Research Article: The Impact of an MBA Programme on Managerial Abilities Available to Purchase

Despite the growing concerns about the impact of graduate management education, few studies have documented their effect on a student′s managerial abilities. An outcome assessment study was conducted on entering and graduating students in an MBA programme. A value‐added, crosssectional design was used with proper random sampling. Graduates of the MBA programme were found to have significantly greater levels of six skills, as compared to entering students. The results indicate that attending an MBA adds value on a number of abilities related to effective managerial performance. The lack of impact on interpersonal and leadership abilities was consistent with frequently cited criticisms of MBA programmes.