Technological evolution: Information management MBA programs

TopMBA.com looks at how information management is fast becoming an important part of MBA programs worldwide. 

The QS Global 200 Business Schools Report 2012

The fast-growing global importance of information management to the business world has created an increase in the demand for MBA graduates with technical skills over the past decade.

Of particular note is the fast-paced growth in technology, specifically new platforms such as social networking formed on the back of the rapid integration of the online domain into everyday life.

This shift has also seen growth in the number of prospective MBA candidates with IT and engineering backgrounds who look to build on their technical skills, instead of looking to switch to the traditionally popular MBA industries such as finance, general management or consulting. Importance has now been placed on combining world class management skills with already established technical expertise.

Business schools excelling in the field have looked to reflect this demand from students and MBA employers within their MBA curricula, with growth in the number of MBA programs specifically designed for technical students. Specializations like information and technology management, for example, systems integration, back office, and knowledge management are an attraction for engineers, keen to make the transition from a technical specialist to a technical manager.

Although the traditional view of the MBA curriculum focuses on general management, many large and specialist business schools offer electives for MBAs to specialize in information and technology management.

When comparing MBA programs, prospective students should consider the percentage of the current class who have similar technical backgrounds, and more importantly the percentage of recent graduates who have graduated to roles similar to that which they seek themselves. If it is a technical management role that is being sought, then graduating class data will reflect how competent a school is at providing this opportunity. The main employers who recruit at a school, and the specific roles for which they recruit, will also give an indication of the school’s ability to attract technically-focused recruiters.

MIT: Sloan, Harvard and Wharton all appear strongly at the head of the information management rating. MIT has long been seen as a leader in this field, combining world-class technical research with international management and strategy expertise. The Wharton MBA offers an operations and information management major, allowing students experienced in their industry to focus the efforts of their study to enhance technical-based management skills.

Stanford’s Graduate School of Business also features among the top performers in the information management rating, with good links to many of the world’s top technology companies based in and around the surrounding area of San Francisco Bay. Other schools from North America who appear strongly include the Tepper School at Carnegie Mellon University, and the Georgetown McDonough School of Business, who offer multiple operations and information management elective courses.

In Europe, INSEAD, London Business School, IMD, and IE Business School appear as the top rated schools through the eyes of employers. INSEAD boasts world-class faculty in the field of information management, found at the technology and operations management area within the school. IE and HEC Paris similarly both have world-class faculty in this topic, publishing numerous research papers covering developments in information management.

Business schools that have made considerable gains in employer reputation for their teaching of information management to MBA students include:

IESE Business School;

ESADE Business School;

Thunderbird School of Global Management;

SDA Bocconi School of Management;

Joseph L Rotman School of Management;

Darden School of Business.

There are more Asia-based business schools featured in the information management report than are found in many other specializations. The Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad appears highest, followed by other technically-renowned schools such as Melbourne Business School, the University of Technology, Sydney, and the University of Hong Kong. NUS Business School in Singapore and the Indian Institute of Management in Bangalore also feature strongly.