FT Global MBA Rankings - Wharton & LBS tied for No. 1

In 2009, the Financial Times global rankings for MBA programs reflected a significant shift in the landscape of top business education. The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and the London Business School (LBS) found themselves at the pinnacle of these rankings, tied for the first position, with Harvard Business School (HBS) jumping up to third from its fifth-place position in 2008. This shake-up in the rankings highlighted the evolving nature of business education and the increasing importance of global perspectives, innovation, and leadership in preparing future business leaders. Wharton and LBS, both historically prominent institutions, demonstrated their capacity to adapt to changing business needs, while Harvard, Columbia, and INSEAD rounded out the top five, each continuing to maintain a strong global presence in MBA education.

The rise of Wharton and LBS to the top spot reflected their emphasis on academic rigor, innovative teaching methods, and global reach. Their MBA programs were increasingly seen as the gold standard for business schools, providing students with the tools, networks, and opportunities to excel in a rapidly changing business world. At the same time, Harvard’s rise from fifth to third place highlighted the institution's ongoing commitment to producing business leaders who could navigate the complexities of the global economy while also embracing new paradigms in leadership and management.

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Wharton’s ascent to the top of the rankings in 2009 was no surprise to those familiar with its reputation for academic rigor and global influence. As one of the oldest business schools in the world, Wharton has long been associated with producing graduates who go on to hold leadership positions in business, government, and non-profit sectors. The school’s success in the Financial Times rankings can be attributed to its strong focus on preparing students for leadership in a globalized world, with an emphasis on quantitative analysis, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of the business environment.

One of Wharton’s key strengths in the 2009 rankings was its ability to offer an MBA program that combined solid academic foundations with practical, hands-on experience. The school’s curriculum emphasized the development of analytical skills, management capabilities, and a deep understanding of global markets. Wharton also provided a strong international focus, with opportunities for students to engage in global learning experiences through exchange programs, internships, and study trips that broadened their understanding of business practices in different parts of the world.

The Wharton MBA program also stood out for its faculty, which was consistently ranked among the best in the world. The school’s faculty members were known not only for their academic excellence but also for their ability to blend theoretical knowledge with real-world business experience. In 2009, Wharton was noted for its strong research output, particularly in areas such as finance, economics, and entrepreneurship. This research played a crucial role in shaping the curriculum and ensuring that students were exposed to the latest thinking in business.

The Wharton alumni network also played a significant role in the school’s success in the 2009 rankings. Wharton graduates were seen as highly influential in the business world, and their continued success in leadership positions across industries helped to reinforce the school’s global reputation. The network was a key asset for students, providing them with access to a broad range of career opportunities and mentorship in various sectors.

London Business School

London Business School’s (LBS) equal ranking with Wharton in 2009 marked a milestone for the institution, which had consistently been recognized as one of the top business schools in Europe. LBS’s rise to the top of the global rankings reflected its unique position as a truly international business school with a strong focus on preparing students for leadership roles in the global business environment. The school’s proximity to London, one of the world’s major financial centers, provided students with unparalleled access to global markets, making LBS an attractive choice for those seeking a global perspective on business education.

In 2009, LBS continued to be recognized for its diverse and international student body, with students from over 70 countries. This global representation not only enriched the classroom experience but also provided students with the opportunity to build a network of contacts across the world. The school’s MBA program was designed to expose students to a wide range of business challenges, from finance and entrepreneurship to marketing and strategy, with an emphasis on global business issues.

LBS’s reputation for academic excellence was further bolstered by its strong faculty, many of whom were recognized leaders in their fields of expertise. The school’s faculty members brought a wealth of global experience to the classroom, providing students with insights into business practices from around the world. LBS also offered a range of executive education programs that further enhanced its global profile and allowed it to engage with senior business leaders in a variety of industries.

The school’s location in London played a crucial role in its success. The city’s status as a global financial hub provided students with access to top companies, ranging from multinational corporations to innovative startups. LBS students were able to take advantage of this ecosystem through internships, networking events, and guest lectures by prominent business leaders. The school’s strong connections with the business community allowed it to offer students a practical, real-world understanding of business issues, while also providing them with a platform to launch successful careers in a variety of sectors.

Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School (HBS) had long been regarded as one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, and its rise to third place in the 2009 rankings reflected a renewed commitment to innovation and leadership in business education. While HBS had traditionally been the leader in many areas of business education, its relative decline in previous years was seen as an opportunity for the institution to reassess its approach and reassert itself as a leader in shaping the future of business.

In 2009, HBS’s strong performance in the Financial Times rankings was driven by its continued emphasis on leadership development, case-based teaching, and a comprehensive approach to management education. The HBS MBA program was designed to provide students with a deep understanding of business fundamentals while also challenging them to think critically about the role of business in society. The school’s case method allowed students to engage with real-world business problems and develop the skills necessary to navigate complex organizational challenges.

