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Written by Page Schindler Buchanan Thursday, 30 June 2011 09:07

We are very excited to announce that for the first time, we have cataloged our member schools in one handy booklet that's just the right size for browsing! Many of you who attended our conference in Mexico City have already seen a print version of our Member Profiles book and more physical copies will be sent in the next few days to member schools who couldn't make it. Take a look and see who makes up the Global Business School Network! Click here to download the pdf.

Whether you're flipping through the pages to get a quick sense of what our member schools are doing, searching for a potential partner for a new project idea, or just looking for a school in your area, there's plenty of information right at your fingertips. We hope you enjoy reading booklet as much as we enjoyed putting it together!

Here is some of the information you'll find inside about GBSN's 46 member schools:

School's GBSN Ambassador and contact information
Degrees awarded
Size of student body
Number of Faculty
Gender Ratio
Ratio of international students
Mission
Innovative programs
Pictures and more!

We hope you find this new publication from GBSN informative and useful. We encourage any feedback you may have, or requests for information to be included next year. Please contact Lisa Leander, GBSN Member Services Officer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with feedback, requests for copies, or information for next year.

We're excited to be expanding how GBSN strengthens the ties between schools committed to growing the pool of management talent for the developing world.

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GBSN 2011 Conference in Mexico City is Here

Written by Page Schindler Buchanan Sunday, 19 June 2011 17:29

Page Schindler Buchanan

It's finally here. The GBSN Annual Conference and Members Meeting starts tomorrow. The GBSN team has been on the ground in Mexico City for the past few days, wrapping up details for what will be one of our most engaging conferences to date. This conference being my first with GBSN, I am very excited to get to know all of our members and friends - 140 people from 37 countries will be joining us.

IPADE Business School is a fantastic host. Those of you lucky enough to be coming to the conference are in for a real treat. The campus is one of the more beautiful that I have ever seen, built around a gorgeous old hacienda. And the staff could not be more wonderful to work with (not to mention the great food they serve).

The theme of the conference this year is "Generating leadership: developing human capacity in emerging markets". We'll be jumping right into the heart of the matter on Tuesday morning with our "Regional Panel", leaders in management education from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the U.S. talking about trends in education. They will be sharing their thoughts on the changing economic climate around the globe and how education is keeping up with demand for more and better-trained managers.

There are too many sessions following the panel to mention here. You can see them all at the GBSN 2011 website (www.gbsnonline/2011). The schedule is jam-packed with discussions and workshops on socially responsible management, innovations in teaching, and ways to further strengthen management education for the developing world.

We're looking forward to an enlightening and invigorating few days of networking, sharing and learning.

Those of you who can't make it can follow what's happening at www.ipade.mx and on Twitter at #gbsn2011. Follow us today @gbsnonline.

We'll be tweeting what's going on, posting videos and podcasts, and keeping our membership around the world up on what's going on here in Mexico.

Hasta Luego!

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A Response to the Economist's 'Tutors to the World'

Written by Guy Pfeffermann Monday, 13 June 2011 16:10

Guy Pfeffermann This response is posted in the Comments for the Economist article Tutors to the World.

I am pleased that The Economist devoted a Schumpeter page to the globalization of business schools (see, an important topic which Jonathan Doh and I wrote about in the March 6 FT, Top schools face globalisation challenge). Meanwhile the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business published a scholarly book:Globalization of Management Education. In tune with some of the comments posted, the article and the book reach quite different conclusions from those of the Schumpeter piece. While there is a huge amount of buzz about business school globalization, how much is actually happening depends on what is meant by “globalization”. Measuring globalization by the proportion of foreign students is not very meaningful, as pointed out by other commentators. To me true globalization consists of schools educating managers who are able to function “seamlessly” professionally and socially in countries. Very few business schools do this.

“Schumpeter” did not emphasize the growing number of good-quality business schools in the developing world, outside the BRIC countries. They are responding to strong local demand for managerial talent. They tailor their pedagogy to local needs, including leadership and managerial demand by NGOs, health organizations, small businesses, as well as by traditional companies. Some of the local teaching cases they produce are among the most fascinating, because they are geared to local conditions, including “bottom-of-the-pyramid” businesses. The development of local schools during the past decade, notably in Africa, is a most welcome trend in fast-growing markets with limited talent pools. The Global Business School Network is dedicated to fostering improvements in management education in the developing world.

