John Mullins, Associate Professor of Management Practice in Entrepreneurship, discusses the impact the credit crunch will have on entrepreneurs, and gives the truth behind some myths about investors

Listen now | View all podcasts

In a new podcast John Mullins answers key questions about entrepreneurship and investment that are even more important to new businesses in the current economic climate.

John comments that, "broadly the credit crunch is good news for entrepreneurs, but it's not a time for the faint of heart", going on to explain that in a downturn bigger companies become more conservative, leaving new business opportunities open to entrepreneurs.

John adds that should the economy enter a recession, or come close to it, big companies will dispose of their non-core areas which can become excellent assets for entrepreneurs.

Finally, John examines the truth behind three myths about investors: that they are mainly concerned with large and growing markets; they are focused on attractive industries and that management is the main consideration for prospective investors.

Listen to the podcast to hear more of John Mullins' insights into entrepreneurship

Created: Wednesday 19 November 2008

BusinessWeek place London Business School fifth in their ranking of International MBA programmes and first for intellectual capital

London Business School has been placed fifth in BusinessWeek's ranking of International MBA programmes, published yesterday. The School excelled in a number of key areas. We were ranked number one for the quality of our intellectual capital. We had the highest number of alumni reporting job offers at graduation with 96.9% versus an average of 85.2% amongst the other top ten schools. We received an A+ grade from recruiters for our general management and analysis, and an A+ from students for our career development.

Commenting on the School's success, Sabine Vinck, Associate Dean, MBA and Masters in Finance programmes, said: "This great result illustrates the high regard which both students and recruiters have for London Business School.  We are the only European business school to have been placed in the top five by BusinessWeek over the last five rankings. This great track record is testament to the consistently high quality of our students, our faculty, our staff, and of the London Business School experience".

Julian Birkinshaw, Deputy Dean, Programmes added: "At London Business School, our purpose is to develop breakthrough insights and successful leaders. With our intellectual capital ranked first and our students receiving more job offers than any others, it is clear that we are delivering on that purpose".

BusinessWeek's International MBA rankings are based on recruiter feedback, student responses and research ratings. For more information on the rankings, please see the BusinessWeek website.

Created: Friday 14 November 2008

London Business School hosts its sixth annual media summit on Monday 24 November 2008

The sixth Annual London Media Summit will take place at London Business School on Monday 24th November 2008. Co-Chaired by Channel 4 News' Jon Snow and CNN's Becky Anderson, the 2008 London Media Summit will explore the effects of digital distribution channels on traditional media.

With keynote speeches from: Bill Roedy, Chairman and CEO, MTV Networks International, Alan Rusbridger, Editor, The Guardian, Stewart Till, Chairman, UK Film Council, and Mark Thompson, Director-General, BBC this year's Summit will offer the freshest opinions from the industry's most senior practitioners.

Entitled, "The Great Debate: How can ‘old' media survive?" the theme will encourage a lively and engaging debate focusing on the future of four traditional media platforms:

• Music
• Print
• Film
• Television
  

Created: Friday 14 November 2008

On Friday 31 October, four members of London Business School's finance faculty supported the student's Investment Management Club in a roundtable briefing to discuss the current financial crisis

View all podcasts

Professor Julian Franks started the briefing with a look at a case study, a hedge fund with a large stake in a bank that so far, has done relatively well during the crisis. Listen to Professor Franks' podcast

Professor Viral Acharya gave a presentation on bank equity, in which he said that banks have become increasingly opaque, a result to a large extent, of the off-balance-sheet transactions that were set up primarily to game regulatory capital requirements. Listen to Professor Acharya's podacst

Professor Elroy Dimson provided a historical perspective on the financial crisis, examining the volatility over the last 22 years but also looking further back to 1900 when there were earlier periods of volatility in both the UK and US. Listen to Professor Dimson's podcast

Finally, Professor Christopher Hennessy gave his views on the misuse of ‘more hazard' as a buzz word in today's media and how it is often used with no reference to what it is and how to deal with it. Listen to Professor Hennessy's podcast

Created: Monday 10 November 2008

London Business School launches two-day Executive Workout programmes to help businesses get the best from their teams (www.londonworkouts.com)

In today's eceonomic climate, it's more important than ever for organisations to develop and retain the best talent. The uncertainty caused by the current recession, budgetary constraints and unemployment has meant employees are having to upgrade and re-skill. In response to the market, we have extended our Executive Education programme portfolio by creating Executive Workouts, a series of new two-day programmes that address critical business issues concisely yet intensively. 

Complementing our existing General Management (3 - 4 weeks) and Executive Short Programmes (3 - 5 days), this series of two-day programmes brings a whole new level of flexibility to an organisation's executive development and much more accessibility for individuals.

Confirmed titles:

Coaching for Performance -  Do you effectively coach your team to success?
Dates: 4 - 5 December 2008, 6 - 7 July 2009

Unlocking your Client's Strategy - What's keeping your Client awake at night?
Dates: 27 - 28 April 2009, 6 - 7 July 2009

Corporate Governance: Managing the Board of Directors - What role did the boards of these once mighty institutions play in their recent demise?
Dates: 5 - 6 March 2009, 30 June - 1 July 2009

Growing your Business - - Does an economic downturn provide opportunities that can help you grow your business faster?
Dates: 25 - 27 February 2009, 24 - 26 June 2009

Realising Business Performance through IT - Are you equipped and ready to thrive in a digital revolution?
Dates: 2-3 April 2009

Strategic Decision Making - What's the difference between a decision and a result?
Dates: 2 - 3 March 2009, 16-17 July 2009

Pricing for Profit - Are you analysing and implementing the correct pricing decisions?
Dates: 18-19 May 2009

Making Strategy Happen - How can you develop a strategy without knowing what the future will hold?
Dates: 12 - 13 March 2009

More titles will be launched throughout 2009.

For further information, visit the Executive Workouts website or contact our client services team on 020 7000 7390 or by email on execinfo@london.edu

Created: Wednesday 05 November 2008

John Mullins, Associate Professor of Management Practice in Entrepreneurship, talks about the exciting learning environment on the Executive MBA

Listen now | View all podcasts

In a new podcast, John Mullins discusses teaching entrepreneurship to Executive MBA students at London Business School, and the importance of the real world experience they share with each other. 