HBS’s faculty remained a key strength in the school’s rankings, with professors who were not only experts in their fields but also highly engaged in the world of business practice. The school’s research output was another important factor in its success, with faculty members producing groundbreaking work in areas such as organizational behavior, finance, and strategy. HBS’s vast alumni network continued to provide students with unparalleled access to career opportunities and mentorship, further reinforcing the school’s reputation as a leader in business education.

The Rise of Columbia and INSEAD

Columbia Business School, ranked fourth in 2009, and INSEAD, ranked fifth, were also significant players in the global MBA rankings. Columbia’s location in New York City, the heart of the global financial world, provided students with access to major financial institutions, multinational corporations, and a wealth of networking opportunities. Similarly, INSEAD’s reputation for offering a truly international MBA program, with campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, made it an attractive choice for those seeking a global business education. Both schools, while not ranked as high as Wharton or LBS, maintained strong global reputations and continued to offer world-class MBA programs.

Global Top 100 MBA programs by Financial Times 2009 survey:
1 Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
1 London Business School (LBS)
3 Harvard Business School (HBS)
4 Columbia Business School
5 INSEAD - European Institute of Business Administration
6 Stanford Graduate School of Business
6 IE Business School
8 China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
9 MIT Sloan School of Management
10 Stern School of Business, New York University
11 University of Chicago Booth School of Business
12 IESE Business School
13 Tuck School of Business, Dartmouth College
14 IMD
15 Indian School of Business
16 Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School
17 Judge Business School, University of Cambridge
18 Esade Business School
19 Yale School of Management
20 Saïd Business School, University of Oxford
21 Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University
22 Fuqua School of Business, Duke University
23 Ross School of Business, University of Michigan
24 Goizueta Business School, Emory University
24 Nanyang Business School
26 Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
27 Lancaster University Management School (LUMS)
27 Darden School of Business, University of Virginia
29 HEC Paris
29 UCLA Anderson School of Management
31 Haas School of Business, University of California–Berkeley
32 Manchester Business School
32 Australian School of Business
34 Johnson School, Cornell Univ
35 National Univ of Singapore School of Business (NUS)
35 Cranfield School of Management
37 Warwick Business School
38 SDA Bocconi School of Management
39 Imperial College Business School
40 McDonough School of Business, Georgetown Univ
41 U of Strathclyde Business School
41 Eller College of Management, U of Arizona
41 Cass Business School, City Univ London
44 Smith School of Business, U of Maryland
45 Kenan-Flagler Business School, U of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
46 Simon Graduate School of Business, U of Rochester
47 Rotman School of Management, U of Toronto
47 Ivey School of Business, U of Western Ontario
49 Schulich School of Business, York Univ
49 McCombs School of Business, Univ of Texas–Austin
51 Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon Univ
52 Melbourne Business School
53 Jones Graduate School of Management, Rice Univ
53 Katz Graduate School of Business, U of Pittsburgh
55 College of Business, U of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
56 Vanderbilt Univ Owen Graduate School of Management
57 Leeds Univ Business School
57 Boston Univ School of Management
57 Mays Business School, Texas A&M Univ
60 Kelley School of Business, Indiana U–Bloomington
60 Marshall School of Business, U of Southern California
60 Olin School of Business, Washington Uni in St. Louis
63 Hough Graduate School of Business, U of Florida
63 Broad College of Business and Graduate School of Management, Michigan State Uni
63 Tippie College of Business, U of Iowa
63 Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State Uni
67 Foster School of Business, U of Washington
67 Thunderbird School of Global Management
67 Moore School of Business, U of South Carolina
70 Cox School of Business, SMU
71 U of Cape Town Graduate School of Business
71 U of Minnesota Carlson School of Management
71 Sauder School of Business, U of British Columbia
74 Merage School of Business, U of California–Irvine
75 Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School
76 Carey School of Business, Arizona State Uni
77 Aston Business School
77 U of Alberta School of Business
77 Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business
80 Durham Business School
80 Krannert School of Management, Purdue Uni
80 Fisher College of Business, Ohio State Uni
83 Birmingham Business School
83 U of Bath School of Management
85 George Washington Uni School of Business
86 Babcock Graduate School of Management, Wake Forest Uni
87 Grenoble Graduate School of Business
87 Bradford Uni School of Management
89 Carroll School of Management, Boston College
89 Olin Graduate School of Business, Babson College
91 EADA
92 COPPEAD Graduate School of Business
92 U of Edinburgh Business School
92 Marriott School of Management, Brigham Young Uni
95 Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve Uni
95 Wisconsin School of Business
97 Hult International Business School
98 U of Miami School of Business
99 UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School
100 Nottingham Uni Business School

Source: Financial Times