Financial Times MBA Ranking - LBS ranked Top

The Financial Times Global MBA Rankings of 2010 revealed an interesting shift in the competitive landscape of global business education. London Business School (LBS) emerged as the undisputed leader in this year’s rankings, securing the top position for the first time in several years. The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School followed closely in second place, marking a consistent showing for the institution. The rankings, which are based on a combination of factors such as alumni salary progression, career opportunities, faculty quality, and international diversity, saw a diverse range of schools from North America and Europe, with a notable surge in the presence of international business schools in the top rankings.

London Business School

London Business School’s ascent to the top of the Financial Times Global MBA rankings in 2010 was a significant achievement. Historically, LBS has always been considered one of the most prestigious business schools in Europe, but its rise to number one globally in 2010 marks a new era in the school’s ambition to be recognized as a world leader in business education. The LBS MBA program is designed for international business leaders, offering a uniquely global perspective that is reinforced by its diverse student body, with participants from over 60 different countries. LBS’ approach to business education emphasizes leadership, entrepreneurship, and the global business environment, making it an attractive destination for students aiming to work in multinational corporations or high-impact industries across the world.

LBS also benefits from its strategic location in London, one of the world’s leading financial hubs, offering students access to an unparalleled network of business leaders, professionals, and potential employers. This proximity to global financial markets, multinational corporations, and top consulting firms provides LBS students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and internships during their studies, as well as robust recruitment opportunities after graduation. The school’s global outlook, strong industry connections, and focus on personal leadership development were all crucial elements that contributed to LBS securing the top position in the 2010 Financial Times rankings.

Wharton

The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, ranked second in the 2010 Financial Times Global MBA rankings, continued to assert its dominance as one of the premier business schools in the world. Wharton has consistently ranked among the top three MBA programs globally and, despite the competitive nature of the field, has maintained its position as a leader in several key areas, including finance, entrepreneurship, and management.

Wharton’s approach to business education is grounded in rigorous academic training combined with practical, real-world applications. The school’s focus on leadership development, alongside its strong emphasis on quantitative analysis and strategy, has produced a long line of successful alumni who occupy leadership positions in business, finance, government, and non-profit organizations across the globe. Wharton is particularly known for its expertise in finance, making it the top choice for students looking to pursue careers in investment banking, private equity, or corporate finance.

The school’s broad alumni network, extensive resources, and global reputation make it an ideal destination for students who want to build a career in virtually any industry. Wharton’s collaborative culture, which encourages students to learn not just from professors but also from their peers, has contributed significantly to its strong reputation and its ability to maintain its position near the top of global MBA rankings year after year.

Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School, ranked third globally in the Financial Times 2010 rankings, remains a dominant force in the world of business education. Harvard's MBA program is widely regarded as the gold standard for business education and has produced a network of successful alumni that is second to none. The school's influence is widespread, and its graduates occupy leadership positions in major corporations, governmental organizations, and non-profit sectors around the world.

Harvard’s MBA program emphasizes case-based learning, which immerses students in real-world business problems and forces them to think critically about complex situations. This pedagogical method helps students develop a deep understanding of business concepts, as well as strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Harvard’s strong focus on developing ethical leaders who can navigate the complexities of global business challenges has kept it in the top ranks globally.

Despite the rise of other business schools around the world, Harvard’s reputation and academic rigor remain unparalleled. Its ability to maintain such a high ranking year after year reflects its consistent excellence in delivering a world-class business education.

Stanford GSB

Stanford University Graduate School of Business (GSB), ranked fourth in the Financial Times Global MBA rankings for 2010, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious business schools in the world. Stanford’s close ties to Silicon Valley, the global epicenter of technology and innovation, have shaped its MBA program to focus heavily on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership in high-tech industries.

