News

Students win global competitions

London Business School students have won two major global competitions - beating rivals from other top business schools such as INSEAD and Chicago.

MBA 2008 students Lily Cheung, Rosa Wong, Johnson Wan and SinDee Tan won the inaugural HSBC Global Deal Competition in New York last week. The competition - open to first year MBA students from top schools such as Chicago, Columbia, NYU Stern, Wharton, Kellogg, Michigan, Tuck and INSEAD - involved delivering a pitch to HSBC senior investment bankers on the strategic and financial case for a market transaction.

The team were one of six finalists invited to New York to make their presentation to senior HSBC staff. "The winning London Business School team should be extremely proud of their accomplishment in light of the tough competition. HSBC congratulates the winners and is looking forward to next year's competition," Jennifer Reed, Vice President HSBC Securities, MBA campus recruiting said.

Andreas Brock (MBA 2007) , Amit Maskara (MBA 2008) and Hugh Chisholm (MBA 2007) from the School's Investment Management Club were also victorious in the Alpha Challenge, organized by the University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School. Students applied real-world investment management practices in front of a panel of leading investment professionals.

The team beat Stanford, Columbia, Wharton, Kellogg and MIT among other schools in this annual stock picking competition. The students put their excellent performance partly down to their involvement in the Student Investment Fund at the School. "This fund, the longest standing business school fund in Europe, currently has £120,000 under management... Andreas, Amit and I are all veterans of the stock pitches here and could not have had better preparation than this," Hugh Chisholm said.

Created 27 November 2006

 

MBA job successes

The MBA class of 2006 has reported outstanding success in finding jobs after graduation. Within three months of graduation, 96% of MBA graduates had accepted jobs, based on 98% of the class reporting their career details to Career Services.

The data put the class of 2006 firmly in line with MBA 2005, which achieved the same figure (2004 was 85%, 2003 was 65%). "This result is clearly a reflection on the quality of the MBA class and the hard work that they have put in as well as the current buoyant employment markets", Graham Hastie, Director of Career Services, says.

MBA starting salaries remain strong. The class reports a median starting salary of £58,000, up 79% from the graduates' pre-MBA salaries. Of those MBA graduates with jobs, 61% are in London, 42% are working in finance, 25% are in consulting and another 33% are spread across industry.

Over the past three years, the Career Services team has focused on reaching out to new employers in the industry sectors. "Thanks to the efforts of the team, we now have more industry recruiters than finance or consulting presenting on campus and posting opportunities for our students," Graham says.

But such success is a mixed blessing. "The team has been so successful that we now have far more opportunities than we have students," Graham adds. "The current problem is not finding jobs for students but finding students for jobs."

Created 24 November 2006

 

New African scholarships

The School is delighted to announce new scholarships for African nationals applying to the Masters in Finance and Sloan Fellowship programmes.

The Allan and Nesta Ferguson Charitable Trust will provide three scholarships each year over the next three years to assist African nationals who succeed in securing a place on these programmes.

The scholarships will fund £10,000 in fees for a Sloan Fellowship student per annum and £7,000 in fees for two Masters in Finance students.

The scholarships have been established to attract and support talent from Africa to London Business School's Sloan and full time Masters in Finance programmes. They add to the School's drive to attract the best and brightest African students with the announcement last month of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship for Sub-Saharan Africa - for an African MBA student - and the African Scholarship fund for MBA students.

More information about the MiF scholarships can be found on the MiF pages on the website.

More information about the Sloan scholarships can be found on the Sloan pages of the website.

Created 23 November 2006

 

Executive Education programme wins award

A PricewaterhouseCoopers programme developed with Centre for Management Development at London Business School has won the Best Learning Programme at the 2006 Managing Partners' Forum (MPF) Management Practice Awards.

The award-winning PricewaterhouseCoopers Business Diploma, developed in partnership with the Centre for Management Development, the School's Executive Education department, was commended for its innovative combination of education and work-based learning.

Ian Hardie, Associate Dean Executive Education at London Business School says of the award, "We're delighted to accept this award alongside PricewaterhouseCoopers. It's an excellent reflection of the commitment and partnership that goes into formulating and providing this high quality management programme."

MPF Chair, Nigel Knowles Joint CEO of law firm DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, added; 'Best Learning Programme' was the most popular category in 2006, reflecting our members' increased emphasis on education and training. It is fantastic that firms are taking these Awards so seriously, with the judges commenting on the consistently high quality of entries."

Founded in 1995, The Managing Partners' Forum seeks to enhance the effectiveness of management and leadership in the professions through organising public campaigns, sharing knowledge and best practice, and increasing the status of the management team. First introduced in 2002, the Awards are an integral part of the MPF 'unsung heroes' campaign, and are the only Awards competition to recognise the contribution of different disciplines to managing a professional firm.

Created 22 November 2006

 

Expanding in Asia: new challenges and opportunities

London Business School's Malaysia Alumni Club will be hosting a regional conference in Kuala Lumpur later this month to enhance the economic cooperation between Malaysia and Singapore.

Themed "Malaysia - Singapore Businesses, Expanding in Asia: New Challenges and Opportunities," the conference will feature Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak and his Singaporean counterpart, the Honourable Wong Kan Seng (MSc12) as joint keynote speakers. Professor John Stopford, Emeritus Professor of International Business will also be speaking on "US and EU Macroeconomics: How will its direction affect business in Malaysia and Singapore."

London Business School Malaysia Alumni Club president, Datuk Mohamed Saufi Abdullah said: "Malaysian and Singaporean companies should take this opportunity to come together and clinch global business opportunities, not as competitors but as partners."

Saufi added that the conference, which will be held on 27 November, would identify and enhance the economic opportunities between the two nations.

Created 21 November 2006

 

Gerry George and Chris Ingram share insights

Growth leadership was the topic of a seminar held at London Business School this week in conjunction with Ingram, the strategic consultancy specialising in branding and communications.

The day centred on both academic and practical experiences and insights. Topics included how to intuit new areas to grow business and how to realise opportunities through leadership skills to drive substantial growth from within an organisation.

Gerry George showcased empirical research of 128 Biotechnology firms and also research into the Wisconsin Alumni Foundation over the past 80 years on how people Lead and Learn.

Chris Ingram presented his key insights based on him starting one of the world's first media agencies in 1976 and achieving 2100% shareholder return in 1989-2001 when it was sold to WPP. He also elaborated upon his published thinking around 'Momentum Management' as a means of creating fast growth businesses.

Created 10 November 2006

 

New Dean for London Business School

London Business School is delighted to announce that Robin Buchanan is to be its new Dean. Buchanan is currently the Senior Partner in the UK of Bain & Company Inc., the global business consultancy. He will bring to the School over 30 years' experience of providing advice on strategy, organisation, operations and acquisitions to international business clients. Buchanan was elected Managing Partner of Bain in the UK in 1990, and became Senior Partner in 1996.

Buchanan will be the seventh Dean in the School's 42-year history.  He succeeds Laura Tyson who will be returning to the University of California at Berkeley as Professor of Business Administration and Economics at the Haas School of Business.

Please see the press release for more information.

Created 7 November 2006

 

Inaugural forum discuss women in business

The inaugural forum of the Lehman Brothers Centre for Women in Business took place today at the School. Dean Laura Tyson, Jeremy Issacs, CEO of Lehman Brothers and Baroness Hogg, Chairman of 3i all spoke about the challenges facing women in the modern workplace.

