The MDM program is structured to strengthen and build the leaders of tomorrow at your organization. Build skills with a blended learning approach and hands-on project application. Increase employee confidence and enablement by shaping the professional future for your leadership candidates.

Anyone in leadership or looking to move into a leadership role should consider enrolling in MDM. Branch managers, proven leaders, warehouse managers, HR managers, inventory managers, management trainees, sales and marketing managers, purchasing managers, training managers and operations supervisors are all great candidates for MDM. It is recommended that the MDM Candidate has a minimum of four years of wholesale distribution experience with at least three years in a management or supervisory role prior to enrolling in the MDM program.

Graduation from the program is overseen by the MDM Graduate Review Committee, who will monitor progress of the student throughout their time in the program, as well as provide buy-in and evaluation of an MDM student’s Capstone Project.

Interested in amping it up? Ask us about the “Fast Track” MDM Program, perfect for seasoned employees who have a minimum of four years of wholesale distribution experience with at least three years in a management or supervisory role.

The Five Phases of MDM

Phase 1: Online Training
MDM students will access a custom-tailored set of online training that addresses the key competencies of the MDM program – and effective leadership! Each online training opportunity will include a post-assessment to gauge knowledge retention by MDM students.

Phase 2: University of Innovative Distribution: In-Person Workshop
Known worldwide for excellence in education, you’ll attend the University of Innovative Distribution (UID). Offered every March in Indianapolis, Indiana, you’ll network and receive a concentrated learning experience to bolster your budding knowledge in just four days.

Phase 3: Elective Learning Activities
MDM students can fully customize their MDM experience by selecting program-relevant books, online courses, or other training to meet the MDM program objectives. Company-specific training counts too – up to 75% of your required elective activities can be internal or company-specific training.

Phase 4: The Capstone Project Proposal
A unique part of the MDM program is a capstone project that requires you to apply what you’ve learned in the MDM program to real-life business problems. Examine the parts of your business that you can have impact on with your newfound skills, and create a proposal for what you will do to demonstrate your skills.

Phase 5: The Capstone Project Presentation
At the conclusion of the MDM program, students will present their Capstone Project live in front of the MDM Graduate Review Committee, providing information on the problem they tackled at their business and the measurable outcomes of their work. At the conclusion of the individual’s Capstone presentation, the Graduate Review Committee will evaluate ultimate graduation eligibility for the program.

Think you’ve got what it takes to join the Master of Distribution Management (MDM) Program? Know someone who might? Reach out to education@asa.net to learn more about the MDM program and how YOU can get involved today.