John explains: "The Executive MBA students come from all over the world, with all kinds of backgrounds and have usually spent ten years working their way up a company and now want to become general managers by broadening their perspective." 

Entrepreneurship understanding and skills, John believes, are essential to any manager, "in hypercompetitive markets, companies need to do things differently, to find new customer problems and new solutions to them."

Asked what makes the Executive MBA at London Business School an innovative and exciting learning experience, John comments: "the calibre of the students, they bring so much to the table as whatever the case being studied, there is always someone who has been in that industry and has a real understanding of how that world works."

Listen to the podcast to hear more about entrepreneurship and the Executive MBA

Created: Friday 31 October 2008

London Business School graduate wins academic achievement award

On 23 October, Matthew McNeill (SEMBA2008) awarded the National Outsourcing Association's award for Academic Achievement. The award was given in recognition of Matt's dissertation which was written as part of his Executive MBA. Matt is a Principal Consultant at Logica, a large European IT company who sponsored his studies.

Supervised by Professor Phanish Puranam, one of the leading researchers in outsourcing strategy and coordination theory and supported by Dr Kannan Srikanth, the research was conducted across numerous blended offshore projects within Logica.

The research found that there are significant challenges in changing people's mindset to ensure successful project delivery.  The experiential learning curve is steep, but understanding the dynamics of common ground provides the basis for rationalising and overcoming the issues that inevitably arise and addressing them when they are still recoverable.  Using Srikanth & Puranam's framework to establish good practice in the areas of procedure, contextual understanding and interpersonal relationships within the culture of an organisation enables a company to institutionalise efficiency and project success, and so develop competitive advantage in the global IT industrial environment.

The National Outsourcing Association is the UK's only outsourcing trade association, advocating best practice and representing outsourcing end users, vendors and other companies which support outsourcing, such as legal firms, consultancies and HR.

Created: Monday 27 October 2008

School's EMBA-Global programme takes number one spot in Financial Times ranking

The Financial Times Executive MBA ranking, published today, has ranked our EMBA Global programme as the best in the world. The programme, which is run in partnership with Columbia University, has moved up three places since 2006 to take the number one position. 

The ranking, which is now in its eighth year, is based on three key groupings - alumni career progress, school diversity, and ideas generation.  It uses data collected from two sets of questionnaires completed by alumni who have been in the workplace for three years since their graduation and by business schools themselves.

Commenting on the success, Lyn Hoffman, Associate Dean of the EMBA and Sloan programmes said:"For several years, our Executive MBA programmes have consistently been ranked in the top ten worldwide. We are thrilled that EMBA-Global has now taken the number one spot. This achievement is testament to the strength of our programme, standard of teaching by our world-class faculty and calibre of students we attract.

The success of EMBA-Global has resulted in expansion of the programme to Asia where it is the first and only programme to offer learning and networking opportunities across three major cities - London, New York and Hong Kong.

Business, and the management of people and organisations, is becoming increasingly complex in today's fast-moving and inter-dependent world.  The events of recent weeks are a sobering reminder of how important it is to equip our students with global business capabilities.   We are delighted that our alumni are having such success in their own global careers."

Julian Birkinshaw, Deputy Dean of Programmes added: "Rankings are important because everybody reads them. The most critical thing, however, is to maintain your vision and deliver on your purpose and your strategy. At London Business School, we have a world-leading portfolio of degree programmes. We aspire to be the best business school in the world at developing breakthrough insights and outstanding leaders. Today's announcement by the Financial Times proves that we are going from strength to strength and are well on our way to achieving our aspirations."

In ninth position, the School's London EMBA has also been ranked within the top ten worldwide.

The full report is available online from the Financial Times website.

Created: Monday 27 October 2008

On 14 October, four members of London Business School's economics faculty shared their perspectives on 'The World Economy: Where have all the good times gone?'

Professor Hélène Rey outlined the causes of the financial crisis. She described a series of macroeconomic factors, starting with the abolition of the Glass-Steagall Act in the US which accelerated the move of commercial banks into more risky investments.

Reviewing the impact of actions taken in recent days, Professor Richard Portes said that what happens now will depend on the reactions of people such as those in the audience. "This is fundamentally a crisis of confidence", he said, "and if confidence is not restored by these measures we are still in deep trouble."

Continuing the focus on the real economy, Professor Lucrezia Reichlin said there was a lot of uncertainty in the economic outlook. Forecasts have been revised downwards but it is not certain that a recession is around the corner.

Professor Andrew Scott concluded the formal proceedings by looking at the longer term outlook and predicted a greater emphasis on behavioural finance and attempts to create countercyclical leverage controls He suggested that, in due course, we would look back on the NICE decade (non-inflationary, consistently expanding) as a golden age when the forces of better central banking, globalisation and technology kept inflation and, in turn, interest rates low. A consensus is emerging that we are near the beginning of the end of the financial crisis. "But we are near the end of the beginning of a macro crisis", he said.

The evening concluded with an animated question and answer session. 

View the highlights of the event

View the full presentation and faculty responses to questions from the audience

Created: Thursday 16 October 2008

The Desmond Molins Charitable Trust donates £44,000 scholarship for MBA with engineering background

London Business School is pleased to announce the donation of a £44,000 scholarship by The Desmond Molins Charitable Trust. This generous gift will support an MBA student with an engineering background. The inaugural winner of the Desmond Molins Memorial Scholarship for Engineers is Olivier Kueny (MBA2010), a nuclear engineer from France.

Through his MBA studies at London Business School, Olivier hopes to couple his technical knowledge with sound business acumen, enabling him to make innovative and sustainable business decisions in his future career. The generous support of The Desmond Molins Charitable Trust will make this possible.

Sergio (MBA93) and Cornelia Ravich Calafell, family members connected to the Trust, commented: "We are delighted to support London Business School's efforts to enable the brightest MBA candidates to access the best business education, regardless of their means. By bestowing this award on a student with an engineering background, it will celebrate the life of Desmond Molins, an ancestor who was a great engineer and businessman".

Created: Monday 13 October 2008

London Business School announces Sloan Fellowship Women's Scholarship recipient, Vanessa Ginn

During an annual award evening, held last night by London Business School and their co-sponsors Saatchi & Saatchi and Spencer Stuart, Vanessa Ginn, an experienced manager in the oil industry, was awarded the 2008 - 2009 Sloan Fellowship Women's Scholarship.