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Business Education... at Home or Abroad

Written by Guy Pfeffermann Thursday, 02 June 2011 11:36

Guy Pfeffermann The article by U.S. News & World Report today, M.B.A. Programs Tackle Global Challenge, in which I am quoted along with several of my colleagues at member schools, does a fine job of discussing one major problem in the developing world. Namely, the brain drain of management talent who go to schools in the U.S. for top-notch educations, then stay to make their fortunes (and pay off student loans) instead of going back to their home countries where their management skills are sorely needed.

The efforts of M.B.A. programs to globalize education and encourage students to return home to apply their skills is laudable. However, this effort alone is not the solution to the problem of too few skilled managers for growing markets in the developing world.

Low and moderate-income countries saw their economic growth rate spike nearly 64% in the past decade. The need for management talent is great, and it is growing. Schools in the U.S. and other advanced nations do not have the capacity, resources or local knowledge to sufficiently educate all of the leaders that these nations will need to continue their rise.

That is why GBSN aims to improve management education at the local level for the developing world. Our network fosters the capacity building and faculty development that business schools in developing nations need to rise to the level of excellence that students demand. Our programs bring management education expertise to these emerging markets, providing opportunities for high-quality education in sectors where it has not been accessible before. Top US business schools are playing a major role in this effort, sharing knowledge and resources, collaborating on program development and joint research, and promoting student and faculty exchanges.

At GBSN, we work to advance management education that combines international best practice with local relevance. If students have the opportunity to get top-quality business education without leaving their home communities, the likelihood of their staying in these communities goes up significantly. In addition, local schools are better able to teach to the cultural and political realities that color the experience of doing business.

Ultimately, there is no one approach to the globalization of management education that will produce the pool of management talent needed for the developing world. It is important to continue to foster connections between schools in advanced nations and those in the developing world, as well as businesses, NGOs, and governments. Working together we can raise the level of management education across the globe.

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2011 Conference Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions

Written by Lisa Leander Tuesday, 31 May 2011 10:17

Lisa Leander Curious about who will be there? How you should pack? What you’ll be eating? How to make the most out of your networking opportunities? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more!

1.) Who is coming?

A pretty diverse crowd. As of this writing, participants from business schools, foundations, corporations, and NGOs from 31 countries have registered for the conference, and more sign up every day. It looks like our conference will be about 150 strong this year. This being our first conference in Latin America, we’re excited that so many people from the region and from around the globe, will be joining us.

2.) Is it too late to register?

Absolutely not! We still have space at the conference and anyone interested in a premier networking and learning opportunity around building human capacity in emerging markets is welcome to register, though I encourage you to do so soon. Click here to register now!

3.) What should I wear?
This will be a more formal conference than those we’ve had in the past. Please plan to wear “business professional” attire for all conference events. As for the gala dinner, which will be a fabulous 6-courses of regional specialties, business professional is fine. But if you’d like to dress up a little more with regional attire or formalwear we won’t stop you (and we might glam up a bit ourselves). When you’re out in the town, note that women tend to dress conservatively in this part of Mexico – pants or skirts instead of shorts and tank tops.

4.) What is the weather?
Weather in Mexico City in June should be rather mild, with showers sometimes happening in the afternoons, when you’ll be deep into your sessions at the conference. The average high temperature is a balmy 77F/25C, but evenings may get just a tad chilly, so you’ll want to plan to have a light jacket or sweater.

5.) Can I exhibit? Absolutely! Registered participants are invited to reserve a table space during the Project Showcase which takes place during the cocktail hour prior to the Gala Dinner. This is a great opportunity to highlight the innovative work your organization is doing while networking with other conference participants. Please note that while there is no charge, space is limited! Participants interested in showcasing must submit their requests me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , by Friday, June 3.

