Economist MBA Rankings (Top 30 List)

In the highly competitive world of business education, rankings have become one of the key tools for prospective MBA students to evaluate and choose between top institutions. One of the most respected global MBA rankings comes from The Economist, which annually assesses the best full-time MBA programs worldwide. The 2009 rankings were particularly notable for several reasons, with some schools experiencing significant improvements, while others saw a shift in their global standing. Among the most dramatic changes was IESE Business School, which ascended to the number one position globally, moving up from second place in 2008. IMD, which had held the top spot in the previous year, dropped to second place, but still remained one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. These changes in the rankings highlight the dynamic nature of global MBA education, where schools constantly strive to innovate and improve in response to changing demands and expectations.

IESE Business School, part of the University of Navarra in Spain, made an impressive leap to the top spot in The Economist rankings for 2009. This was a significant achievement for the school, as it had been ranked second in 2008 and had now overtaken the Swiss-based IMD, which had long held a reputation for excellence in executive education and MBA programs. IESE’s climb to number one can be attributed to a number of factors, including its strong academic rigor, impressive faculty, and a global network of alumni who play an active role in supporting the school’s initiatives. IESE’s commitment to global diversity, as well as its focus on leadership and ethics, also contributed to its ascent to the top. The school’s curriculum is known for its case-based approach, which mirrors the teaching method used by top U.S. business schools like Harvard. This teaching style, combined with its global exposure through exchange programs and international partnerships, made IESE particularly attractive to prospective students who are looking for a world-class MBA experience with a strong European and international focus.

IMD, while still highly regarded, experienced a slight dip in its position, moving from first to second place in 2009. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, IMD has traditionally been known for its intensive, hands-on MBA programs designed to develop global leaders. The school focuses heavily on personal development and executive leadership, providing a transformative experience for students who are looking to make a significant impact in their careers. IMD’s reputation for executive education and its strong connections with the corporate world have long made it a top choice for professionals looking to advance their leadership capabilities. Although the school’s drop in the rankings can be seen as a reflection of increased competition in the global MBA market, it remains a key player in the top tier of business schools, and its strong ties to the European and global business communities continue to make it a compelling choice for future MBA candidates.

Several other business schools also made significant strides in the 2009 rankings. The University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, for example, moved up three places from 6th in 2008 to 3rd in 2009. This jump is reflective of Haas’ increasing international reputation and the strong outcomes its graduates experience. The school’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and leadership development has made it one of the leading institutions in the world for business education. Haas has cultivated a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with a focus on fostering leadership qualities that are highly sought after in the global job market. The school’s proximity to Silicon Valley also provides students with valuable networking opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic business ecosystems.

Harvard Business School, long considered one of the best business schools in the world, experienced a notable improvement in the 2009 rankings, jumping into the top five from 12th in 2008. Harvard’s rise was driven by a combination of factors, including its robust curriculum, influential faculty, and the strength of its alumni network, which is one of the largest and most influential in the business world. The school’s case study method continues to be one of the key attractions for students, as it allows them to engage in real-world business challenges and develop problem-solving skills. Harvard’s long-standing reputation for excellence in business education and its significant resources dedicated to entrepreneurship, leadership, and global business have kept it firmly positioned as a top-tier business school.

Another notable school to see a significant improvement in the rankings was the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Wharton moved up from 21st place in 2007 to 17th in 2008, and in 2009, it further improved its position to 9th globally. This upward trajectory reflects Wharton’s efforts to enhance its curriculum and strengthen its international presence. As one of the oldest and most prestigious business schools in the United States, Wharton has a long-standing commitment to producing leaders in finance, consulting, and business management. The school’s global partnerships, emphasis on analytical thinking, and cutting-edge research make it a top choice for MBA candidates from around the world.

Other schools that performed well in the rankings include Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School, which saw a remarkable rise from 22nd in 2007 to 14th in 2008, and further improved its position to enter the top 10 in 2009. This progress reflects the school’s growing reputation and its strategic focus on developing international business leaders. Vlerick’s emphasis on entrepreneurship, leadership, and global business challenges has made it an attractive option for students looking to make an impact in the global business world.

York University’s Schulich School of Business also showed significant improvement, climbing three places to 12th in 2009. Schulich’s focus on offering a diverse, global business education, combined with its strong ties to Canadian and international industries, helped propel it into the top 15. Schulich’s flexible curriculum and innovative approach to leadership development have made it a leading choice for those seeking an MBA with an international perspective.

The Melbourne Business School, which ranked 26th in 2008, made an impressive leap to 17th place in 2009, further solidifying its position as the top MBA school in Australia. This improvement is indicative of the school’s ongoing efforts to enhance its academic offerings, faculty, and global partnerships.

Other schools that made strides in the rankings include Yale, which moved up from 30th to 27th, Mannheim Business School, which made a dramatic jump from 51st to 26th, and ESADE Business School, which rose four places to 29th. These rankings underscore the growing global competition in the business education space and the need for schools to adapt and innovate in response to changing market demands.

The Economist’s 2009 full-time MBA rankings reflect both the dynamism of global business education and the growing competition among business schools to offer world-class programs. While some schools, like IESE and UC Berkeley, made impressive gains, others, like IMD and Wharton, solidified their positions as top choices for aspiring MBA students. The rankings also highlight the importance of global reach, innovative programs, and strong alumni networks in determining a business school’s place in the competitive MBA landscape.

Full Time MBA Ranking 2009 (the top 30 list):
1 IESE Business School - Univ of Navarra (Spain)
2 IMD - International Institute for Management Development (Switzerland)
3 UC Berkeley - Haas School of Business (United States)
4 U of Chicago - Booth School of Business (United States)
5 Harvard Business School (United States)
6 Dartmouth College - Tuck School of Business (United States)
7 Stanford Graduate School of Business (United States)
8 London Business School (Britain)
9 U of Pennsylvania - Wharton School (United States)
10 Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School (Belgium)
11 Cambridge Judge Business School (Britain)
12 York University - Schulich School of Business (Canada)
13 New York University - Leonard N Stern School of Business (United States)
14 HEC School of Management, Paris (France)
15 Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management (United States)
16 IE Business School (Spain)
17 Melbourne Business School - University of Melbourne (Australia)
18 Cranfield School of Management (Britain)
19 Massachusetts Institute of Technology - MIT Sloan School of Management (United States)
20 Columbia Business School (United States)
21 Henley Business School (Britain)
22 Warwick Business School (Britain)
23 INSEAD (France / Singapore)
24 U of Virginia - Darden Graduate School of Business Administration (United States)
25 U of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business (United States)
26 Mannheim Business School (Germany)
27 Yale School of Management (United States)
28 Duke University - Fuqua School of Business (United States)
29 ESADE Business School (Spain)
30 Hong Kong University of Science and Technology - School of Business and Management (Hong Kong)

Source: EIU 2009