This prestigious award, which provides a fully funded place on the Sloan Fellowship MSc and a programme of career mentoring with Spencer Stuart, is given to an individual who exemplifies the female leader of tomorrow.

Vanessa joins the Sloan Fellowship MSc programme from BP, where she was responsible for developing BP's downstream emerging markets business in China and India. During her career in the oil industry, Vanessa has held a series of management roles at BP and Mobil.

Lyn Hoffman, Associate Dean, Sloan and Executive MBA Programmes, said she was delighted to award Vanessa the prestigious scholarship, "Vanessa has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities throughout her career, showing passion, resilience and the ability to motivate and inspire. Vanessa's success in a global industry makes her an ideal recipient of this scholarship which recognises the important contribution women make to both the Sloan Fellowship programme and to London Business School as a whole. "

Vanessa said: "I am proud and very grateful to be the winner of the Sloan Fellowship Women's Scholarship. The Sloan Fellowship offers me a unique opportunity to take time out to reflect on my career direction, and maximise my leadership potential by enhancing my skills and capabilities, as well as exposure to a fantastic network.

I'm a passionate believer in the power of diversity in business, particularly of women in business.  This award enables more women like me, who aspire to make a difference, to share in the advantages that the Sloan Fellowship provides."

Created: Tuesday 07 October 2008

London Business School receives multi-million pound commitment for private equity research and education

London Business School today announced a multi-million pound commitment from the J Coller Foundation to help create the world's leading institute for private equity education and research.

Building on London Business School's existing private equity programmes and resources, the Coller Institute of Private Equity will considerably extend the scale and range of the School's teaching and research in the subject. Its principal aims will be to provide:

- a platform for cutting-edge research 
- the world's most advanced education in private equity, through MBA electives and executive education courses 
- a forum for debate and knowledge exchange within the private equity and venture capital ecosystem 
- a channel to share information and perspectives between academics, private equity practitioners and governments.

The first Chairman of the Coller Institute will be Professor Eli Talmor, who has led the School's private equity activities for several years, overseeing the development of a highly respected body of academic research and case studies since 2004. The first Academic Director of the Coller Institute will be Professor Viral Acharya.

Speaking on behalf of the J Coller Foundation, Jeremy Coller said: "London Business School is the obvious home for the Coller Institute - it is Europe's leading business school, has a truly global perspective and is situated in a worldwide hub for private equity."

Robin Buchanan, Dean of London Business School said: "The tremendous growth in this market demands the attention of a top global business school. This generous contribution from the J Coller Foundation will help keep the School at the forefront of thought leadership in private equity around the world."

Created: Monday 06 October 2008

Classes of 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 return to campus on Saturday, 4 October to reconnect and celebrate

Created: Friday 03 October 2008

London Business School launches the Masters in Management

London Business School has today announced the launch of a ground-breaking new addition to its existing degree programme portfolio. The new Masters in Management degree will welcome students from around the world for its first intake in August 2009.

The London Business School Masters in Management will attract top recent graduates who have less than one year's previous work experience and an undergraduate degree in a discipline other than business or management studies. The Masters in Management is for students who are seeking to expand their thinking, fast-track their career, and increase their career choices.

Robin Buchanan, Dean of London Business School said: "This launch is an exciting move for the School. It builds upon our reputation as a dynamic and entrepreneurial organisation, adept at taking advantage of emerging opportunities. We are entering this market because it gives us access to a new pool of outstandingly talented, high calibre men and women.  London Business School can help them to realise their potential better than anybody else."

Julian Birkinshaw, Deputy Dean of Programmes at London Business School added: "This programme goes beyond the traditional skills and career development to offer students a unique and transformational experience. The academic courses are focused on giving students both the intellectual and practical proficiency they need to succeed in the early stages of their careers.

"During consultation, it became apparent that recruiters who offered early graduate and entry-level opportunities wanted to hire students from this type of programme. We have listened to those needs and developed a programme which marries strong technical skills with a sense of perspective."

For more information visit: www.london.edu/mm or email mm@london.edu

Created: Monday 29 September 2008

Find out more about London Business School on Saturday, 27 September

On Saturday, 27 September 2008, prospective students are invited to visit London Business School and to find out more about the programmes offered by Europe's leading business school.

For potential students who are unsure of what programme would best suit them there will be seminars on each of School's degree programmes: MBA, Masters in Finance, Executive MBA (including Dubai-London EMBA and EMBA-Global) and the Sloan Fellowship. There will also be the chance to find out about the range of Executive Education programmes on offer. Current students will be providing tours of the campus and visitors can also speak to representatives from Career Services about the career impact of studying at London Business School. 

The event will take place from 10.30am to 3pm, register to attend and receive more information.

Created: Wednesday 24 September 2008

28,000 Alumni. 84 Cities. One Global Network. Alumni gather on Thursday, 25 September to celebrate the 4th annual Worldwide Alumni Celebration

Created: Tuesday 23 September 2008

Six RES Presidents honour Richard Portes, Professor of Economics, for his achievements as longest-serving (16 years) Secretary-General of the Society since Keynes

Richard held the post for the second longest period in the Society's history (since 1890). A tribute to Richard's achievements written by the six RES Presidents with whom he served cites a range of new initiatives during this period. These included the Women's Committee, the Econometrics Journal, the economics Media Initiative, the Ph.D. job market, and the Young Economist of the Year competition and annual public lectures, as well as strengthening the Economic Journal produced by the society.

The statement by the six Presidents said: "We wish to honour what Richard has achieved, and continues to achieve, for economics in the UK and beyond. It is in good part thanks to his efforts, and the tone he has set, that the UK economics profession has flourished. We are undoubtedly stronger because of Richard's influence and the values he embodies".

The statement stressed that besides his research and teaching, Richard continues to make important contributions to economics through the Centre for Economic Policy Research, of which he was founder and remains President (www.cepr.org). ‘Richard is an out and out internationalist', the Presidents said, and CEPR, a research network of 750 European economists, embodies this commitment.
For the full statement click here

Created: Tuesday 23 September 2008

Centre for Management Development to partner with the National Entrepreneurship Network in India to support training for female entrepreneurs

London Business School is pleased to announce its partnership with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Women initiative.  The 10,000 Women programme supports partnerships with universities and development organisations to provide a generation of women in under-served areas around the world with a business and management education. 