All keynotes argued that although the situation regarding women at work has undoubtedly improved in recent times, there is still room for development, particularly at organisational level. All pointed to the need for institutions like the Lehman Brothers Centre for Women in Business to provide rigorous and practicable research to combat the issues women still face.

Professor Lynda Gratton, academic lead for the Centre discussed the research agenda going forward, and also revealed some of her initial research. Her findings shatter the classic perception that women in the workplace and in positions of leadership are relationship, rather than task-focused, and are an important contribution to the debate surrounding women in business.

Over 175 business leaders from companies including Shell, De Beers, Nokia and public bodies such as the Cabinet Office and Opportunity Now, participated in an interactive and lively discussion panel following the presentation. Their comments and feedback were invaluable, Professor Gratton said, and would form a useful resource for research efforts going forward.

For more information regarding the Lehman Brothers Centre for Women in Business please contact the Centre's Executive Director, Lamia Walker.

Created 2 November 2006

 

School announces largest MBA scholarship

London Business School is delighted to announce today The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship for Sub-Saharan Africa. The scholarship aims to help produce exceptional leaders for the continent by attracting and supporting outstanding sub-Saharan African students on the full-time MBA Programme at London Business School. The scholarship is the first grant to be made by the newly founded Mo Ibrahim Foundation.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is the largest award in the School's Scholarship portfolio. Each year, one full fee scholarship plus a stipend together totalling £50,000 will be awarded to an exceptional student from sub-Saharan Africa who has been offered a place on the full-time MBA programme, and who demonstrates both merit and need. The initial pledge of £500,000 will support one student per year over the next ten years.

'The focus of the Foundation is on the issues of governance and leadership in Africa. We believe that these are the most important challenges facing Africa today and that if we succeed in these areas all other things will follow', says Mo Ibrahim. 'As well as investing in the development of senior leaders we are also developing a programme for aspiring leaders and in that context my fellow trustees and I are delighted that London Business School is the first beneficiary of the Foundation. What better place to start than by helping the very best talent from sub-Saharan Africa to study for an MBA at one of the world's top business schools.'

The inaugural award will be announced at a reception at London Business School tonight. This year's recipient is Richard Hasson, MBA2008. He plans to use his MBA studies to gain experience in management with a view to starting his own business consultancy in South Africa, where he feels strongly about creating business and job opportunities.

Richard said of the award, 'I am honoured to receive The Mo Ibrahim Scholarship for Sub-Saharan Africa. It has given me an amazing opportunity that I would otherwise not have been able to accept – to come to London Business School and obtain an MBA. Here I will have the chance to meet like-minded people from around the world, both faculty and students, who can help me in developing my global perspective of business'.

'We are delighted and honoured to be the first recipient of a grant from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation,' added Julia Tyler, Associate Dean of the MBA Programme at London Business School. 'The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Scholarship is the first scholarship in the School's history dedicated to support African students. It provides a wonderful opportunity for talented individuals from sub-Saharan Africa to acquire the management and leadership skills essential for individual, corporate and national success at one of the most global business schools in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.'

Created 26 October 2006

 

4th annual Media Summit at School

On October 27th, senior executives, investors, consultants and thought leaders in the media industries will come to campus for the 4th annual London Media Summit. The conference, sponsored by Microsoft and CNN, encourages key decision makers to take a step back from their daily challenges and contribute to the discussion around the evolving media landscape.

This year's theme is focused on compelling content because without it, sustaining any media business model – new or old – will be impossible. According to Patrick Barwise, Professor of Management and Marketing, "Directly or indirectly, all media revenue comes from creating or distributing content and then capturing a share of the value. The issues explored in this summit therefore go to the heart of the media business as it adapts to unfamiliar new technologies and competition."

The day will consist of 4 keynote speeches including:

Alain Levy, Chairman/CEO, EMI Music
Tony Cohen, CEO, FremantleMedia
Fran Samalionis, Global Head of Service Design, IDEO

COO (designate) of the BBC, Caroline Thomson will be interviewed by CNN Anchor, Charles Hodson to close the day.

Additionally, the Summit will bring together 20 panelists spread across 4 panels to discuss the definition, valuation, distribution and ownership of content. Companies represented include: Microsoft, Google, Reuters, Turner Broadcasting, Vodafone, News International, OMD Group, Advent Ventures, Accel Partners, Enders Analysis, Future Plc, Ibis Capital, Last.fm, Mint Digital, Profero, Slingshot, TalkbackTHAMES and Harbottle & Lewis

Please visit the London Media Summit website for more information and registration details.

Created 24 October 2006

 

Institute of Technology to produce world-class research launches at School

London Business School last night launched an Institute for Technology (IoT). The Institute will influence teaching, practice, and policy pertaining to the management of emerging technologies.

Rajiv Dutta, President of Skype, was the keynote speaker at an event last night which outlined the Institute's proposed research programme. He spoke on the convergence of technology and business, and how technology is fast becoming the most critical enabler of seamless consumer-oriented businesses as seen, for example, at PayPal and Skype.

The IoT, based at London Business School, will encourage, generate, and disseminate world-class research on the management of technology. It will underpin the relationship between the School and University College London (UCL) and its Centre for Enterprise and the Management of Innovation.  In so doing, it will serve as a focal point that connects the faculty of the two institutions and facilitate research on technology-related issues.

Dean of London Business School, Laura Tyson, said of the initiative, 'London Business School is very excited to be able to work with UCL and contribute to the important and timely debates surrounding the emergence of technology in business. This Institute of Technology will contribute world-class research on the management of technology, and is indicative of the wide-range and depth of research interests our world-class faculty are involved in.'

The IoT is led by Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Gerry George, as Faculty Director, and Steve Currall, Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship, as Faculty Co-director. The Institute plans to focus on four broad areas of research: Social Structure and Technology Diffusion Patterns; Technology Transfer and Patent Policy; Corporate Innovation and Technology Sourcing and Public Adoption of Emerging Technologies.

It will, in addition, host a research seminar series that showcases cross-disciplinary technology-related research, as well as a breakfast series with CEOs and CTOs of technology companies to create a forum for ideas.

The first research piece, due from the Institute in January 2007, will examine stem cell research efforts. It will address which factors influence rapid diffusion of radical technologies, and reveal surprising findings in terms of how the institutional environment (law/policy) shift research productivity across countries.

Further research projects will look at technology and regulation, technology transfer and patent policy, corporate innovation and technology sourcing and nanotechnology research.

Created 24 October 2006

 

School placed in top ten for two EMBA programmes

Both of London Business School's Executive MBA Programmes are included in the top ten in today's Financial Times Executive MBA rankings. Our Executive MBA is ranked 7th in the world and our EMBA-Global, a truly innovative programme which we launched with Columbia Business School five years ago, appears for the first time, at 2nd in the world and 1st in Europe.

Now in its sixth year, the FT ranking is based on the data collated from two sets of questionnaires – one for the business schools and the second for alumni who have been in the workplace for three years since graduation.

Deputy Dean of programmes, Zeger Degraeve comments: "This ranking is important as it considers the School as a whole, taking account of the internationalism of our community, our exceptional faculty and our research initiatives. But, even though we recognise the influence that these rankings have, they do not distract us from our long-term vision of becoming the pre-eminent global business school offering exceptional flexibility and choice in its world-class EMBA programmes."

