The 7th class of the Management Development Program recently concluded. Several of the instructors have commented that this class seemed especially prepared, engaged, and supportive of each other.  We sat down with Bill Berry, MDP Program Chair, to discuss what made the MDP so successful this year. 

"We have 27 students enrolled this year, down from a peak of 32 students last year", says Bill Berry. "This year we have had fewer participants from the big banks, but we have had more participation from the non-profit sector and small to medium sized firms."

The MDP  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. 

Berry continues, "The 2009 Class is very cohesive.  After class, a group will meet at a local watering hole and continue the networking opportunities. The class has formed a LinkedIn Group called "HBS Charlotte MDP - Fall 2009" to facilitate their continued connections."

Berry adds, "Our Instructors like this group because they engage in the discussion and they come well-prepared. In one case, the lead students prepared a video commercial to illustrate the marketing case they had prepared."

Class member Chris Halligan said, "The MDP experience has been terrific. The best part has been the people.  The instructors are smart and engaged. And the class participants bring such a wide variety of experiences.  We are friends. We go out for drinks after class.  I have made several friends through this class that I will use to help navigate my career going forward."

Pam Dunn, a Senior Vice President with Bank of America added, "I wasn't sure quite what to expect from this class, but it has way exceeded all expectations."

Berry concludes, "We are creating a pretty good thing. All proceeds after covering our costs will go to local charities. Instructors will meet soon to decide which non-profits will receive the money. We have given over $107,000 to some great local non-profits, and we will soon be adding a substantial amount to that total."

 

Charlotte Housing Authority

Kuehne + Nagel, Inc.

Crumley Roberts, LLC

BB&T

Bank of America

Mecklenburg County Public Service & Information

Continental Tire NA

Wachovia Corporation, A Wells Fargo Company

Presbyterian Healthcare

Cooperative Christian Ministry

McGuire Woods, LLC

Addisco Value, LLC

Springs Creative Products Group, LLC

Charlotte Rescue Mission

Hispanic Contractors Association

Pat's Place Child Advocacy Center

Red Ventures

Essex Homes Southeast NC, Inc.

Evonik Energy Services LLC

Salvin Dental Specialties, Inc.

Lutze, Inc.

Domtar

Team Robel, LLC 

Wood Medical Consulting

Technekes LLC