The school’s emphasis on fostering entrepreneurial mindsets and leadership skills makes it an ideal destination for students looking to launch their own startups or to work in fast-paced, innovation-driven industries such as technology, biotech, and venture capital. Stanford GSB is known for its intimate class sizes, which foster close relationships between students and professors, and its supportive, collaborative environment. The school’s top-tier faculty, cutting-edge research, and network of successful entrepreneurs and investors continue to make it one of the most sought-after destinations for ambitious business students.

Insead and Columbia Business School

Insead, ranked fifth globally in the 2010 rankings, continues to be one of the top business schools in Europe and the world. Known for its strong international focus and diverse student body, Insead’s MBA program is one of the most globally oriented, offering students the chance to study at campuses in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This international exposure gives students a unique understanding of global business practices and allows them to build networks across multiple continents. The school’s commitment to producing global leaders who can navigate complex international markets has made it one of the most respected names in business education.

Similarly, Columbia Business School, ranked sixth, benefits from its location in New York City, a major global financial hub. Columbia’s MBA program is known for its rigorous academic approach and its strong emphasis on leadership development. The school’s proximity to Wall Street and its connections with top finance firms give students unparalleled access to job opportunities and internships. Columbia’s dual strength in finance and general management, combined with its location and global reputation, make it a top destination for students seeking a traditional business education with strong links to the financial world.

IE Business School

IE Business School, also ranked sixth globally in the 2010 Financial Times rankings, continues to build on its reputation as a leading business school in Spain and one of the best in Europe. IE’s strong international focus, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to developing leadership skills in its students have earned it a place among the top 10 global business schools. The school’s MBA program offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing flexibility for students from various backgrounds and career stages.

MIT Sloan, University of Chicago Booth, and HKUST

MIT Sloan, ranked eighth in 2010, continues to be recognized for its innovation and leadership in the areas of technology, operations, and entrepreneurship. Its strong ties to the tech industry and its focus on quantitative analysis and data-driven decision-making make it an ideal choice for students seeking to work in cutting-edge industries.

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, ranked ninth, maintains its reputation as a leader in the field of business education, particularly for its strong emphasis on finance, economics, and leadership. Booth’s flexible curriculum, coupled with its rigorous academic standards, continues to attract top talent from around the world.

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), also tied for ninth, has quickly risen in stature and is now recognized as one of the top business schools in Asia. HKUST’s MBA program is highly regarded for its focus on global business and its connections to the rapidly growing economies of China and Asia.

Top 10 MBA Schools (US):
1. Wharton
2. HBS
3. Stanford
4. CBS
5. Sloan
6. Booth
7. Stern
8. Tuck
9. YSOM
10. Fuqua

Top schools by subject:

Top for Finance:
1 University of Chicago: Booth
2 New York University: Stern
3 University of Pennsylvania: Wharton
4 Rice University: Jones
5 University of Rochester: Simon
6 London Business School
7 Columbia Business School
8 Macquarie Graduate School of Management
9 University of Iowa: Tippie
10 University of Toronto: Rotman

Top for Economics:
1 University of Chicago: Booth
2 Cranfield School of Management
3 MIT Sloan School of Management
4 Yale School of Management
5 University of Rochester: Simon
6 Imperial College Business School
7 Melbourne Business School
8 University of Pennsylvania: Wharton
9 IE Business School
10 New York University: Stern

Top for Entrepreneurship:
1 Babson College: Olin
2 Stanford University GSB
3 Imperial College Business School
4 UCLA: Anderson
5 University of California at Berkeley: Haas
6 MIT Sloan School of Management
7 University of Cambridge: Judge
8 IMD
9 Wisconsin School of Business
10 Insead

Top for Marketing:
1 Northwestern University: Kellogg
2 Duke University: Fuqua
3 Indiana University: Kelley
4 Ipade
5 Esade Business School
6 Wisconsin School of Business
7 Imperial College Business School
8 University of Michigan: Ross
9 HEC Paris
10 Cornell University: Johnson

Source: Financial Times