London Business School's Centre for Management Development is proud to partner with the National Entrepreneurship Network in India to support training for female entrepreneurs in India. The purpose of the programme is to train suitably qualified and skilled faculty from identified schools in entrepreneurship.

This initiative is grounded in the belief that expanding the entrepreneurial talent and managerial pool in these economies - especially among women - is one of the most important, yet too often neglected, means of increasing economic opportunity.

Robin Buchanan, Dean of London Business School said: "We are delighted to be involved in this important and far reaching initiative. We fully support Goldman Sachs' goals in expanding entrepreneurship training to benefit women in developing and emerging economies."

For further information, see the full press release or visit www.10000women.org

Created: Thursday 18 September 2008

Michael Hay and John Mullins win Academy of Management award for 'Discovering Entrepreneurial Opportunities'

Professors Michael Hay and John Mullins from London Business School have been awarded the Academy of Management Entrepreneurship Division Innovation in Teaching Award, sponsored by McGraw Hill.

The award was given in recognition for their Discovering Entrepreneurial Opportunities course on the MBA programme at London Business School.

The award is given for the development and implementation of an innovation in entrepreneurship pedagogy, with entries also judged on the successful dissemination of the innovation, with support from students and alumni considered by the awarding committee.

John Mullins, Associate Professor of Management Practice in Entrepreneurship, says: "We're grateful that the Academy of Management has added this accolade to the growing list of strengths of the world-class programme in Entrepreneurship at London Business School. Entrepreneurship is a key reason why so many of today's top students choose London for their MBAs or EMBAs."

Discovering Entrepreneurial Opportunities is a core course for first-year MBA students at London Business School. Students develop discovery and decision-making skills that will benefit them whether in a business or as an entrepreneur, by being able to discover and satisfy customer and business needs.

The award was presented at the Academy of Management Conference in California.

Created: Wednesday 13 August 2008

This series of two-day programmes starts in December 2008 with Coaching for Performance by Brent Smith. Find out more on www.londonworkouts.com

In today's competitive market it's more important than ever for organisations to develop and retain the best talent. Yet time and budget constraints have never been tighter. In response to the market, we have extended our Executive Education programme portfolio by creating Executive Workouts, a series of new two-day programmes that address critical business issues concisely yet intensively. 

Complementing our existing General Management (three - four weeks) and Executive Short Programmes (three - five days), this series of two-day programmes brings a whole new level of flexibility to an organisation's executive development and much more accessibility for individuals.

Confirmed titles:
Coaching for Performance
Dates: 4 - 5 December 2008, 6 - 7 July 2009

Unlocking your Client's Strategy
Dates: 27 - 28 April 2009, 6 - 7 July 2009

Corporate Governance: Managing the Board of Directors
Dates: 5 - 6 March 2009, 30 June - 1 July 2009

Growing your Business
Dates: 25 - 27 February 2009, 24 - 26 June 2009

Realising Business Performance through IT
Dates: 2-3 April 2009

Strategic Decision Making
Dates: 2 - 3 March 2009, 16-17 July 2009

Pricing for Profit
Dates: 18-19 May 2009

Making Strategy Happen
Dates: 12 - 13 March 2009

More titles will be launching throughout 2009. For further information visit the Executive Workouts website or contact one of our client services team on execinfo@london.edu or 020 7000 7390.

Created: Wednesday 13 August 2008

Professor Richard Portes honoured by French financial think-tank

Richard Portes, Professor of Economics, has been appointed to the Comité d'Honneur of the Centre des Professions Financières.

The Centre des Professions Financières is the leading think-tank and professional organisation for the French financial sector, and aims to educate, formulate relevant policy proposals and raise the professional standing of those working in the sector.

The Comité d'Honneur is a group of around 20 distinguished figures in the financial sector who advise the Executive Committee of the Centre des Professions Financières on its overall policies.

For more information visit the Centre des Professions Financières website

Created: Monday 11 August 2008

London Business School and Columbia Business School are launching EMBA-Global Asia with the University of Hong Kong.

We are pleased to announce the launch of EMBA-Global Asia, a new addition to Columbia Business School and London Business School's highly successful, top-ranked EMBA-Global programme.

London Business School and Columbia Business School are extending our fruitful partnership to include the University of Hong Kong in order to create the first and only programme to offer business education and networking opportunities in the world's three major financial centres: Hong Kong, London and New York. We believe that Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan hotbed of entrepreneurial activity and a portal to mainland China, is the ideal location for Asian expansion of EMBA-Global. Our new partner school, the University of Hong Kong, offers a respected international reputation, robust academic programmes, and state-of-the-art facilities.

EMBA-Global Asia is designed for high-potential, globally-focused executives and managers, primarily based in Asia, who are passionate about the opportunities offered by Asia's rapid economic development. The new offering will be a 20-month, intensive MBA programme taught in New York, London, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, with additional study in other international regions. Teaching will be divided equally among faculty from each of the three partner schools. Upon successful completion of the programme, students will receive a joint MBA degree awarded by Columbia University, London Business School, and the University of Hong Kong and will become part of the alumni networks of all three schools. The inaugural class of approximately 50 students will commence in May 2009.

EMBA-Global Asia exemplifies our commitment to providing a rigorous, innovative, truly global business education. We encourage you to visit www.emba-global.com for additional information on both EMBA-Global programme streams. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us on embaglobalinfo@london.edu or +44 (0) 2070007475 or +1 212 854 2211.

Created: Monday 23 June 2008

Academics and practitioners discuss involved observational research

Lehman Brothers Centre for Women in Business recently held a seminar ‘Gender, Power, Embodiment in Research' funded by Economics and Social Research Council on ethnographic research which observes and interviews people. The seminar is part of an ESRC seminar series on emotions and embodiment.

The seminar brought together academics and practitioners with an interest in ethnographic research. The keynote speakers included:

• Professor Catherine Cassell (Manchester Business School), who discussed the relationship between the interviewer and interviewee.
• Professor Mats Alvesson (University of Lund), who spoke on reflexive methodology.
• Dr Karen Throsby (Warwick University) presented a paper on how differences between the researcher and the researcher matter.
• Dr TK Tina Basi (Mehfil Enterprise and Intel) spoke on her experiences of doing ethnographic work for commercial enterprise.
• Belinda Parmar (Saatchi & Saatchi) presented Xploring as an observational approach which she used to create research on women and technology called Lady Geek.

