The Handelsblatt published 11 theses about the MBA-market that we summarize here for you and comment on where appropriate.
1.) The German MBA market is a sham market. One finds only a dozen legitimate MBA programs within 150 German providers.
MBA.INFO-Editorial note: Title dealing and false labeling are widespread problems that need to be fought against. However, we do not view this development that badly. For us, the development in Germany is also a development of a European identity that concerns MBA educations. Many specialty MBA programs count in that. We believe that such programs need to be evaluated differently, we do not, however, think that specialty MBAs have no value.
Instead of questioning the title, the questions WHAT – WHEN – and WHERE should be asked.
2.) More and more national German universities will add MBA-programs to the market in the coming years.
3.) There are no established providers on the German market, optimistic rookies.
MBA.INFO-Editorial note: Yes and no. Even in Germany there are strong programs according to international rankings, which are strongly influenced by the experienced US players. Some US schools have an entire department whose only job is to prepare data for the rankings… Whether these rankings are actually a suitable standard for European programs remains questionable.
4.) For the German market, in the medium-term, an MBA will become the most important (additional-) qualification for top managers and those who want to become one.
MBA.INFO Editorial note: Yes, but there will also be many specialty MBAs, that will authoritatively shape the European MBA territory.
5.) The German MBA title as such has no market value. Only the termination of this or that school counts.
MBA.INFO Editorial note: Not entirely. Terms of admission and awarding of degrees, especially at most German schools, are clear and tightly regulated. Nevertheless even tougher general legal conditions would be desirable. These should apply especially EU-wide so as to minimize 'title dealing' (the kind that is presently very common in neighboring countries like Austria etc.).
6.) "Career-service" becomes an authoritative success factor for the business schools.
7.) The MBA market will grow further worldwide, although differently. The market seems saturated in the USA and Great Britain. China and India will in medium-term also order over schools on the world level.
8.) Many of business schools have ignored the process of expanding their program palette. Beside the classic full-time programs, executive MBA programs (in different formats) are launched. Pure e-learning MBA programs did not prevail. More and more specialized MBA programs are being offered, which represents a chance for German providers.
MBA.INFO Editorial note: Pure e-learning programs have often failed. There are, however, very good and established combination programs (E-Learning / presence instruction) like, for example, of the Open University.
9.) Like in many common economy processes, China is also becoming a reference point for business schools. Only a few schools currently profit from the large market and Chinese business schools are becoming competitors.
MBA.INFO Editorial note: However, those who do not get into this market early will then only know China’s competitors.
10.) Management knowledge, trivially expressed: scientific research has slipped again stronger into the focus of leading business schools.
11.) Specialist deficiency already dominates in international business school market. This concerns the "faculty", meaning professors, junior professors and instructors.