Associate Dean of the EMBA and Sloan programmes Lyn Hoffman says:

"We are very proud of our Executive MBA and Executive MBA-Global students and alumni and delighted to see both London Business School EMBA programmes in the top ten of the FT rankings. These are delivered with full academic rigour in an unparalleled global environment. Our students have made significant progress in their careers, have immediate and far-reaching impact in their organisations and, by being at London Business School, they build a strong worldwide network for life.  We are fortunate in being able to admit exceptional individuals and offer them Executive MBA programmes which have commitment to excellence and continuing improvement and innovation at their core."

For a full listing of recent rankings please see the rankings round up.

Created 23 October 2006

 

Global Energy Summit 2006

The Energy Summit - to be held at London Business School on 3 November - brings together leaders from government, industry, consulting and banking to share their views on the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the energy sector.

The Summit occurs at a time when the world is increasingly concerned with climate change and rising energy prices, and against a background of escalating geopolitical tensions and declining natural reserves.

The theme is 'Sustaining Demand and Balancing Supply', and the focus will be on technical, commercial, and policy solutions to ensure an economic supply of energy.  

Global energy leaders and participants will address such topics as Peak Oil and the partnership between national and international oil companies.

The afternoon sessions will debate new technologies and the role of nuclear energy. The programme of events will complete with an overview of the issues relating to human capital in the energy sector.

For more information and to register for the summit visit the Energy Summit website.

Created 17 October 2006

 

7th Annual Women in Business Conference

Top businesswomen will gather at London Business School on October 20, 2006 to share their experiences and empower the next generation of female business executives. The theme of this year's conference, Creating Opportunities in an Evolving Business World, recognises the dynamic environment of today's business world and addresses how to embrace this change with a career-enhancing strategy.

The Conference will be opened by Dean Laura Tyson and will feature a keynote address by Vivienne Cox, CEO, BP Alternative Energy. Leaders in the fields of finance, consulting, marketing, technology, energy, media, telecoms, executive coaching, and entrepreneurship will share their perspectives and insights on how to succeed in a rapidly changing global business environment in the form of panel debates and speeches including: Succeeding in a Global Career, Leveraging Female Success Factors, Emerging Trends in Microfinance, Challenging Gender Stereotypes and the Role of Choice, Conquering New Ideas in Entrepreneurship, and Personal Wealth Management.

Additionally, all participants will have the opportunity to meet and network with panelists and other guests over breakfast, lunch and a networking reception.

The conference is one of the School's initiatives to further the participation and status of women in business. Scholarships, mentoring programmes and participation as a member of the Forte Foundation – a consortium of major corporations, top business schools and influential non-profit organizations dedicated to seeing more women in business leadership roles – are among the other initiatives the School is involved in.

The Lehman Brothers Centre for Women in Business – a research centre dedicated to promoting women at all stages of their careers and assisting organisations to attract, retain and develop the broadest talent pool – is also based at the School.

To learn more about the conference and to register, please visit the Women In Business website.

Created 17 October 2006

 

BusinessWeek gives the School top marks for faculty research and praises its alumni network

London Business School is ranked fifth outside of the U.S. and first in the same category for the volume of its research output in BusinessWeek's biennial ranking of MBA programmes, announced on 12 October.

The 2006 rankings place three Canadian business schools at the top of the league table, which separates non-US business schools from their US counterparts. London Business School is ranked second in Europe – behind Switzerland's IMD – and is noted as an "ideal climate for job seekers" thanks to its "London locale paired with a strong alumni network."

The School was also placed fifth in the last BusinessWeek MBA rankings in 2004.

BusinessWeek calculates its rankings with three main streams of data. These include survey responses from full-time MBA students graduating in 2006, 2004 and 2002 (45%); survey responses from corporate recruiters in the same years (45%); as well as a measure of each school's intellectual capital over the past five years (10%). This is the first year that the magazine has combined recruiter data with previous year's results. The intellectual capital component tallies the number of articles written in 20 journals since 2001 by each school's faculty.

In general, MBA programmes outside of the US are thriving. "Many potential MBAs are looking for a program that offers a strong dose of management theory - and a global perspective," according to the magazine. And few US MBA programmes can "match the diversity and international flavour of a school" in Europe. The article cites Graduate Management Admissions Council data showing that the number of US students attending MBA programmes in Europe has risen to 3,550 in 2005, up from about 2,100 in 2000.

Associate Dean of the MBA programme Julia Tyler said: "It's good to see we remain in BusinessWeek's top five international school ranking. Looking forward we believe that the recent changes to the MBA curriculum combined with Career Services efforts to extend our geographic reach should strengthen our position."

"It's great to see faculty research getting top marks as well as recognition for the strength of our alumni networks. Many thanks to the students and alumni who answered the BusinessWeek survey," Tyler said.

More information can be found at the BusinessWeek website.

For a full listing of recent rankings please see the rankings round up.

Created 13 October 2006

 

School welcomes sixteen members of faculty this academic year

London Business School is delighted to welcome sixteen new members of faculty to the School community this academic year. The new faculty join from leading institutions of higher education around the world, bringing experience and insight from four continents. They will teach in the areas of marketing, finance, economics, accounting, organisational behaviour (OB) and strategic and international management (SIM).

Laura Tyson, Dean of London Business School, said of the recruitment drive, "The recruitment of new faculty from all over the world supports the School's vision to be the pre-eminent global business school, offering a world-class education to the global business leaders of tomorrow. I am delighted to be welcoming so many talented new members of  faculty to our community."

The majority of new faculty are Assistant Professors. "London Business School. . . expects excellence in research and teaching, so we have adopted a policy of building our own core faculty by hiring primarily at the junior level", says Professor Julian Birkinshaw (Strategic and International Management) and subject area Chair.

"We can help them develop their academic research while also turning them into great teachers." The Strategic and International Management subject area considered more than 80 prospective candidates to hire five, including one visiting professor.

The new additions raise the School's faculty total to 89 by January 2007. The School Plan requires an additional sixteen tenured/tenure track faculty to meet growth projections by the 2009-10 academic year.

Read the full press release.

Created 28 September 2006

 

Wall Street Journal ranking: School continues to rank in top 5

London Business School is ranked fourth internationally in the Wall Street Journal's (WSJ) annual MBA rankings released today. It was ranked fifth last year.

The WSJ divides its recruitment based MBA ranking list into three separate rankings – national USA, regional USA and international. This year the rankings were based on the opinions of 4125 MBA corporate recruiters.

The international ranking includes 24 schools where students are recruited outside of the US. The list includes nine US schools, nine European schools, three Canadian and three Latin American institutions. ESADE is the top ranked international school in this year's survey.

Associate Dean of the full-time MBA programme, Julia Tyler says: "It is pleasing to again be placed in the top 5 of the international ranking. We take this as another piece of evidence that our special combination of academic rigour and providing students with the skills to be global business leaders is a winning formula. I would like to thank all the recruiters and alumni who responded to the survey."

Director of Career Services, Graham Hastie comments: "The Career Services Team works extremely hard to develop relationships with recruiters around the globe in line with our vision to be the pre-eminent global business school. This is demonstrated in the high number of companies from all sectors who recruit our students. We are pleased with this recognition."

The full report is available online from the Wall Street Journal website.

For a full listing of recent rankings please see the rankings round up.