The seminar, organised by Dr Elisabeth Kelan, showed how to take research into a real life context and depart from the view that the researcher is an impartial researcher by exploring this question from an academic and practitioner side.

Click here to read Dr Tina Basi's review of the seminar

Created: Monday 16 June 2008

Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan and Renault shares his insights with students

On 2 June 2008, two hundred London Business Students formed the audience of a CNN International hosted event called ‘The Boardroom Master Class'. The programme, hosted by Todd Benjamin, held an interactive discussion with Carlos Ghosn, CEO of Nissan and Renault on his global business philosophy and how he runs two automotive companies on two separate continents.

This was a fantastic opportunity for London Business School students, not only to hear a successful international businessman speak but to ask first hand a range of questions about performing in a global market. It is events such as this, which continue to facilitate and develop students' global business capabilities.

The programme was broken into three sessions. The first focused on transcultural issues, the second on Ghosn's success in turning Nissan around and the last on the automobile industry and, topically, the impact of escalating oil prices.

The filming of the programme was followed by a reception hosted by Ricoh where students had further opportunities, in a more intimate environment, to speak to Ghosn. It was also an excellent opportunity for students to strengthen their relationships with senior members of the business community.

Ghosn's advice to achieve business success to students was to ‘stay focused on your plan ... and go for it!'. Find out what else our students learnt from Ghosn by watching the ‘Boardroom Master Class' on Saturday 14 June at 7am, 3pm and 8pm BST or Sunday 15 June at 7am.

It will also be available for viewing on www.cnn.com/Boardroom after Saturday 14 June.

Created: Friday 13 June 2008

Annual Recruiters' Forum attended by over 75 companies

Over 100 representatives from more than 75 leading global companies attended the Annual Recruiters' Forum at London Business School on Wednesday, June 4. New and existing recruiters met to discuss best practice, network and learn more about how the School's talented graduates from across the full range of programmes can meet their hiring needs at all levels of their organisation.

Companies who attended included top names from a diverse range of sectors, including: PricewaterhouseCoopers, Lehman Brothers, Google, Johnson & Johnson, The Boston Consulting Group, Goldman Sachs, Barclays, McKinsey & Co and Pepsico. The School was also pleased to welcome many new companies to the event this year, including an increased number of recruiters from Industry.

A close relationship with recruiting partners is essential to the success of London Business School. Last year alone, the companies represented at this year's event hired 328 MBA and MiF students as interns or employees and the forum provides a great opportunity to thank them for their continued support and to further strengthen the School's connection with them.

Employers were also able to find out about innovative ways of interacting with students, by engaging with them throughout their time at the School through sponsoring and supporting student clubs and events.

Created: Monday 09 June 2008

Changes in the global economic order create a defining moment for business

Life in the twenty-first century is about continuous learning, relationships and flexibility; it's about having an engaging mind and being imaginative, according to Muhtar Kent, who becomes CEO of The Coca Cola Company on 1 July. Only in this way would businesses be able to face up to the very real global economic challenges.

Speaking as part of the Schools Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS), Mr Kent drew attention to the challenges posed by the current business environment; "We are at an important inflexion point, a defining moment, with four forces changing the balance of our global economic order." The four forces he outlined were rising oil and food prices, the growing middle class and rapid urbanisation. "All the rules are changing and how we comprehend them will determine our success or failure."

The health and vibrancy of the global beverage industry is a perfect metaphor for global industry as a whole. The average beverage consumer is able to sample products from all around the world at multiple points during the day - orange juice from Florida, coffee from Brazil, and both Coca-Cola and bottled water from many different countries. It exemplifies the impact of globalisation.

In itself, globalisation is neither positive, nor negative, said Mr Kent. It is up to business to make it successful; business needs healthy communities if it is to have the benefit of healthy markets. Business has a responsibility to lead, he told his London Business School audience, "but we can't do it alone. You need to bring together business, government and civil society to play a meaningful role in creating sustainable communities."

Mr Kent was the School's Distinguished Speaker on 28 May 2008.

Created: Thursday 05 June 2008

How innovation and entrepreneurship work in the creative economy.

Leading designers and entrepreneurs will speak at the Hong Kong Creative Business Forum in partnership with London Business School on Tuesday 3 June at the Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG). The conference will bring together some of Hong Kong's most famous designers with business academics to explore brand building, innovation and global strategy.

Guest speakers at the morning's session on ‘The Global Business of Design' include:

• John C Tsang, Financial Secterary, Hong Kong SARG
• Chelsia Lau, Chief Designer, Ford Motors
• Alan Yau, restaurateur owner of Hakkasan
• Vivienne Tam, fashion designer and creator of ‘China-chic'

In the afternoon architects and designers will discuss ‘Global Brands and Design', speakers include Eric Chan, a leading specialist in product identity and President of ECCO Design, furniture designer and architect Lo Chin Wing, and jewellery designer Kai Yin Lo.

London Business School faculty will join the designers to bring an academic perspective to their experiences. Faculty members speaking include: Julian Birkinshaw (Deputy Dean, Programmes and Professor of Strategic and International Management), Linda Yueh (Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics) and John Mullins (Associate Professor of Management Practice in Entrepreneurship).

The conference is presented by Hong Kong Design Centre in partnership with London Business School and will take place at Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (next to London Business School) on Tuesday 3 June. For more information or to register for the event visit www.hkdesigncentre.org.  

Created: Monday 02 June 2008

Zeger Degraeve Awarded Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Professorship of Innovation

Following the generous support of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, London Business School is delighted to announce that Professor Zeger Degraeve has been appointed the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Professor of Innovation at London Business School.

Professor Degraeve serves as faculty advisor for the School's research activities in Dubai and Faculty Director of the School's educational programmes in Dubai. As Chair, Professor Degraeve is recognised for his innovative contributions to London Business School's establishment of its own branded programmes overseas, a first in its history.

Professor Degraeve will be formally appointed at an event at the School on Wednesday 2 July. The event will also be an opportunity to recognise the generosity of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation when two lecture theatres at London Business School will be renamed "The Dubai Lecture Suite".

Praising his contribution to research and education in the UAE and the region, H.E. Mohammed Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Board, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, said Professor Zeger Degraeve will be an important asset to the Chair.

