University of Virginia, Darden School of Business: The Executive Program

General Description
Darden provides both open-enrollment and custom programs, and works with leading organizations in the development of corporate learning centers. In the 2005 Financial Times Survey of Executive Programs, Darden faculty ranked #1, as well as executive program course design. Programs varying from three days to four weeks are developed and taught by full-time Darden faculty, experienced in working with executives in a variety of environments and skilled in facing key business issues with sustainable solutions.

Executive Education
A Darden Executive Education program is a student-centered learning experience based on practical, relevant, and participant-focused teaching methods. Participants are involved in intensive study and discussion of actual business situations set forth in carefully prepared business cases and learn through group activities, simulations, and idea sharing. Contact with faculty and other participants is an integral element of all Darden programs. Emphasis is on problem identification, analysis, and solutions contributing directly to managerial effectiveness. Programs are structured to meet the needs of executives as their careers develop, offering intensive seminars and programs in functional and special interest areas as well as general management programs that challenge the participants to develop the skills necessary for different levels of managerial responsibility.

Faculty
The same faculty that has achieved international acclaim for the MBA program teach in Darden Executive Education programs, where faculty involvement is considered one of its hallmarks.

Darden’s faculty members maintain professional ties with the business industry as management consultants and corporate directors, and take an active role in field research for cases to be used at the Darden School. Their classroom case analysis draws upon current, practical experience as well as scholarship in the profession¾an added benefit to practicing executives.

Capabilities
Darden Executive Education offers:

Open-enrollment Programs: Darden’s programs are designed, developed, and delivered to take full advantage of the diversity of experience found in participants from a variety of industries, cultures, and functional backgrounds.

Certificate in Management: Darden will award the Certificate in Management to participants who have completed four distinct Darden Executive Education programs within a four year period, regardless of length. Participants who have completed a Darden program(s) may count up to two prior programs towards the Certificate in Management. Participants may elect concentration in one series (General Management, Leadership and Change, Marketing and Sales, Financial Excellence, Innovation and Operations Excellence, Capability Development: Individual and Organizational, or Darden Partnerships), or may select programs within all categories.

Custom Programs: If your organization is confronted with the challenge of managing in a high-growth environment, leading massive organizational change, entering global markets, or developing high-potential managers, then a Darden custom program may be the perfect solution for you. Turn your challenges into learning opportunities by partnering with Darden. Our capabilities enable us to help your organization achieve your goals. Recent research findings indicate that custom-designed programs have significant impact upon organizations and their participants.

Corporate Learning Center Development: Leading organizations partner with Darden to establish their learning centers and develop programs that reach senior-level executives, high-potential managers, and emerging leaders. Shorter, functional programs that support firms’ business goals are also integrated.

Business Solutions for Recent Darden Custom Clients include:

Developing General Managers
Air Liquide America Corp.
Norfolk Southern Corp.
Rolls-Royce North America Inc.

Developing High-Potential Managers
Bacardi Ltd.
Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance
Capital One Financial Corp.
National Industries for the Blind
The Timken Co.

Leading the Total Enterprise
U.S. Army
U.S. Navy
Strategic Leadership
PepsiCo, Inc.
State Farm Mutual Insurance Cos.
United Technologies Corp.

Transformational Change
Bank One Corp.
Northrop Grumman Information Technology
Wolseley plc

Industries represented:
Aviation, automobile, banking, chemicals, electronics, energy, information technology, distribution, wholesale, financial, government, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, retail, telecommunications, transportation, insurance.

Living and Learning at The Darden School
Living accommodations for most Darden Executive Education programs will be reserved at Sponsors Executive Residence Center, which includes private air-conditioned rooms with private bath and amenities, discussion-group rooms, two meeting rooms, a fully equipped exercise room, and a recreation area. At times it may be necessary to house participants at a nearby hotel. Most meals will be served in the Abbott Center dining room adjacent to the classroom building and near the Executive Residence Center.