6.) Will meals be provided? Yes, certain meals will be provided throughout the conference. And not just typical conference meals, but meals prepared by some of Mexico's finest chefs, representing different culinary regions to ensure each participant gets a true taste of fine Mexican cuisine. Each morning participants will be treated to an informal, networking buffet breakfast before the conference gets underway and lunch will be served each day on the IPADE campus. In addition, participants and guests are invited to attend the Gala Dinner on the evening of June 21.

7.) How do I get from the airport to the hotel? Transportation from the airport to the hotel is very easy.

Upon arriving in Mexico City you have two options for traveling to the hotel. Viajes Capistrano can arrange for a private chauffeur to meet you at the airport with your name on a sign, or participants can elect to take a taxi directly from the airport.

If you would prefer to save on costs and not be met by a chauffeur at the airport, there are authorized taxi stands inside the airport where you can buy a ticket to your destination. Upon exiting customs look for the stands that say "Transporte Terrestre." You will inform them of your destination (Presidente Intercontinental) and then purchase a ticket and proceed outside to the taxi line to catch the taxi. You will need to use local currency (pesos) or a credit card to purchase the ticket at the taxi stand so make sure you exchange money before heading to the taxi stand. (There are a number of banks to exchange money as well as ATMs at the airport) Upon your return to the airport you can arrange a taxi through the hotel concierge. Taxis from the airport and hotel concierge are safe and are a cheaper alternative to hiring a chauffer driver to meet you at the airport. Transportation by Taxi will cost 180 pesos or US $15, per person, one way. GBSN and IPADE recommend taking a taxi to the hotel.

Alternatively, for those wishing to book dedicated transportation in advance, you may do so by contacting Marcela Chavez Tristan at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Private chauffer transportation will cost approximately US $144 (one way), depending on the size vehicle. This would be a good choice for those traveling in a group.

8.) Can I participate in the member's meeting?

The member's meeting scheduled for Monday, June 20 is a closed session for GBSN member institutions only. (Not sure if you are a member? Click here to view list) The conference is open to all registered participants starting with the welcome reception on Monday evening and ending on Wednesday.

(8a) How do I become a member of GBSN?

Interested in becoming a member institution of GBSN? As members of GBSN, leading business schools have the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded peers from fellow network member schools, up-and coming business schools in emerging markets, and GBSN’s NGO and corporate partners. GBSN provides the opportunity to enhance campus internationalization and leadership, which will shape the future of business and management education. The conference is an excellent time to meet faculty from our member institutions and learn more about GBSN activities and opportunities. Business Schools must formally apply and meet our membership criteria. For more information on our membership criteria and to access the application, please visit www.gbsnonline.org/join.

9.) I am bringing a guest, are there events for him/her to attend?

Yes! A number of participants are bringing guests and we would like to make their stay a memorable one. GBSN is organizing day trips for those not participating in the conference on Tuesday and Wednesday. Please contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information on how to join these tours. Guests are also welcome to attend the Gala Dinner for a fee of $50 and the networking trip to the Teotihuacan Pyramids on Thursday, June 23. A reservation is required for both the Gala Dinner and networking trip to the pyramids, so please contact me before traveling if your guest is joining you. If they plan to attend the full conference, they will need to register and pay the conference fees.

10.) What type of networking events will there be?

Plenty! This year we have made networking activities a priority for the conference. The participant list will be shared two weeks prior to the event to allow for pre-conference networking. We encourage you to schedule meetings before you travel to make the most out of your time in Mexico City. Small meeting rooms are available throughout the conference for this purpose. Participants are invited to network during the welcome reception, tea breaks, networking lunches, Project Showcase and the wine/mole/chocolate tasting. Interested in meeting someone in particular? A GBSN staff member is ready to introduce you!

Click here to go to the conference website for the updated agenda, speakers and more information on logistics and registration.

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Food for Thought

A nascent private sector, far too few qualified faculty members, marginal primary and secondary preparation, and historical ambivalence - or even antagonism - between higher education and the private sector all serve to exacerbate the legacy of insufficient financial investment in graduate management education activities.

-"Assessment of Graduate Management Education", William Davidson Institute, University of Michigan Business School (2003)