The Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is, according to Bickerstaffe (1997), “one of the best known and least understood academic awards in the world”. Much of this is due to the wide variety of different programmes which carry the MBA label. It is estimated that there are currently 1,200 institutions worldwide offering MBA programmes. The selection process is therefore not easy and the choice is compounded by the fact that MBA programmes can be full‐time, part‐time, modular or use distance learning. The Directory of MBAs aims “to help you find your way around the great variety of programmes currently offered and to select the institution and course most suited to your needs”.
Several introductory essays begin the volume outlining what an MBA is and why it has become an internationally recognised management qualification. Other essays explain the Graduate Management Admission Test Computer Adaptive Test; student perspectives on undertaking an MBA; and an introduction to the main accreditation bodies such as EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA together with lists of schools offering accredited programmes. The main part of the directory then follows listing the business schools alphabetically by country. The entries follow a more or less standard pattern of course details; teaching methods used; faculty; accommodation; careers organisation; and alumni. Other information, included in tabular format, includes the size of the intake; admission requirements; participants’ profile; and fees. Colour illustrations are used to promote a school’s entry.
The final part is headed “Reference section” and this provides full contact details of perhaps all the schools offering MBA programmes. However, it is important to note that not all are included in the profiles section. To have a profile included in this directory requires payment of an appropriate fee. A business school’s marketing department therefore has to decide if this is a cost‐effective way in which to promote their school. Some top‐rated business schools are therefore not to be found in the profile section. It is also not readily noticeable that these profiles are advertising features and hence written by the schools themselves as opposed to presenting unbiased facts.
As this is edition two which I had been given to review, I foolishly wondered when the first edition had been published. I discovered that we had on our shelves another edition two. However, this one has a publication date of 1996 and, although a hardback volume, is very obviously different. So perhaps I am reviewing the third edition of 1998?
Competition among business schools to attract students is fierce and choosing a school is not an easy task. There are many published guides to business schools and the programmes they offer. However, the commitment to undertake an MBA will be made on the basis of many factors as the task for the prospective student is to find the most appropriate programme for their individual needs.
