Latest embodiment of inflated value: an MBA. Snippet: ... Little of what is taught to students in business school prepares them for the corporate workplace, said Jeffrey Pfeffer, an expert in organizational behaviour who has taught at elite U.S. business schools for 30 years. Rather, students are paying for prestigious names to add to their résumés and the opportunity to network with like-minded colleagues ... "The simplest advice is that if you don't get into a leading business school, the economic value of the degree is really quite limited" ... Dr. Pfeffer's research has raised the ire of business students, especially his own ...
Gert, There was a similiar article in the July issue of Business 2.0 which also cited Dr. Pfeffer's work in addition to other studies. It is an interesting question (the value of the degree) but there are faults in the theory which were disclosed in the article. Most importantly, that the studies compared non-mba holders with holders. It cannot really compare the same person's earning potential with or without an MBA. Regardless, it is interesting. I take issue with "The simplest advice is that if you don't get into a leading business school, the economic value of the degree is really quite limited". In some cases, say for professional licensure with an MBA in accounting, or moving into a higher pay bracket in a government system that requires that check in the box, a less expensive school may be a far better value and pay for itself much faster. Just my thoughts. Tony
Re: Re: Latest embodiment of inflated value: an MBA I agree with respect to the "limited value" issue. In fact, an MBA from a non brand-name institution can have a substantial amount of value under the proper circumstances, as Tony pointed out. However, I believe, as was mentioned in the article, that a brand-name degree still rules in terms of getting hired and/or moving up the ladder in the larger and more elite corps. It appears as if the analog "no one ever got fired for buying IBM" is in full force and effect, otherwise. But, as was also mentioned in the article, 'this is not a big surprise'.
inflated value I think much the same can be said for undergraduate degrees also one of the main reasons to go to school is to advance your employment prospects does a BA from Podunk State do that? Networking oppurtunities are a big factor in deciding where to study. UCLA or USC for Entertainment Sonoma State for Wine etc?