Created 20 September 2006

 

Singaporean lawyer wins 2006/7 Sloan scholarship

The 2006/7 Sloan Fellowship Scholarship for Women has been awarded to Sandra Tsao Chieh Chi, a corporate lawyer from Singapore.
Launched in 2004, the Sloan Scholarship, established by London Business School in partnership with Spencer Stuart and Saatchi & Saatchi, aims to increase the number of women students on the leadership programme. The scholarship provides full funding as well as mentoring and career guidance from Spencer Stuart.

In accepting the scholarship, Sandra said: "I feel honoured to have been granted this award as it gives me an avenue and a platform to interact with, and learn from, the world-renowned London Business School faculty and the experienced international peer group on the Sloan Fellowship Msc," said Chi.

"The programme will enable me to gain insight into the latest management thinking and give me the opportunity to hone my leadership and commercial skills," she added.

Sandra was awarded the scholarship after a global search for the candidate who best exemplified the characteristics of business leadership. The judging panel included Amelia Fawcett, vice chairman of Morgan Stanley International, Helen Alexander, chief executive of The Economist Group and Baroness Hogg of Kettlethorp, chairman of 3i.
 
Commenting on Sandra's achievement, Lyn Hoffman, associate dean of the executive MBA and Sloan Fellowship Msc, said: "Sandra is a highly successful businesswoman and has displayed incredible resilience, passion and vision in her professional and personal life. Her work experience and natural leadership qualities will only be enhanced by her time at London Business School."

During the 10-month full-time MSc, students explore the latest management thinking, acquiring the knowledge and skills required in all areas of general management and leadership. In addition, they gain insight into specialist areas and share experiences with a senior, international peer group of the highest calibre.

The course enables Sloan Fellows to consider their personal planning and development, focusing on past achievements and exploring options and opportunities for the next stages of their careers.

The inaugural Sloan Scholarship award was presented in 2005 to Zimbabwean engineer, Dr Eustina Musvoto.

Created 14 September 2006

 

School announces appointment of architects

Since its inception in 1965, London Business School has grown rapidly. As one of the world's leading schools, our Vision is to be the pre-eminent global business school.

To accommodate our ambitious plans for growth over the coming years, we are embarking on a major development of our Sussex Place campus.

The last few months have seen a rigorous selection process run by the School and chaired by Sir John Ritblat, chairman of the School's governing body. The School is delighted to announce the appointment of Sheppard Robson as architects for the project.

Sheppard Robson is an international practice providing architectural, urban design, town planning, masterplanning and interior design services. With more than 65 years experience, it is one of the largest practices in the UK. Voted Sustainable Designer of the Year and Interior Design of the Year, the practice enjoys a reputation for excellence in design and professional service, with extensive expertise in almost every development area.

The campus developments are being undertaken to accommodate our planned growth in programmes, staff and faculty, as well as to address the need of the community for more and better space. The building will provide teaching and office space, dining space and community space which will increase the capacity of the School to host world-class events.

The campus development project is due to be submitted for planning approval in the first half of 2007, and due to be completed by the end of 2011. The winning design will transform the School by creating a real focal point to its campus, linking the existing John Nash designed terrace and the Plowden building.

Created 12 September 2006

 

Sloan Fellow wins Carl Marks Student Paper Competition award

Sloan Fellow Bryan Lewin (SLN2005) has won the first place award in the 2006 Carl Marks Student Paper Competition, General category – thus making London Business School the only non-American school amongst the prize winners.

The Turnaround Management Association (TMA) recently announced the winners of the 2006 Carl Marks Student Paper Competition to recognize outstanding student achievement in the field of corporate renewal. The 12 papers submitted in two categories— General or Case Study— were written by teams or individual students enrolled in an MBA programme or equivalent business-related master's programme at an accredited university.

Bryan Lewin's entry was entitled "The Role of the Institutional Environment in Corporate Failure and Restructuring", which won him the First Place Award of $3,000 in the General category. His advisor at the School was Dr Paolo Volpin. Three Case Study awards were given to Kellogg School of Management and to Columbia Business School.

"Each year we see higher quality submissions," said Dr. James Neelankavil, Zarb School of Business, Hofstra University, who headed the six-person committee judging the entries. "This competition is significant in not only encouraging outstanding students to become part of the turnaround industry, but also in adding to the knowledge base for current corporate renewal professionals."

The winning papers by individuals or teams were selected on the basis of their relevance to issues relating to corporate distress, financial restructuring and reorganization and quality of writing and analysis.

For full details on the competition and the winners, see the TMA press release.

Created 11 September 2006

 

Finance Programmes office an approved provider of continuing education

London Business School is now a partner of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute, as well as becoming an approved provider of the institute's continuing education programme.

These exciting changes and developments in the Finance programmes will be one of the topics discussed at an information session to be held on Wednesday 6 September. Elroy Dimson, BGI Professor of Investment Management, will deliver a taster lecture "Are Equities Expected to Beat Bonds – Everywhere?" ;an overview of the School's degree, executive and evening programmes will also be provided. For information on how to register to attend please see the School website.

The School's new status as a CFA Programme Partner is reflective of that fact that the Masters in Finance (MiF) at London Business School offers a curriculum which covers at least 70 percent of the Candidate Body of Knowledge, the CFA Institute Ethical and Professional Standards, and other requirements. This signals to potential students, employers, and the marketplace that the university curriculum is closely tied to professional practice and is well-suited to preparing students to sit for the CFA examinations.

The CFA Program sets a standard for developing the skills, standards, competence, and integrity of financial analysts, portfolio managers, investment advisers, and other investment professionals worldwide. It is widely considered the investment profession's most rigorous credentialing program.  

The benefits to London Business School students are wide-ranging. They include access to CFA Institute textbooks, journals, Webcasts, and other educational resources, as well as access to professional development events held in conjunction with CFA Institute member societies, the local membership bodies for CFA Institute candidates, charterholders, and members.

London Business School Dean Laura Tyson said of the initiative; ''The Masters in Finance programme at London Business School is widely regarded as one of the pre-eminent post-graduate qualification for finance professionals, and the CFA is the gold standard of professional finance qualifications. As a provider committed to running programmes which are academically rigorous and also aligned with professional practice, London Business School is delighted to now be working in partnership with the CFA.'

London Business School has also been awarded approved provider status for the continuing education offered by the CFA to its members. CFA members can receive CPD credits for taking evening and executive education programmes at the School. These include Financial Accounting & Analysis, Corporate Finance & Valuation, Equity Portfolio Management and Understanding the International Macroeconomy, amongst others.

Created 05 September 2006

 

New Japan scholarships for School

London Business School and the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation are delighted to announce the launch of new scholarships for outstanding Japanese students and outstanding British students with a keen interest in Japan. These are the first Japan related scholarships to be established at the School.

The scholarships are funded by the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation and will make a £10,000 contribution towards the tuition costs for a selected Japanese student and a selected British student each year, for an initial five year period. Self-financing Japanese and British students accepted onto London Business School's MBA programme will be eligible to apply for the scholarships. The British student will undertake an internship, term of exchange study or consulting project in Japan as part of the two year programme. It is hoped the awards will help to develop exceptional Japanese and British business leaders. Applications for the first scholarships (for MBA students starting in September 2007) will close on 25th May 2007; the successful candidates will be chosen in June 2007.

