EIU MBA Ranking - IESE Business School ranked Top

The 2009 edition of The Economist's rankings introduced some notable shifts, reflecting the changing priorities of business students and the evolving demands of the global economy.

In the 2009 rankings, IESE Business School in Spain took the top spot globally, a testament to the school's rigorous academic standards and its ability to provide students with a transformative educational experience. Following closely behind was IMD Business School in Switzerland, which secured the second position, maintaining its reputation as a leader in executive education and high-level business training. A significant shift was observed with UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, which jumped from 6th place in 2008 to the 3rd spot globally in 2009. This upward movement not only underlined the increasing influence of UC Berkeley as a world-class institution but also showcased how rapidly changing business trends could reshape the global MBA rankings.

The Changing Dynamics of Global Business Education

The rise of IESE Business School to the number one position in The Economist's Full-Time MBA Ranking for 2009 marked a significant achievement for the institution and the broader Spanish and European business education landscape. Located in Barcelona, IESE has long been known for its focus on leadership development, ethical business practices, and a global approach to business education. The school’s success can be attributed to its rigorous academic program, the high caliber of its faculty, and its extensive network of alumni who have gone on to hold leadership positions in top global companies.

IESE’s top ranking in 2009 was particularly significant as it represented a shift in the balance of power in global business education. While U.S.-based institutions such as Harvard, Stanford, and Wharton had traditionally dominated the top spots in rankings, IESE’s ascent indicated the growing influence of European business schools. The school's strong emphasis on international exposure and leadership development made it an attractive option for students looking to position themselves as global business leaders in a rapidly interconnected world.

Following closely behind IESE in the rankings was IMD, a highly respected Swiss institution known for its intense and highly focused MBA programs. IMD specializes in preparing students for leadership roles in global corporations and places a strong emphasis on strategic thinking, leadership, and entrepreneurship. IMD's second-place ranking underscored its reputation for delivering a high-caliber, hands-on business education. The school’s close connections to the international business community and its focus on real-world problem-solving make it an appealing option for executives seeking to enhance their leadership abilities in a global context.

UC Berkeley Haas School of Business

One of the most striking developments in the 2009 rankings was UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business, which saw a dramatic jump from 6th to 3rd position globally. This upward movement was indicative of several key factors, including Berkeley’s robust academic programs, its strong ties to Silicon Valley, and its emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. The Haas School of Business is known for producing graduates who go on to play significant roles in technology, finance, and consulting, particularly in the thriving ecosystem of Silicon Valley.

The Haas MBA program is known for its emphasis on leadership, social responsibility, and innovation, making it particularly attractive to students who want to drive change in the business world. The school’s strong reputation in entrepreneurship, paired with its close proximity to one of the most dynamic and innovative business environments in the world, makes it a prime destination for aspiring business leaders seeking to make a tangible impact in global industries.

UC Berkeley's rise in the rankings reflects broader trends in the MBA landscape, where business schools with strong ties to entrepreneurship and emerging industries have gained prominence. The school’s ability to attract top-tier talent, coupled with its focus on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets, placed it in a favorable position in the 2009 rankings. This shift also highlighted the growing importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in modern business education.

The United States: Dominating the Global Top 20

The 2009 rankings demonstrated the continued dominance of U.S.-based business schools, with 10 U.S. institutions securing spots in the global top 20. This reflects the continued appeal of American MBA programs, which offer access to vast alumni networks, significant financial resources, and close connections to global business centers like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. U.S. schools are often regarded as providing the best opportunities for students in terms of internships, job placements, and career advancement.

Some of the standout U.S. schools in the 2009 rankings included UC Berkeley Haas (3rd), Columbia Business School (4th), and Harvard Business School (5th). These institutions have long been regarded as leaders in business education, offering a comprehensive curriculum, world-class faculty, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The presence of such schools in the global top 20 reflects the strong and enduring reputation of U.S. business schools in shaping future business leaders.