"By attracting renowned higher education institutions that boast top calibre faculty, Dubai has evolved into a vibrant hub for knowledge, providing world class education. This is amply demonstrated by the presence of a growing number of prominent and distinguished academic professionals in Dubai. We believe Professor Degraeve will effectively contribute to Dubai's status as a favourable destination for higher education."

"We are delighted to award Zeger this important Chair. His commitment to both research and Executive Education is outstanding, and in his role as Faculty Director of our Dubai Centre, together with Mr. Saeb Eigner, Governor and Chair of our Middle East Regional Advisory Board, he has played a key role in establishing the Centre and in ensuring its successes to date," said Robin Buchanan, Dean of London Business School.

"We are enormously grateful for the support Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Dubai Executive Office has extended to London Business School. Their support enables the School to continue to develop break-through insights and successful leaders that have a positive impact on business around the world. We are delighted to be working with them to ensure that our Dubai Centre's successes will continue long into the future."

Created: Tuesday 27 May 2008

Lynda Gratton is to discuss her work on Hot Spots with CEOs and Ministers in Singapore this week.

Professor Lynda Gratton has been invited to Singapore as a Distinguished Visitor of the Ministry of Manpower.

Lynda Gratton will lead a masterclass for around 40 CEOs from the public and private sectors on how they can ignite hot spots in their organisations. In her 2007 book Hot Spots Professor Gratton describes these as places of innovation and energy that create exciting workplaces and successful companies.

She will also discuss the topic of her previous book Living Strategy - Putting People at the Heart of Corporate Purpose, with 200 HR Directors and practitioners. While in Singapore, Professor Gratton will meet School alumni as a guest of the Singapore Alumni Club, and will then travel to Australia to meet alumni in Melbourne and deliver further presentations and masterclasses.

Lynda Gratton is Professor of Management Practice at London Business School and Director of the Lehman Centre for Women in Business. Professor Gratton is consulted by companies including Unilever, BP, Philips and Hewlett Packard and is considered one of the world's authorities on corporate culture and organisational behaviour.

Created: Monday 12 May 2008

Schools programmes ranked 16th; up on last year

London Business School's Executive Education programmes are ranked 16th in today's Financial Times (FT), up one place from last year. Open Enrolment Programmes are ranked 13th (up from 20th last year) and Custom Programmes are ranked 27th (down from 22nd last year).

The FT rankings are based on a blend of customer feedback and facts provided by the business schools. Data from the last 3 years are used to construct the rankings. The full report is available online at FT.com

"We are pleased with this year's overall improvement. Whilst not underestimating the importance of rankings, it must be remembered that they are highly dependent on the chosen methodology," said Rory Simpson, Associate Dean of Executive Education.

"We know from our own customer feedback that they rate our programmes very highly, averaging over 4.5 on a 5 point scale. We are also growing quickly in an increasingly competitive market, with open programmes growth of over 30% in the last 2 years and over 20 new custom clients signed up already this year, not to mention an increase in the amount of business from our current clients."

He went on to say, "That said; we are not complacent. We are working to develop growth strategies that will see our executive education revenues double over the next 5 years. These strategies will not be driven by external rankings, but will focus on delivering what is right for our customers and other stakeholders. Focus on world-class service, delivery, cutting edge methodology and capitalising on the thought leadership we have within the school is what really matters."

Rankings round up

Created: Monday 12 May 2008

Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones claim second place at the McKinsey Awards

Rob Goffee, a Professor of Organizational Behavior and Gareth Jones, a Visiting Professor at Insead and a Fellow of the Centre for Management Development at London Business School have been awarded second prize at the prestigious McKinsey Awards

In every company there exists a handful of employees whose ideas, knowledge, and skills give them the potential to produce great value. In an economy driven by ideas, attracting these smart, creative employees and leading them to achieve their fullest potential is crucial. Therein lies the problem: If these "clever people," as Rob Goffee and Gareth Jones call them, have one defining characteristic, it's that they do not want to be led.

In interviewing more than 100 leaders and their highly creative employees, Goffee and Jones found that the psychological relationships between them are very different from the ones leaders have with traditional followers. Those relationships can be shaped by several characteristics that clever people share: They know how much they're needed, they are indifferent to corporate hierarchy but love intellectual status, they are well-connected, and they expect instant access to top management. Clever people flourish under benevolent guardians who understand them, not traditional bosses who try to tame them. Leaders who recognize this will watch their companies thrive.

Goffee and Jones are also the founding partners of Creative Management Associates, an organizational consulting firm in London. This is their fifth article for HBR and their second McKinsey Award.

Their book Leading Clever People will be released early 2009

Created: Monday 12 May 2008

Game-Changing Strategies is the new book by Costas Markides, the Robert Bauman Professor of Strategic Leadership at London Business School.

Game-Changing Strategies examines the obstacles that established companies face as they attempt to discover radical new business models in their industries and describes how they can do it.

There is no question that companies who develop new radical business models in established industries - and in the process break the rules of the game in those industries can enlarge the market and create enormous value for themselves.  While everybody agrees with this idea, few seem to appreciate that the majority of new business-model innovations are introduced by newcomers in an industry.

Why is that?  Established firms appreciate the need to break the rules as much as start-up firms. They also possess many more resources, skills, and technologies to do so effectively. Yet they continue to allow new firms to take the initiative when it comes to business-model innovation. The question is why?

Game-Changing Strategies explains the reasons behind this puzzle and presents practical ideas on how established firms can not only discover radical new business models but also grow them next to their existing business models.

The challenge for established firms is not the discovery of a new business model—the real challenge is how to make two business models coexist. This book offers advice on how established firms can implement structures and processes that make the new business model less conflicting and more palatable to the existing business.

COSTAS MARKIDES holds the Robert P. Bauman Chair of Strategic Leadership at the London Business School and is the Chairman of the Strategic and International Management (SIM) Department at London Business School. He is the author or co-author of six other books including All the Right Moves, Strategic Thinking for the Next Economy, The Future of the Multinational Company, and Fast Second.

Created: Tuesday 15 April 2008

Bank of England bestows grant to research inefficiences in inter-bank liquidity transfers.

Viral Acharya, Professor of Finance at London Business School, has been awarded a Senior Houblon-Norman Fellowship by the Bank of England.

The award will enable him to spend time at the Bank of England in July and August this year working on a project entitled:Efficiency of Inter-Bank Liquidity Markets and the Role of Central Banks;. This research will focus theoretically and empirically on why there might be inefficiencies in the transfer of liquidity across banks through the inter-bank lending and asset sale markets, and what role, if any, Central Banks play to alleviate such inefficiencies.

Professor Randall Peterson, London Business School's Deputy Dean of Faculty said "We are delighted that Viral has been awarded this very impressive fellowship. This research project looks at a relevant and important issue, and being chosen from a field of top academics is testament to the calibre of Viral's world-class research and to the research capabilities of London Business School."

Viral has an established track record in securing external research funding. He has previously won awards from the Fondation Banque de France and Inquire Europe, as well as a prestigious Leverhulme grant. His previous research has been focused on liquidity and credit-risk related issues in banking, corporate finance as well as asset pricing.

Created: Thursday 10 April 2008

School's MBA students win 3rd place

A team of MBA students from London Business School won 3rd place at the third Annual International Tech Strategy Business Case Competition, held on March 28 and 29 at Boston University.

MBA students from top business schools around the world engaged in an intense, 24-hour competition, worth $47,500 in prizes, to solve a real-market, mobile multimedia challenge faced by Ericsson. The students had one day and night to build a comprehensive solution to the case entitled ‘Winning in the Converged Multimedia Landscape: How can Ericsson help Vodafone succeed?’

The case analysis invitational featured eight international teams and eight US teams reputed to be among the best in combined technological and business savvy. Ericsson sponsored the competition in support of what the company calls "digital natives," the generation that has grown up in the online, digital world.

As the only international tech strategy business case competition featuring MBA students from the world’s top business schools, the competition broke new ground this year with its most internationally diverse cohort ever: 21 nationalities were represented.

Hans Vestberg, Executive Vice President and CFO, Ericsson, presented the award to the winning teams at a reception on 29 March:
• 1st Place ($25,000) - Stanford Business School
• 2nd Place ($15,000) - UNC Kenan Flagler Business School
• 3rd Place ($5,000 ) - London Business School
• 4th Place ($2,500 ) - McCombs School of Business 

The London Business School team consisted of: Rene Plug, Sasa Brcerevic, Tobias Schweiger and Manish Gajria. Congratulations!

For more information:
http://www.bu.edu/phpbin/news-cms/news/?dept=644&id=48919
http://www.casecomp.blogspot.com/

Created: Monday 07 April 2008

Professor Andrew Scott has recently been appointed Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Euro Area Business Cycle Network (EABCN), for a 3-year term of office.

The Euro Area Business Cycle Network was founded in 2002 and is funded by the central banks of Europe. Its principal objective is to spread information and stimulate research on the Euro area business cycle by increasing interaction between academic researchers and central bank researchers, and other policy institutions involved in the empirical analysis of the Euro area business cycle.

Andrew’s research is in the area of applied Macro and focuses on business cycles, monetary and fiscal policy, inflation and debt management. He is Managing Editor of The Economic Journal and has served as consultant to HM Treasury, the Bank of England and the Debt Management Office and is currently Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius

Created: Friday 04 April 2008

The collaboration between London Business School and Hong Kong University marks the beginning of our true engagement with China – the world’s largest emerging market.

The HKU MBA at London Business School provides a wonderful opportunity for our entire School community to obtain a deeper and richer understanding of China and Asia.

Over the next four weeks 41 students arrive, spending a term at London Business School as an integral and mandatory part of the 14 month intensive HKU MBA. Prior to their arrival, all HKU students must complete 12 core courses over three terms.

Like our own students, this ensures they have the core knowledge and skills to participate in and contribute to our elective classes. On their return to Hong Kong, students will complete a capstone project and field trip to Shanghai before graduation.

HKU MBA students will join London Business School as HKU 2008, taking electives with current students during the spring (Easter) block weeks and the Summer Term. Their diverse backgrounds and perspectives will further enhance the classroom experience; in addition they will immerse themselves fully in School life through participation in clubs, social activities and conferences, to developing contacts and relationships that will outlive their time on campus. On leaving London they will join our alumni community, strengthening and enriching our networks in the region for years to come.

For more information visit http://www.mba.hku.hk/

Created: Thursday 27 March 2008

London Business School together with Goldman Sachs is delighted to announce a new scholarship for full-time MBA students.

The Goldman Sachs International Scholarship has been established to highlight Goldman Sachs’ commitment to diversity. The first £20,000 scholarship will be awarded to a deserving MBA candidate starting the programme in Autumn 2008. The recipient of the Scholarship will be selected taking into consideration financial need along with academic merit.

"Goldman Sachs is delighted to be working with London Business School to launch a new scholarship award. This scholarship will be directed at international students who are considering studying for the MBA. We hope the Goldman Sachs Scholarship will strengthen our global reach and continue to demonstrate our commitment to diversity."

More information about the Goldman Sachs International Scholarship can be found on the MBA scholarships pages of the School’s website www.london.edu.

More information about Goldman Sachs can be found at www.gs.com

Created: Friday 14 March 2008

The Academy of International Business recognise our faculty

The Academy of International Business (AIB) has recognised Julian Birkinshaw, Professor of Strategic and International Management, by electing him as one of its Fellows.

The AIB is the leading association of scholars and specialists in the field of international business. Established in 1959, AIB has 3023 members in 71 different countries around the world. Members include scholars from the leading global academic institutions as well consultants, researchers and NGO representatives.
Julian Birkinshaw was one of seven new AIB Fellows elected in 2008, joining 76 other Fellows who include John Stopford and Ken Simmonds, two of our Emeritus Professors. Sumantra Ghoshal was also a Fellow.

“I am sure you will join me in congratulating Julian on yet another marvelous achievement,” comments Costas Markides, Robert P Bauman Professor of Strategic Leadership and Chairman of the SIM Area. “He joins a group of outstanding AIB members in terms of scholarship, educational leadership and great service to the AIB.

“The AIB Fellows organize and participate in the Opening Plenary and other sessions at AIB annual conferences, they select the International Executive of the Year and International Educator of the Year who are recognized at these meetings, and they elect an Eminent Scholar who was not an AIB member but who marked the research of many of us. Julian is the perfect candidate for this!”

For more information on the AIB: http://aib.msu.edu/

Created: Tuesday 11 March 2008

Greed, power-lust, jealousy and treachery, are only a few of the elements which sizzle in the many stories of family businesses told by the authors, Nigel Nicholson of London Business School and Grant Gordon, Director General of the Institute for Family Business.