The scholarships will be known as "The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation - Yoshitoki Chino Memorial Scholarships" to commemorate the late Mr Yoshitoki Chino (1923-2004), former Chairman of Daiwa Securities Group and founder Trustee and Vice Chairman of the Foundation. As part of the School's MBA programme, one of the two business schools in Japan where the British scholarship winner may undertake a term of exchange study is Keio University, the alma mater of Mr Chino. The other exchange school in Japan is at Hitotsubashi University.  

Professor Laura Tyson, Dean of London Business School, comments "We are delighted to be able to offer these scholarships through the generosity of the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation. They will allow us to expand our presence in Japan and they will support the School's vision to be the pre-eminent global business school."

Professor Marie Conte-Helm, Director General of The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation, comments: "We are very pleased to be entering into partnership with London Business School to support this new scholarship scheme which will serve as a fitting memorial to our founder Trustee, Mr Yoshitoki Chino. The Foundation is committed to fostering links between the UK and Japan and is gratified that this initiative will increase the flow of students and ultimately business leaders between the two countries."

For further details on the scholarships and the MBA Admissions process, please see the London Business School website.

Created 22 August 2006

 

MBA students initiate new business plan competition to identify security technology start-ups

In this time of heightened security, focus inevitably turns to how to make our daily life as safe as possible. Yet innovation in technology-based security is not keeping pace with the increasing needs. In part this is because start-ups—the truest innovators—have to overcome not only technological but also bureaucratic obstacles to market their ideas.

Students from London Business School have realized this gap in marketed innovation and have dedicated their summer, working pro-bono, to launch a new initiative to address the challenges faced by those with new business ideas in this sector. 

The Global Security Challenge (GSC) is the first business school competition to feed the growing market for new security technology businesses. Sponsored by Siemens and NATO, the competition is being run by MBA students from London Business School. As Simon Schneider, MBA 2007 and Co-Director of the GSC, says: "For us, this programme is a measured response to the security threats we face and an innovative way of advancing technology in this important sector."

The competition is now in its judging phase, having closed to entries. The plans come from the UK, USA, Israel, Asia and Eastern Europe and deal with technology solutions in secure communications, contingency software, data integrity, chemical detection, biometrics, access control and bio-technology.

Simon adds, "We are extremely happy with the amount and quality of entrants to our inaugural competition. Having succeeded in unearthing innovative technologies from entrepreneurs from around the world is a big milestone for us and hopefully for the industry".

The winner will be announced at the Grand Final, which will take place during the Global Security Challenge Conference, to be held in London on October 26th 2006.

For further information about the Global Security Challenge, the competition or the conference, please contact Nadine Yahchouchi via press@globalsecuritychallenge.com.

Created 18 August 2006

 

MBA student shares unique shadowing experience on ft.com

MBA 2007 student Nick Wai has had quite a week. He has flown over the Andes, set up camp for over 130 people from 20 countries in the middle of the Chilean desert, pushed Land Rovers out of sand dunes and drunk Pisco Sour at 4000 metres.

And all in the name of his MBA. Nick is currently on his MBA shadowing project – following the CEO of racingtheplanet.com, Mary Gadams (SLN98), in her annual Atacama Crossing ultramarathon race.

Racingtheplanet.com organises a series of 250 kilometre footraces across the world's largest deserts including the Sahara in Egypt, the Atacama in Chile, the Gobi in China and Antarctica.

As well as pitching in with erecting tent cities, looking after racers and volunteers and assisting Mary in her major logistical undertaking, Nick is keeping an online diary for ft.com. Check out his week at the FT.com website.

Created 1 August 2006

 

Corporate Responsibility goes global

Creating long term shareholder value results from creating a company that engenders long term trust, Nestle chairman and CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe told London Business School's corporate responsibility conference last week.

The conference drew together over 200 professionals and academics who work in the field of corporate responsibility.

"Corporate social responsibility must be embedded in core business principles," Mr Brabeck-Letmathe told the audience. He gave examples of Nestle developing community projects in the villages and towns in which it operates. Roads, wells and education programmes have all be established by the company in developing countries, he said.

There was a tension between short-term market focus and a long term social value strategy for business and for this reason Nestle continues to resist quarterly reporting, Mr Brabeck-Letmanthe said.

Opening the conference, Craig Smith said corporate responsibility has gone global and that business can be a force for good in the face of massive challenges such as global warming.

Created 20 July 2006

 

Global Leadership Summit 2006 attracts more than 600 people

More than 600 people from around the world attended London Business School's fourth Global Leadership Summit, 'Achieving Extraordinary Results', on 3 July.

In the morning's plenary session, titled 'Extraordinary Leadership', Franz Humer, Chairman and CEO of Roche Holding said:  "It's worth spending a hell of a lot of time on learning to know yourself… If you're interested in yourself, you'll get interested in how other people react to you."

Benjamin Zander, Conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, helped to top the day's lessons with a focus on 'The Art of Possibility,' which is also the title of his book.

The day's 16 breakout sessions ranged from the sold-out 'The Extraordinary Power of your Voice,' to 'Boards that make a difference.'

Other speakers included Stephen Green, Group Chairman, HSBC Holdings plc; Craig Donohue, CEO of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange; Mo Ibrahim, Chairman of Celtel International B.V.; and Sir Martin Sorrell, CEO of WPP.

The Global Leadership Summit is London Business School's largest conference. The 2006 Summit was sponsored by Deloitte (Headline Sponsor), Chicago Mercantile Exchange (Asociate Sponsor), and our media partners - BusinessWeek, FT, Business Strategy Review and The Smart Manager.

The next Global Leadership Summit is scheduled for 2 July 2007.

Created 8 July 2006

 

India Business Forum

June 21 saw the 4th Annual India Business Forum take place at London Business School. With over 250 delegates, the 2006 conference was the most successful to date. India's successes in IT and outsourcing are well known, but this year's Forum highlighted the subcontinent's other emerging growth sectors – retail, financial services, real estate and pharmaceuticals. A distinguished roster of speakers spanning academia, industry and government from Europe and India echoed this potential and presented one of the most comprehensive discussions on India.

Professor Raghu Ram Rajan, Economic Counselor and Director of Economic Research at the International Monetary Fund, and one of this year's keynote speakers, opened the conference by pointing to the huge potential for continued growth in skilled industries and the importance of channeling FDI to key sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals and retail.  He also reiterated that "the IT industry has given an example [for how a sector can flourish]". Fellow keynote speakers Sir David Wright, Vice-Chairman, Barclays Capital, Mr Jerker Johansson, Co- Head, Institutional Sales and Trading, Morgan Stanley and Mr Yashwant Sinha, former Indian Finance and Foreign Minister concurred in their assessment while stating that the Indian economy has in the last few years attained a higher and more sustainable growth trajectory.

The day also included insightful and informative panel discussions. First up was "Issues surrounding Capital Flows and FDI into India", which debated current progress and future plans surrounding the regulation and liberalization of the Indian capital markets. Panel speakers included Mr. Sanjay Shah, Co-Head, JM Morgan Stanley Securities India Pvt Limited and the Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman David Brewer.

Next came "Advantage India: Pharmaceuticals Sector". Speakers on this panel, who included Mr Habil Khorakiwala, Chairman, Wockhardt, Dr Karel De Bruijn, Head of Global Services Novartis AG and Mr GV Prasad, CEO Dr. Reddy's Labs Ltd, found that global buyers are back on the Indian map to eagerly take advantage of India's extremely competitive manufacturing base and enviable research skills.