However, it is also important to note the increasing competitiveness of European and other international institutions. While U.S. schools continue to dominate the rankings, the increasing global mobility of students and the growing influence of international business centers mean that schools outside the U.S. are becoming increasingly competitive on the global stage.

The Global Diversity of Business Schools

In addition to the dominance of U.S. and European institutions, the 2009 rankings also highlighted the growing influence of business schools from other regions, particularly Australia, Canada, and Belgium.

For example, Melbourne Business School ranked 17th globally, making it the highest-ranked business school from Australia in the 2009 rankings. Melbourne’s MBA program is known for its strong international focus and commitment to developing leaders who can operate in the global business environment. Its success in the rankings was a testament to the growing prominence of Australian business schools in the global education market.

Schulich School of Business at York University in Canada also made an impressive showing, securing 12th place globally. Schulich’s focus on global business education, combined with its innovative curriculum and strong ties to the business community, has helped it become one of Canada’s leading business schools. The school’s rise in global rankings reflected its growing influence as a premier destination for MBA students in North America.

Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School, located in Belgium, ranked 10th globally, underscoring the increasing prominence of European business schools in the rankings. Known for its global orientation and emphasis on entrepreneurship, Vlerick’s MBA program has become a popular choice for students seeking a European perspective on business education.

The Global MBA Rankings

The 2009 rankings reflect the increasing globalization of business education. Institutions like IESE Business School and IMD have emerged as strong contenders alongside their U.S. counterparts, offering students a unique international perspective that is crucial for success in today’s interconnected world. Meanwhile, schools in countries like Australia, Canada, and Belgium are making significant strides, showcasing the growing diversity of business schools worldwide.

As the business world continues to evolve, so too do the rankings of top business schools. The MBA landscape is increasingly competitive, with institutions around the world striving to provide students with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to succeed in an ever-changing global economy. The 2009 rankings from The Economist illustrate the ways in which business schools are adapting to meet the demands of a globalized world, ensuring that their graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of modern business.

Best Full Time MBA Programs (top 50 list):
1 IESE Business School - University of Navarra
2 IMD - International Institute for Management Development
3 California at Berkeley, University of - Haas School of Business
4 Chicago, University of - Booth School of Business
5 Harvard Business School
6 Dartmouth College - Tuck School of Business
7 Stanford Graduate School of Business
8 London Business School
9 Pennsylvania, University of - Wharton School
10 Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School
11 Cambridge, University of - Judge Business School
12 York University - Schulich School of Business
13 New York University - Leonard N Stern School of Business
14 HEC School of Management, Paris
15 Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management
16 IE Business School
17 Melbourne Business School - University of Melbourne
18 Cranfield School of Management
19 MIT Sloan School of Management
20 Columbia Business School
21 Henley Business School
22 Warwick Business School
23 INSEAD (France / Singapore)
24 Virginia, University of - Darden Graduate School of Business Administration
25 Michigan, University of - Stephen M. Ross School of Business
26 Mannheim Business School
27 Yale School of Management
28 Duke University - Fuqua School of Business
29 ESADE Business School
30 Hong Kong Univ of Science and Technology - School of Business and Management
31 Washington, Univ of--Foster School of Business
32 Cornell Univ - Johnson Graduate School of Management
33 Carnegie Mellon Univ - The Tepper School of Business
34 Notre Dame, Univ of - Mendoza College of Business
35 Ashridge
36 Southern California, Univ of - Marshall School of Business
37 University College Dublin - Michael Smurfit Graduate School of Business
38 Hong Kong, Univ of - Faculty of Business and Economics
39 North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Univ of - Kenan-Flagler Business School
40 Boston University
41 Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus Univ
42 International Univ of Monaco
43 Rice Univ - Jesse H Jones Graduate School of Management
44 Hult International Business School
45 Ohio State Univ - Fisher College of Business
46 Indiana Univ - Kelley School of Business
47 Oxford Saïd Business School
48 Georgetown Univ - Robert Emmet McDonough School of Business
49 Texas at Austin, Univ of - McCombs School of Business
50 UCLA Anderson School of Management

Source: Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU)