The rankings game: and the winner is …

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the value of the media rankings of business schools from the perspective of students, business schools and the media. Design/methodology/approach The paper analyses the rankings given to various schools by various publications. Findings The media rankings give the perception that there are more significant differences between similar MBA programs than actually exist. Indeed, many times it is the arbitrary weighting assigned by the media to the variables in the ranking rather than the quality of the school that accounts for differences across similar programs. A more accurate description of quality would be obtained by rating schools in groups of programs of similar quality. Originality/value Business school applicants can utilize media rankings to identify the top 100 MBA programs but should not base their decision between different programs on a specific ranking of one school relative to another. Rather, the applicant should examine the raw data behind the ranking, along with many other non‐quantitative factors, in assessing which is the program best matches their particular interests and aspirations.