The last panel was "The Booming Retail and Real Estate sectors: Way Forward". Organised retail in India is expected to grow from 2% in 2001 to 20% of the overall market by 2005 end. This panel illustrated how this has and is expected to fuel a boom in the real estate market. Panel speakers included Mr Kishore Biyani, Chairman, Pantaloon Group and Mr Rajeev Piramal, Peninsula Group.

The Indian High Commissioner perhaps best summed up the enthusiasm of the conference speakers and audience in his closing remarks by confidently proclaiming that India's time has now come. London Business School Dean Laura Tyson also addressed the event, adding that as businesspeople and students there was "nothing more important to understand than India at the moment". She paid tribute to the substantial donation made by the student-initiative Forum of £20,000 to Pratham, a charity sponsoring primary education for children in India, echoing the importance of education in underpinning the sustained growth of any economy.

Further information about the forum can be found at the India Business Forum website. Alternatively, please contact the press office at London Business School.

Created 23 June 2006

 

'Screening for the Future' conference takes a look at the future of film distribution

How would profits shift were a major film studio to release a high-profile movie in cinemas, on DVD and for on-demand, home viewing on the same day? Can new distribution models increase the size of the overall pie? On 23 June, an interactive, 'working' conference at London Business School will attempt to map out the results.

The 'Screening for the Future' conference takes a look at the future of film distribution worldwide. Run in partnership between the Centre for Creative Business, which is a joint-venture between London Business School and University of the Arts London, and Screen International, the event is set to attract more than 100 film and media professionals to London Business School.

The conference aims to give participants insight into the industry's future. "The film industry is changing – this conference gives them the opportunity to be one step ahead," says Greg Orme (SEMBA2002), CEO of the Centre for Creative Business. "It's also a chance to learn from high profile industry professionals. It offers the chance to be proactive rather than reactive to these developments."

The morning session provides the background for a case study project, explaining where the industry is now and what is changing in distribution. The day's sessions include moderated panel discussions, but the audience will be encouraged to participate with questions and comments.

Participants get to work in the afternoon, when they dissect and analyse a case study co-written by Arvind Ethan David (MBA2004) and Jahangir Kazimi (SLN2006). The case's premise is that a film is being released in the near future in a converged distribution environment, Jahangir says. "Delegates will be required to model a release plan, experimenting with release windows and distribution strategies. They'll then have to use various statistics to project revenues and decide on deal terms. This will be a great opportunity to use structured techniques to address current industry debates on film distribution"

Jen Angel, Content Director for Screening the Future, adds that "the analysis session is an opportunity to use a hypothetical scenario to learn some practical lessons and tools which can be applied in the industry now."

Various professors and practitioners will be on hand to help delegates work through the case study. Among the group are London Business School Professor Olav Sorenson (Strategic and International Management), Joe Lampel, Professor of Strategy and Director of Film Business Academy at Cass Business School, and Robert Buckler, Director of The Skillset Academy at London College of Communications and Ealing Institute of Media.

For information about registration, please visit the Screening the Future website or call 0845 056 7122. Media Club Alumni and current Media Club students qualify for a 15% discount of the £499 cost.

Created 20 June 2006

 

London and Columbia business schools celebrate the fifth anniversary of EMBA-Global

EMBA-Global, the flagship executive MBA programme run between London Business School and Columbia, celebrates its fifth year anniversary this June. The dual-degree programme marked the first time that two leading business schools formed such an equal partnership, with revenue, Faculty, decision making and students split 50-50 between the two Schools.

Celebrations will kick off with an event at the School tonight, where Dean Laura Tyson will be joined by Vice-Dean of Columbia Amir Ziv, to discuss 'Globalisation and Education'. An address via video-link by Columbia Dean Glenn Hubbard will follow, preceding a formal dinner for current students, alumni, staff and distinguished guests.

Laura Tyson says, "The EMBA-Global clearly demonstrates London Business School's commitment to providing a truly global business education with world impact. The continuing growth and success of the programme is a real achievement for all concerned and I look forward to joining in the celebrations to mark the fifth anniversary."

The EMBA-Global from London Business School and Columbia was born from the energy and determination of previous London Business School and Columbia Deans, John Quelch and Meyer Feldberg. "They simply made it happen," says Lyn Hoffman, Associate Dean, Executive MBA and Sloan Programme, London Business School.

In the five years since its conception, the EMBA-Global has gone from strength to strength. EMBA-Global boasts 310 alumni from 42 countries, with 44% of students hailing from outside of the US and UK. There are 70 students enrolled for the class of 2008, with 19 nationalities being represented.  24% of the class are female – the highest percentage of women on the course to date.

The EMBA-Global is one of the most prestigious business education qualifications available. The course attracts those looking to make the move into senior positions in high profile companies. It is an executive programme taught between London and New York, and fits with a global travelling schedule. The working professionals start the programme in London and then alternate each month between London and New York City, where they graduate. For each course, faculty are selected from a joint roster of 400, and students receive two MBA degrees accredited by the University of London and Columbia Business School. The focus of the programme is on collaboration, sharing knowledge and experience, so durable relationships are formed during short, intense bursts of study.

Created 16 June 2006

 

School wins four European Case Awards from ECCH

London Business School has triumphed at the annual European Case Awards, winning four prestigious prizes.

Two years after his untimely death, a business-teaching case study by Sumantra Ghoshal, 'The Transformation of BP', co-authored by Lynda Gratton and Michelle Rogan at London Business School, has won the overall prize in the European Case Awards 2006. The case was a category winner in 2005. Sumantra Ghoshal was one of the greatest case writers of all time and this success brings the total number of times his cases have won a European Case Award to thirteen, five of which were the overall award. ECCH Director Jeffrey Gray said; 'The enduring success of Sumantra Ghoshal's cases is a tribute to his remarkable gift as a case writer and teacher'.

London Business School also won three further category awards. N. Craig Smith took the Ethics and Social Responsibilty prize with his study of GlaxoSmithKline and Stephanie Robertson and Julian Lloyd won the Entprereneruship prize for their case 'The Big Issue'.

The School also won the Sumantra Ghoshal Award for Excellence in Case Writing, previously held by INSEAD. London Business School Dean Laura Tyson will receive this award at a ceremonial dinner on the 21 September this year, and said of the School's success, 'This outstanding achievement shows the calibre of the faculty at London Business School, as well as the commitment of all of our faculty to being at the cutting-edge of research across a variety of subject areas'.

The European Case Awards, which recognise and celebrate the success of the authors and institutions of cases that have achieved the highest rates of growth in popularity worldwide, are awarded by the ECCH. The ECCH is an independent organisation which provides the interface between the authors of cases and educational institutions and businesses that use them for teaching and learning purposes.

For further information, please see the ECCH website.

Created 14 June 2006

 

Forum on growing world economic region

India is continuing to surge ahead in economic indicators of growth despite recent setbacks in world markets. In 2006, India arrived as a key contender with China for the tag of "emerging giant".

India's successes in IT and outsourcing are well known but this year's 4th annual India Business Forum at London Business School aims to tell the story of emerging sectors of growth on the subcontinent – retail, real estate and pharmaceuticals. The forum will be held on 21 June 2006.

