Which MBA? A Critical Guide to the World’s Best Programmes (9th ed.)

Citation

Bickerstaffe, G. (1998), "Which MBA? A Critical Guide to the World’s Best Programmes (9th ed.)", Career Development International, Vol. 3 No. 6, pp. 271-271. https://doi.org/10.1108/cdi.1998.3.6.271.1

For the first time, Which MBA? contains details of distance learning programmes, which have recently proliferated in Britain and growing in popularity in North American business schools.

Distance learning has its roots in the old‐style correspondence course, and to some extent it shows. Much of the learning material is print based. But multimedia, video and computer‐based communications systems such as the Internet are beginning to have an impact. They allow students to have more contact with their business school faculty and with each other. Many schools also provide ways of breaking the isolation of studying alone. These include personal tutors whom students can telephone with problems, summer schools, weekend seminars and local support groups.

The ninth edition of Which MBA? also carries a separate directory sector on business schools in Britain, with 32 entries. Britain is one of the largest providers of MBA programmes, with more than 100 on offer. The programmes are generally short (only London Business School offers a US‐style two‐year programme) and have the same strong links with industry, as well as involving much project work. Britain appears to have taken industry links further than most countries. UK business schools were the first to develop single company MBAs, MBAs developed for consortia of companies and distance learning programmes.

Large numbers of foreign students, often from Commonwealth countries, enrol on MBA courses in Britain. Despite the traditional reluctance of British people to speak foreign languages, most schools also offer language training as part of the course. Many UK schools have established strong international links, often with other European business schools.

Which MBA? gives details of more than 100 schools worldwide, including comparative cost and fee information, entry requirements and application details. It also gives advice on choosing the right school, financing the course and how to use an MBA to climb the career ladder.

But perhaps the most valuable chapter is that including frank quotations from current and recent graduates.