (MDP) examines key business issues and solutions that are necessary to be successful in an increasingly dynamic business environment. By developing a broad understanding of the enterprise and the connectivity of business activity, MDP provides an opportunity for participants to focus on and drive actions that will enhance organizational effectiveness and encourage superior bottom-line results.

The fee covers all program materials, program-related meals, and housing in a private room at the Inn at Darden (formerly Sponsors Executive Residence Center) for the specified program dates. 

Participants Say…

Why MDP?

For years, this program has admitted managers from around the world. These executives and their supporting organizations select the Darden School of Business and the Management Development Program for the integrated, full-time, intensive learning experience;  the globally ranked #1 faculty team (Financial Times 2004–2011);  and the relevant challenging curriculum that takes them out of the comfort zone, nudges and challenges assumptions, and addresses key areas of business and global perspectives. MDP affords an immersive study of  all aspects of management—from accounting, finance, technology and operations…to competition, strategy, and marketing…to the international economy and organizational change. 

Throughout the course of the program,  participants will not only further see the organization as more than the sum of its parts, they will be geared to use their broader vision to drive more effective management, strategic decision making, and extraordinary leadership.

Participant Profile

Benefits

• Become a better prepared, more confident manager with new knowledge, capabilities, and self-awareness—ready for new responsibilities.
• Comprehend and apply corporate strategy concepts.
• Deliver fresh perspectives—consider the bigger business picture AND the long-term view.
• Distinguish the organization as a multifaceted system and understand and identify the critical contributions of each business function.
• Gain an international network and global outlook from the diversity of peer learners.
• Improve your capacity to think and act more strategically and to establish personal and organizational goals consistent with corporate strategy.
• Increase personal effectiveness and leadership capability to manage at the interface of key functions, create a high-performance culture, create value, and generate superior results.
• Recognize the link between operations and strategy and implement applications that will help diminish any gaps.
• Use key performance indicators to guide organizational growth and development.

Topics

• Competitive Analysis
• Corporate Strategy and Industry Analysis
• Financial Management and Performance
• Leadership and Change Management
• Managing Critical Resources
• Marketing Strategy
• Operational Excellence
• Professional Executive Coaching
• Strategy and Execution
• Talent Management
• Wellness and Management Success
• 360-Degree Assessment Tool to Understand Self as Manager/Leader

Special Features

• Application Workshop: Prior to the program, participants identify a current business challenge. They will directly apply program learnings to this challenge, and will leave with an executable plan.
• Additional simulations and action-learning activities are incorporated to emphasize key program topics and actively demonstrate best practices in extraordinary management.
• The Wellness Program—Further enhance your management skills by improving your physical, mental, and emotional stamina. Learn more.  

Faculty and Contributors

Each Management Development Program offering is facilitated by a core group of faculty, led by an overarching program faculty leader.