This year's keynote speakers include:

• Mr Yashwant Sinha - Former Indian finance and foreign minister
• Prof Raghuram Rajan - Economic Counselor and Director of Research, International
  Monetary Fund
• Sir David Wright - Vice Chairman, Barclays Capital

The day will also include panel discussions on issues surrounding capital flows and FDI into India, the booming real estate sector and pharmaceuticals.

To register for the event and for more information on the IBF please visit the India Business Forum or write to info@indiabusinessforum.org

Created 13 June 2006

 

Competition to encourage technology start-ups

Governments around the world realize that business can be a major driver of innovation in security, but at present it can be difficult for entrepreneurs to break through the barriers of large integrators and government buyers. A new competition at London Business School hopes to change this. The Global Security Challenge, the first annual competition to find and select the most promising security technology start-up in the world, hopes to give technology entrepreneurs the chance to find partners and customers.

This initiative, the first of its type, is currently seeking proposals from inventors of products that employ new and existing technologies in security solutions.  Entry is open to individuals and young companies offering technology-based security products or prototypes. Entrants must submit executive summaries of their businesses and products, before June 30th 2006.  The winners will be selected by a panel of high profile judges, at a Grand Final to be held at the Tower of London on October 26th 2006. The winning entry will receive a cash prize and benefit from the support of the judging panel in bringing the product to market.

Siemens Venture Capital is among the organisations that support the Challenge and its goal of helping business and technology make the world a safer place. Siemens Venture Capital appreciates the importance of technology in the security sector and will support the Global Security Challenge with sector expertise, and by offering mentorship and business advice to the winner of the Challenge as a prize.

Simon Schneider, MBA2007 and founder of the Global Security Challenge hopes that through the Challenge, entrepreneurs, scientists, and security professionals will work together to identify the most promising new companies developing security technologies. He concludes: "at a time when security is right at the top of the government and political agenda, the Global Security Challenge puts it at the top of the business agenda, too".

For further information, please visit the website.

Created 12 June 2006

 

School returns victorious from MBAT 2006

A team of 247 London Business School MBA, MiF, Sloan and EMBA students, along with staff and partners won the overall school trophy at the 16th annual MBA Tournament, a sports tournament for European business schools. The tournament was held over the weekend of 25 to 28 May at HEC, a business school just outside of Paris.

The London Business School team was placed first in 13 of the nearly 30 events, which ranged from rugby to salsa dancing. The team was also placed second in three events, and third in five events.

The School spent several months preparing for MBAT, after a narrow defeat in 2005 to IESE. "As a result of the dedication of all participants and support of the School community, the team is delighted to bring the trophy home to London Business School," says Julian Williams (MBA2006), Student Association Sports Representative.

Teams competed in a total of 28 events. Although the weather threatened to postpone some matches, nothing could dampen the London Business School spirit, says Julian. The School's activities centred around the Big Red Bus, where beverages and snacks were provided to all participants sporting a London Business School tattoo. Highlights from the weekend include:

• First place finishes in the inaugural sports of handball and cricket
• A clean sweep by the volleyball team (first place finishers in indoor, four-person beach volleyball, and two-person beach volleyball)
• First place finishes in basketball, swimming, tug of war, chess, badminton, squash, ultimate frisbee, and women's touch rugby
• Participation in all events – this was truly a team effort
• Encouragement from the most enthusiastic, supportive cheerleaders on the planet

"A huge thank-you goes out to all sports captains, participants, and supporters – without their dedication and involvement this victory would not have been possible," says Julian. "Also, Booz Allen Hamilton sponsored our participation in MBAT, and was key to the team's success."

The School's MBAT win was covered by the Financial Times website on 1 June.

Created 31 May 2006

 

First forum on growing world economic region

Latin America has become one of the most dynamic areas in the world in terms of investments, natural resources, leisure and politics. Economic growth has been booming, public debt has been massively repaid, poverty levels have been reduced, and some countries have attained investment grade.

But there is still a long way forward. Economic policies are being redrafted, violence is still being fought, and strategic alliances between the top leaders are causing uncertainty in the United States.

The first Latin American Forum taking place on 2 June at London Business School aims to examine the path forward for this region.

The Forum will focus on hot issues in Latin America and will be divided into panels and key note speakers. By bringing together the best minds and practitioners in business the Forum will aim to raise awareness of the business conditions and opportunities in Latin America.

The Forum will include Lord Daniel Brennan QC, Chairman Caux Round Table, who will speak on ethics and governance.

Other Key note speakers include:

• Mr. Alonso García Tamés, Under Secretary of Finance and Public Credit of Mexico, who will speak about Mexico's capitalization of their acquired investment grade,
• Mr. Alejandro Jara, Deputy Director General of the World Trade Organization, who will speak about Latin American Trade,
• Mr. Mauricio Campillo, CEO of Alianza Team – Colombia
• Mr. Federico Mirré, the Argentinean Ambassador in London.

The panels to be held will focus on Latin America's Future Macroeconomic Developments and Brazil as a Building Block of the Global Economy.

For further details, to register for the 2 June Forum, and to know more about the Latin American Club please visit their website. 

Created 30 May 2006

 

4th annual Middle East Day

The Middle East Gulf states rank among the emerging powerhouse economies of Brazil and India, a leading expert on the region told delegates during Middle East Day last week.

Over 100 business leaders and students from London Business School participated in the School's fourth annual Middle East Day.  Positioning the Middle East in the global economy was the topic of this year's event. The event was opened by Dean Laura Tyson and Saeb Eigner, Governor and Chair of the School's Middle East Regional Advisory Board.

McKinsey's Kito de Boer, began the day with a challenging session on why the region is increasingly important to global business. There was an unprecedented opportunity to create wealth in the Gulf, Mr de Boer said. However the region must face up to the challenges of creating more of the right jobs for a rapidly growing population and the adequate distribution of wealth and services such as health and education.

The region was undergoing a renaissance in terms of looking at the challenges of the present and planning for future generations, he said. Dubai's success will quickly be followed by Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia has increased spending on health and education by 89 per cent over the past three years. "There is a new generation building on the shoulders of their predecessors," he said.

It was very hard for those living outside the Middle East to comprehend the rate of growth in the region, Mr de Boer commented, stating the example that in 1963 there was only one doctor and one teacher in the whole of the United Arab Emirates.

Closing the day was a presentation by Saeb Eigner with remarks by Venetia Porter, Curator, Islamic Collections, Department of Asia, The British Museum on the modern art of the Middle East.

Created 30 May 2006

 

Apurv Bagri named Deputy Chairman of Governing Body

London Business School has appointed the Hon Apurv Bagri as the new Deputy Chairman of the School's Governing Body. Apurv is Managing Director of metals and commodities trader, Metdist Group.

Apurv holds a range of board-level positions. He is a Member of the Board of the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and a member of the South Asia Committee of IFSL (formerly British Invisibles). He sits on the Advisory and Management Boards of the Royal Parks, is a trustee of the Royal Parks Foundation, a commissioner of the Crown Estate Paving Commission, and a trustee of Asia House. Apurv is also the past Chairman of the International Wrought Copper Council, which represents the global copper fabricating industry.

Apurv's ties to London Business School are deep. He is Chairman of the Asia Regional Advisory Board and has served the Governing Body since February 2003. No stranger to the business school world, Apurv is a Visiting Professor at Cass Business School and a member of the Governing Council of the City University, London; and a member of the Corporation, University College School.

