MBA Program Ranking Data Collection Groups
When MBA programs are ranked, most publications collect their data from a variety of sources. Depending on the methods used, responses from some groups may be weighted more heavily than others. Data may be collected from one or more of these groups, depending on the publication. Presenting questionnaires to different groups allows the organization compiling rankings to get a more complete picture of the school.Alumni
Input from alumni is almost always sought when MBA programs are being ranked. The reason for this is quite obvious. Students, perhaps more than any other group, know exactly how valuable the MBA program was for them. Questionnaires often include a mix of subjective and objective questions. Students may be asked, for example, how well they feel the program prepared them for their present role, or they may be asked to compare their pre- and post-graduate salaries.Schools
In many cases, the responses provided by schools are weighted quite heavily when ranking lists are developed. Questions asked may relate to either admissions or to employment rates and salaries of program graduates. For example, the average GMAT score of accepted students, the percentage of program applicants who were ultimately admitted, and the percentage of students who found employment after graduation may be considered.Recruiters
Sometimes, recruiters are asked to rate schools and the overall quality of MBA graduates. Business knowledge, professionalism, and level of readiness to enter the workforce are all possible criteria. However, many feel that these responses may be too subjective to be considered accurate measurements. For example, a recruiter visiting a top-ranked MBA school may already have pre-conceived notions about the program and its students, which could affect his or her opinions and responses. The reverse is also true.Business people
Some ranking lists rely on input from business executives. Requesting input from this group is a practice that has been widely criticized. Those who oppose collecting data from executives feel that their lack of personal experience with and knowledge of various programs means that the data supplied will be highly subjective and biased.
