The MDP program allows mid-career executives to hone their decision making skills while discussing case studies in accounting, marketing, finance, operations, organizational behavior, leadership, and ethics. Volunteer Charlotte-based alumni of the Harvard Business School teach the course through Harvard’s famous case study method. Currently, 26 local alumni teach in the program. This will be the 8th year that the Harvard Business School Club of Charlotte has offered the MDP. Over fifty local companies have sent executives to the program, including Bank of America, Wachovia, Carolina CAT, CC. Dickson Co., Crescent Communities Realty, Crosland Commercial, Duke Energy, Microsoft, National Gypsum, Pfizer, RBC Centura, Springs Industries, and TIAA-CREF. Incoming executives indicated that the top three reasons they sought out this course were to broaden their understanding of business, to gain new insights into themselves and the world, and to network with fellow executives and faculty.

 PROGRAM HISTORY

This course parallels one offered since 1951 by the Harvard Business School of Buffalo. In 1951 a number of companies in Western New York recognized the need for continuing business education to service the development requirements of their employees. A group of graduates of the Harvard Business School responded by developing a case based management course. Similarly, graduates in the Charlotte area recognized the same need in our area, and with the support of the Buffalo club started a similar program in 2003.

The original Management Development Course has changed and evolved over the past 50 years. Each year we revise the casebook to incorporate the most popular cases used in MBA programs. In addition the articles and notes are changed to reflect the current literature.

Most of us work in the same company or functional area for several years. The objective of the Management Development Program is to challenge the student with situations and problems that they have not encountered in their regular job experience. The course is not for credit nor is it sponsored by the Harvard Business School. It is simply an opportunity to learn in a local, non-competitive environment, without the costs of travel.

Our students come from manufacturing and service organizations, profit and non-profit, as well as the legal and medical profession. Some are considering an MBA; others already have advanced degrees. All are looking for the broadening experience that a case study course offers.

TEACHING METHODS
The majority of the course is taught utilizing the case method that has been used by the Harvard Business School for over 70 years. A case study describes an actual business situation or problem that typically has a multitude of solutions.

The faculty and participants share the teaching-learnng experience by working together to define and resolve the issues in the case study. Many notes and articles are included in the course to broaden the students' understanding of the subject beyond the specific issues illustrated in the case study.

Each participant analyzes the assigned materials for class discussion, to identify management implications of the issues described, and to decide on an appropriate course of action. In class, students discuss their analyses and recommendations for action.

Every participant brings their own set of skills and experiences to the class. The broad range of insights and solutions spark a lively discussion involving vital aspects of management: making decisions quickly using imperfect and/or incomplete data; challenging assumptions; effectively communicating and negotiating with others of differing opinions; and changing business tactics and/or strategy as new insights are gained.

"The cases make you think like a general manager."
Marketing Manager - Manufacturing Company

FACULTY
The faculty members are graduates of the Harvard Business School. Many of the faculty are presidents of companies; some have started their own businesses. Their business experiences covers a broad spectrum including manufacturing, banking, real estate, consulting, service, and health care. Their skills and backgrounds are key elements in the case study learning process.

"The class focused on the need to analyze the big picture. There was a stress on strategy and how it relates to business decision making."
Finance Manager - Auto Parts Manufacturer

CURRICULUM
The course covers many of the subjects of an MBA program, but in an abbreviated version.

"A great variety of cases which covered many appropriate management issues." - Relationship Manager - Commercial Bank

The following topics are covered:

Marketing
If a company is to survive and prosper, it must pay close attention to the needs of the marketplace. Marketing is the company function responsible for matching the capabilities of the company, the needs of customers, and the requisite communication between the two.

Financial Reporting and Control
Accounting is the primary channel for communicating the economics of any business. These cases illustrate how managers use financial information in their decision-making.

Leadership and Organizations
These cases address the human side of the enterprise and how managing relationships becomes more important than performing tasks as managers gain responsibility for leadership.

Manufacturing and Service Operations
Managing the effective integration of technology, people, and operating systems presents critical challenges to business leaders. To achieve competitive advantage, managers must understand the complex process underlying the development and manufacture of products as well as the creation and delivery of services. At the same time, the systems which create distinctive competencies for the firm today require continuous improvement to stay effective in the future.

Competition and Strategy
A company obtains competitive position within its industry when the configuration of its product mix and functional activities generate superior value for customers. The challenge of formulating effective competitive strategy is to balance the opportunities and risks associated with dynamic changes in industry attractiveness and competitive position.

Ethics
The complexity of organizations and pressures for achievement cause situations in which the individual must make choices based on personal values. These situations will be noted in several cases.

"Enjoyed the class tremendously - expanded my mind & my way of thinking - esp. by being surrounded by peers with far more years of experience than myself."

"A very good experience in that it forces/allows you to think critically and reach a decision/conclusion on the problem at hand. Would highly recommend the course."

SCHEDULE
Classes are held each Monday from 6:00 to 8:45 PM at the McColl Center of Queens University, at the corner of Selwyn Avenue and Wellesley Avenue. The class runs for 14 weeks from September 13 - December 13. A light snack is provided between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. by the host organization. 

COURSE FEE
The fee for the program is $1800. This includes all cases and article reprints. An invoice will be sent to the sponsoring company or organization following the selection of students. Profits from the tuition proceeds are donated to local non-profits in the Charlotte Community.