MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (MDP)

Curriculum & Application

Our Management Development Program offers a condensed, high-impact curriculum covering many of the topics found in advanced degree programs—without the time commitment of a full course of study.

Participants explore key areas of management through the case method, building practical skills and strategic insight that can be applied immediately.

Topics Covered:

• Marketing – Understanding marketplace needs, matching them with company capabilities, and communicating effectively with customers.
• Financial Reporting and Control – Using accounting and financial statements as essential tools for decision-making.
• Leadership and Organizations – Managing relationships and leading teams as responsibilities grow.
• Manufacturing and Service Operations – Integrating technology, people, and systems for operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Competition and Strategy – Formulating competitive strategies that balance opportunity and risk in a changing marketplace.
• Ethics – Navigating complex decisions and making choices rooted in personal and organizational values.

2025 Moderators

Schedule & Location

In 2025, the MDP will be held on 11 consecutive Tuesdays starting September 23rd; the 12th and final class will be on Wednesday, December 10th. Class begins at 3:30 PM and ends by 6:30 PM. Most will be held at The Buffalo Club, 388 Delaware Avenue, 14204. A few classes will be held off-site (dates and locations to be announced) to include a tour of different company facilities.

Admission Criteria

There are no educational or management experience requirements for admission. However, to gain the full value of the program, the applicant should have the reading speed and time to cover 20 to 75 pages of casework and articles each week. In addition, the analysis of the cases often requires the use of basic math skills.

Cost & How to Apply

The 2025 MDP is full! All new applications will be placed on the waitlist for next year’s MDP, so please send in your application.

MDP tuition is $1,600 per participant, which includes all case materials and instruction.

To apply, please complete our online application form:

We encourage early applications, as space is limited and spots fill quickly.

Management Development Program FAQs

Q: Do I have to buy any books?
A: No, all cases and notes are included in the tuition.

Q: How do I pay for the course?
A: We will send you an invoice, which you may pay personally and submit to your employer for reimbursement, or submit to your employer to pay directly.

Q: How can I request my boss’s support for my MDP registration?
A: Use the letter template below as a starting point:

Q: Can I pay the tuition with a credit card?
A: Yes, you can request an electronic invoice and pay by credit card.

Q: Where is the classroom?
A: The first class is at the Buffalo Club; most will be there, but some will be at other locations (to be announced) for site tours.

Q: Will I receive a Harvard degree?
A: No, the course is non-credit. Participants do not earn a certificate or certification, and the programs are not connected to Harvard Business School.

Q: I am considering going for an MBA. Should I take the MDP?
A: Yes, this program offers an opportunity to explore your interest in business challenges and assess your ability to dedicate time to study. It serves as a low-pressure introduction to MBA-level thinking while also providing a strong, stand-alone learning experience.

Q: I already have an advanced degree. Should I take the MDP?
A: Yes, these programs are a great way to continue your professional development. As case-based courses, they offer an opportunity to apply and refine your MBA-level skills in real-world simulations. Each year, we welcome several participants with MBAs and other advanced degrees.

Q: Can more than one person from an organization participate in the same class?
A: Yes. While we aim for a mix of organizations in each class, having multiple participants from the same organization can enhance the learning experience through shared discussion and collaboration.

Q: Do you offer scholarships?
A: We do not offer scholarships to the MDP, as the fees cover case materials and room rental.

Q: Is there much reading?
A: Yes. Each week, the assigned cases and notes range from 20 to 75 pages. Reading a case is like reading a story or a mystery; you’re trying to figure out what’s really going on. However, true understanding requires more than one reading. The quality of your classroom experience depends greatly on your preparation and any pre-class discussions you have with your study group; the more engaged you are, the more you’ll gain.

Q: What happens if I miss classes?
A: If you miss more than three MDP classes, we may request that you make up the missed sessions during a future program cycle.

Q: I’m interested, but have more questions.
A: Feel free to email your questions to info@hbsbuffalo.com. We’re happy to help!

Testimonials from Past Participants

“A great variety of cases which covered many appropriate management issues.” – Relationship Manager, Commercial Bank

“This course opened my mind to high-level strategic thinking and decision making. This course added a great deal of value to my MBA and work experience. I can be a much better contributor to my company as a result.” – Financial Analyst, Automotive Manufacturer

“The class interaction adds to the learning experience by sharing different solutions to the same problem. Participating or just listening, you can’t help but learn.” – VP, Manufacturing Company

“Good case variety. Cases were very applicable and fascinating. I enjoyed the insight that the instructors brought to the various cases.” – IT Director, Large Manufacturer