Business schools ranking by case study approach

Question

Hi everybody,

I don't know if this is the right section, so sorry if it's not. I'm reading a lot about severals MBA programs, especially for the blended/online/part time once. But today I have a big doubt about how much will be theoretical and how much will analyze practical case studies each program. As an example, it seems that Warwick or Durham MBA programs are more theoretical opposite to Manchester and IE to be more practical (IE declare at least 150 case studies..). What's your opinion about? Can we organize a rank based on percentual/number of case studies each business school offers? The doubt obviously comes from the fact that I own a bachelor in business, and don't want to study basic theoretical stuffs certainly useful for IT/engineers and other students who come from not business academic culture. I think it is important as I believe who has similar profiles doesn't want to repeat theoretical concepts but to go deeply into them and to analyze more practical case studies in each field of study to improve business skills.

If a rank wouldn't be possible, can students describe programs referring which were more theoretical and which were more practical in their experience?

Thank you

Mo2men · Answer

Hi,
You question is so difficult. But let me share this with you. I assume that you are from the UK or Europe as you have mentioned BS in that region. 4 years ago, I consulted the British owner of my company who obtained master in business and one in Engineering. Ho told me that British business schools and European in general tend to have balance between theories and practice. Yet, the European BS when compared to American schools, Eu schools are far away from American in the practice. I will give you an Example, you can visit Darden school in Virginia which claims that they adhere to 100% case study methods. Their alumni confirmed that to me a week ago. Also In Tuck business school adopts 60%-80% case method style. Most BS in the US.

That being said, you can search the American school if they suit your preferences. Also some (NOT all) school have fast track for people like you who come from business background. it is different than one year in the UK. you still have same quality of learning.

Maybe there is business schools in Europe which adopt the same case study but I do not know. you need to delve deeply in the schools.

I wish you success in your search.

PTK · Answer

Hi Desmo, 
I think you shoud not bother much about case study approch. After graduation you will not take decisions "like a boss" I mean like a C-level executive. 
BS are making compliments to students placing them (during studies) for a while in CEO/CIO/COO shoes. 
More or less each school has case study approach for some subjects. 
If during your MBA you find a subject very boring, go and study smth more interesting, or ask to change that subject for a more interesting elective. 
hope this helps.

desmo · Answer

Thanks everybody, but I'm more confused than before :shock:

. I would like to learn to solve tough business problems through case study analysis with professors/managers that really know how to...and thinking about the costs, I expect from those schools the maximum. I have only a big doubt in general abut MBAs: how a business undergraduate, an engineer and a psycologist che be right for the same course? I mean, or MBA will be too tough for the last two, or too easy and not worth the money for the first one. Isn't it so? As for my question, I'm sure some program will be more theoretical (perfect for non business undegraduated) while some other more practical; I'm just searching out which one. Case study can't be managed from professors that never pulled out a company from troubles...this is what I mean when I say that some MBA seems more theoretical. Not easy, for them it is a business too! So while I'm sure not all school's professors are able to fix business problems out of books, I'm sure such schools will never clearly declare that they are just theoretical so that you can choose a master science you desire instead. Every BS school is focused on marketing spots, I need to know what they are behind it. Mo2men, what you mean when you say: "Yet, the European BS when compared to American schools, Eu schools are far away from American in the practice" and "it is different than one year in the UK. you still have same quality of learning" ? Do somebody know more about Kelley's method, what kind of experience the school offers, and what is its brand recognition in US and outside US? Which would be valid alternatives in the same category (price, practical method, distace/blended format, ranking) and why I should prefere those to europeans counterparts? Thanks everybody

Mo2men · Answer

Hi Desmo,
I mean that Eu schools provide more theortical parts than American BS. in other words, American BS stress the case studies and interaction inside the class.

what I mean 'it is different than one year in the UK. you still have same quality of learning" is that some universities provide shorter path for people with business background so you will refresh in 3 month and then join second year MBA in that school. So you still have the same quality and electives with the teaching style of case studies . On the other hand, UK BS provides by nature one MBA which is traditional but intensive. In American style you willl have more options to choose more electives to suit your path.

To answer you about Kelley which I target for next year, I had emailed its alumni, attended webinars and talked with admission for many times. This school is great considered of top 25 universities. pleas review the link.
https://poetsandquants.com/2014/11/26/po ... ranking/3/

I adopt the case study and working teams. when you visit the school link itself, I urge you to review the courses links and you will see how they grade the students, There is a lot of emphasize of the interaction and participation which may be up to 30-40% of your grade (by the way something you do not see for sure in UK BS). In that level, yoou need to interact with others to get more info to link it in you experience. Do not forget the academies inside Kelley. it will give more deep about the career you choose. The academy is all practical experience. Let me highlight something, the consulting academy is headed by professor who spent for example 13 years in Accenture. So he has experience in the field. Most of the professor has professional experience. Do not bother yourself with those thoughts.

My advice to is to visit schools website and interact with admission and student or even visit them if you can.

desmo · Answer

Kelley sounds as what I'm searching for (don't know if I am what they are searching for

). I'm also interested for dual degree programs such as business analytics or their renowned marketing MS. The bad side is that will cost me over 85,000 dollars and I wanted to avoid loans as european's counterparts permit. As you went deeper in the program, how much competitive is to get a place in? I have: - italian, 32 years; - 3 years experience in engineering medium size company abroad as business development manager; - 4 years individual experience in real estate eneterpreneurship/consulting; - Bachelor in business economics and management with a GPA, I think, around 2.80-3.00 earned in the minimum legal times while working full time and grewing up a family; - high level of growth motivation and time management efficiency; - 360 grades business oriented thinking and leadership skills; - Gmat and Toefl to be prepared; In your opinion is my profile enough skilled for the school? In case can I apply by now to obtain a conditional offer to be confirmed after GMAT and Toefl, or better to obtain a good Gmat score before to apply? Thank you!

Mo2men · Answer

Sorry I' not in position to judge you or your credentials but you need to try to search about the school that can meet or suit your requirements and situation. I wish you success in your search. :gl