More information about the Governing Body.

Created 16 May 2006

 

Financial Times 2006 Executive Education rankings

London Business School's Executive Education programmes are ranked 10th overall in today's Financial Times annual rankings, the fourth consecutive year we have been ranked in the top 10.

This is the eighth year the Financial Times has ranked international non-degree executive education in 'open' and 'custom' programmes. The methodology is based on a mix of customer feedback and data provided by the business schools.

London Business School was placed 11th in the Custom ranking. "Given our global focus I was encouraged to see particularly high scores for overseas programmes (6th) and our faculty diversity (9th)," comments Tom Ryan, Director of the Centre for Management Development. "I am particularly pleased to see our performance improve for "follow up" which is a key element in ensuring our programmes have real impact."

In the Open category, the School is ranked 13th. Guy Saunders, Director of Open Programmes, comments: "I am pleased to see improvements, albeit small, on many of the measures but to be ranked 3rd for quality of participants and 5th for international participants is both heartening and proof that our global focus is paying off."

Faculty Director, Rob Goffee adds: "I am grateful to the faculty, programme directors and the core Executive Education team for the massive effort that has delivered such strong financial and participants number results this year.  We continue to attract high quality participants and corporate clients who give us extremely strong feedback which fuels our growth. As always, as we grow, we need to ensure we maintain quality."

"It is a mixed result," concludes Ian Hardie, Associate Dean for Executive Education. "Whilst rankings are not an exact science, and they need to be read carefully, we do take them seriously. They remind us of the very tough competitive landscape and help to identify areas where we can make further investments and improvements. Our continued focus, in line with our strategy, will be on our clients and their needs, and achieving our Vision to be the pre-eminent global business school."

The Financial Times indicates that the market for executive education is continuing to grow and points to the increasing demand for high quality, ground-breaking research from the top business schools.

The full report is available online from the FT website.

For a full listing of recent rankings please see the rankings round up.

Created 15 May 2006

 

Fifth Africa Day Conference examines the opportunities for entrepreneurship in Africa

"Africa 2020: A Vision for Empowering an Enterprising People" is the theme of the fifth annual Africa Day Conference at London Business School, to be held at the School on Saturday 13 May.

The Conference will focus on the role that entrepreneurship and innovation must play in empowering Africans to drive forward the necessary socio-economic changes the continent needs to realise its potential, and will lay a clear vision for the state of African society in the next 15 years.

Hicham Sharara of the Africa Club added, "We believe that entrepreneurship and innovation must play a pivotal role in empowering Africans to take charge of their destiny". By bringing together the best minds and practitioners in business the conference will aim to raise awareness of the business conditions and opportunities in Africa. The conference will also facilitate a stimulating exploration of just what opportunities and hurdles Africa's entrepreneurs and their backers will experience in marching towards "Africa 2020", with the view to inspiring a powerful cadre of change-agents from this delegation.

Laura Tyson will lead a 250-strong delegation of entrepreneurs, investors, managers, academics and young professionals. The day will unfold in three parts: an "Entrepreneurs Circle" in the morning, which will share the vision for harnessing entrepreneurship in order to improve the confidence and overall welfare of Africans, an "Investors Circle" in the afternoon, which will explore the role that investors in Africa have in supporting the continent's entrepreneurs, and an Evening Gala.

Several distinguished speakers with significant influence in the African business community will discuss this year's theme. Baroness Valerie Amos, Leader of the House of Lords will open the day.

The "Entrepreneurs Circle" will include Strive Masiyiwa, Founder of Econet Wireless; Paul Fokam, Chairman, Afriland First Bank; George Twumasi, CEO, of ABN Holding; Anver Versi, Editor, African Business and others.

The "Investors Circle" will include Andrew Bainbridge, Head of Barclays Bank Africa; Sherazam Mazari, CEO, Standard Chartered Africa; Arthur Arnold, CEO, FMO; Tutu Agyare, Global Head of European Emerging Markets, UBS; and Nkosana Moyo, Head of Africa, Actis Capital, among others. The closing note will feature Larry Drake, President, Coca-Cola in Nigeria and Equatorial Africa.

To register or for further details please visit the Africa Club website.

Created 10 May 2006

 

School's second annual Marketing Conference

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, the London Business School Marketing Conference returns to campus on Friday 12 May 2006. This year the theme will be 'Positioning for Power: Global Marketing Strategies'. The Marketing Club is delighted that Deloitte is supporting this event for the second year.

As brands grow ever larger, so do the problems associated with them. The modern marketer must balance the need to tailor local needs with maintaining a consistent global image. Also, there is the risk that by focusing on growing markets, you could lose existing ones.

Using a mixture of tools, case studies and analysis, the second London Business School Marketing Conference will focus on growing global profitability, communicating across cultures, and discussing success stories and failures. The conference will feature some of the most important names in marketing including CEOs, marketing directors and industry analysts. Participants will attend lively panel discussions, take masterclasses from world-renowned business professors, and network with marketing peers.

Keynote speakers include Richard Hytner, Chairman & CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi EMEA, Frank Mastiaux, Business Unit Head, BP, and Mark Palmer, Marketing Director, Green & Black's. 

Nirmalya Kumar, Professor of Marketing, London Business School and author of Marketing as Strategy and Senior Fellow Tim Ambler, author of Marketing and the Bottom Line confront these topics further in high-level Masterclasses. These will be supplemented by panel sessions discussing 'Emerging markets: Tailoring your offer for the world's fastest growing economies,' 'Managing a global brand: A Corporate Perspective,' and 'Marketing trends: Reaching the global consumer through new media and marketing tools'.

Professor Kumar says, "The best companies today exploit global scope with local flexibility to create winning global marketing concepts.  The conference helps present this fascinating theme - a must for future competitiveness."

For further information about the event, visit the conference website.

Created 4 May 2006

 

London Business School's 4th Annual Private Equity Conference

On Friday, May 5, 200 delegates from industry and academia will attend London Business School's 4th Annual Private Equity conference. This year's conference theme, "European Private Equity: Entering a Golden Age?"  will challenge conference delegates to discuss the long-term sustainability of the industry's recent dynamism.

The Conference has attracted panelists from around the world including distinguished keynote speakers Glenn Hutchins, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Silverlake Partners and Danny Rimer, General Partner of Index Ventures, arguably two of the industry's leading private equity specialists.

The event will feature seven panels of global leaders debating relevant European industry topics such as:

• Managing market liquidity through the cycle
• Emerging Markets – where is the best investment potential?
• Operational value creation
• Telecomms and technology in Europe
• The future for real estate private equity
• Venture Capital in Europe – only for the bravest?
• European Private Equity: Entering A Golden Age?

The conference is co-hosted by the London Business School's Private Equity Institute and the student-led Private Equity Club. Over the last four years, Private Equity at London Business School has developed into a vibrant core of the community. The faculty has developed leading-edge research programmes, spearheaded by the Private Equity Institute. The Institute has funded a cross-disciplinary programme of research activity, judged the annual BVCA Private Equity Awards, and achieved success in launching a Private Equity concentration as part of the MBA programme. London Business School students continue to develop links with the private equity community, with roughly one third of the student population actively engaged in the activities of the Private Equity Club. 

The event is kindly sponsored by media partners, mergermarket and Private Equity International.
 
For more information or to register, please visit the Private Equity Conference website.

Created 3 May 2006