Family Wars outlines key themes that punctuate the book such as the ‘roots of conflict’, ‘family dynamics’ and ‘culture and individual personality’. After telling the twenty-four stories of family wars, the book closes with the lessons learned, listing twenty ‘warning signs’ and nine ‘risk factors’, showing how businesses should respond to them.

Stories in the book include:

• The Guinness story: how the family insisted in holding tight to the reins of the business even after they lost touch and interest. This caused the fall of the Guinness dynasty.
• The Pathak story: a clash of civilizations emerged when the founder’s Westernised daughters challenged their mother’s decision to pass their shares to their brother.
• The Gucci story: power, treachery, murder – these are the words which summarise the rise and fall of the Gucci family empire.
• The Gallo wine story: how siblings’ infighting led to a deep family split and life-sapping courtroom drama.
• The Redstone family story: the Redstones own one of the world’s greatest media empires, incorporating CBS and Viacom. A leader’s untrammelled willpower foreshadows family splits and alienation from the business.
  

Created: Monday 10 March 2008

Derek Bunn wins grant for research into the impact of climate change policy uncertainty

Professor of Decision Sciences, Derek Bunn, has received a significant grant to fund research into the impact of climate change policy uncertainty on energy market behaviour. The grant was awarded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), with additional support from two UK Government departments - Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The research programme is valued at £400,000 over 2 years and will study ‘Modelling the Evolution of Climate Change Policy Uncertainty on Electricity Investment Incentives and Risk”’.  This award is the latest in a long-standing research programme on understanding energy market behaviour at London Business School.

Professor Bunn’s research aims to develop a better understanding of the interactions between investment behaviour in the electricity sector and the various policy initiatives associated with mitigating global warming. 

The study will focus on the effects of regulatory risk in investment decision-making, how policy-makers learn about uncertain costs and adapt accordingly, and how uncertainty over climate change economics and international policy create risks that have to be allocated between companies and governments.

Created: Friday 07 March 2008

Largest individual research grant ever received by London Business School faculty

Professor of Economics, Helene Rey, has received funding of €1.34 million as the European Research Council (ERC) awards its first prestigious grants to top researchers in Europe.

Professor Rey’s grant is one of only three per cent of successful applications and will go toward a five-year research programme on countries’ external balance sheets, dynamics of international adjustment and capital flows.

Professor Rey’s research aims to develop new theories and construct new datasets to understand the determinants of net and gross foreign asset positions, the trade balance and exchange rates and will quantify their respective roles in the dynamics of countries’ external deficits. She will also work on modelling international portfolio flows.

The research funding was made under the ERC’s first competition for the Starting Independent Investigators scheme open to up-and-coming research leaders based in Europe, and Professor Rey’s grant is one of only 10 awarded to economists in Europe.

View press release

Visit the European Research Council website

Created: Tuesday 12 February 2008

97% of MBA 2007 class received offers of employment within three months of graduating

The MBA Employment Report 2007 has been released and London Business School is delighted to report that within three months of graduation 97% of the 2007 MBA class had received offers of employment.

The 2007 MBA class also stands out as an entrepreneurial class with five per cent opting to start the own venture after graduation. 

Forty-six per cent of graduates have chosen jobs in the financial services sector with the largest proportion going into investment banking.  Global Industry attracted 31% of the 2007 MBA class while 23% have moved into Management Consultancy.

While the MBA programme attracted a student body comprised of 57 nationalities, almost 70% of graduates have chosen to stay and work in the UK.

Diane Morgan, Director of Career Services at London Business School said:

“We are thrilled that 2007 has been another strong year for our hugely talented MBA class with an impressive 97% receiving an offer of employment within three months of graduation which illustrates the appeal of our students to top recruiters worldwide.

London Business School students have continued to accept the very best positions across industry, finance and the consulting sectors all around the world; however it was apparent that London continues to be the hotspot for financial roles as demonstrated by close to 70% of the class choosing to work in London.”

Created: Thursday 24 January 2008

Prize for new business venture to help low-income entrepreneurs

Yasmina McCarty (EMBA Global 2008) has received the Cartier Women’s Initiative Award of $20,000 and a year’s free business coaching to help launch her business GreenMango.

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards, which were held in October 2007, are a unique business plan competition for female entrepreneurs in the initial phase that awards five laureates annually.

Green Mango is a business platform that Yasmina and her business partner developed to help low-income entrepreneurs grow their business.  GreenMango will use technology to help the poor to have greater access to their customers and promote the quality of their work.

Following her graduation this year, Yasmina will move to India to launch the pilot which she hopes will be a sustainable solution to improve the lives of the working poor.

Visit the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards website

Created: Friday 11 January 2008

Innovation, Universities and Skills Select Committee invites Steve Currall to present

Visiting Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Entrepreneurship Steve Currall presented remarks to the Innovation, Universities and Skills Parliamentary Select Committee on 9 January.

Currall was invited to speak about the real role of universities in maximising the UK’s competitiveness and to examine the demand for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) graduates.

Other speakers to the Committee included Lord Sainsbury of Turville, former Minister for Science and Innovation and Chair of the London Business School Board of Governors, and Professor Sir Roy Anderson, incoming Rector (chief executive) of Imperial College London.

In his presentation, Currall discussed the importance of having more school and university graduates in the STEM areas in order to fuel knowledge-intensive industries such as financial services, information and communication technology, biomedicine and creative industries.

Currall proposed that the audience consider precisely which skills of STEM students are most valuable and suggested what the government can do to enhance the effectiveness of its STEM education and knowledge transfer programs.

View Steve Currall’s Faculty Profile

Created: Friday 11 January 2008

Sean Barrett talks about the School's Student Body

Listen now | View all School podcasts

In a new podcast, Sean Barrett, President of the Student Association since June 2007, talks about the importance of the student community and why new students should sign up for everything!

Barrett begins the podcast by explaining what makes London Business School so special: “The Student Body is what makes this place so great. Not only is it the fabric of our community and the diversity that really is the unique character of the School, but almost everything you see on campus outside of the lecture theatre is something that’s organised by and for students.”

He advocates signing up for as many clubs on offer that interest you and if you’re not sure, then sign up initially to learn about that area. “Load your plate with as many clubs and activities that you can get involved in,” Barrett says.

Another tip is to use the professional interest clubs to your advantage as they can offer presentations from industry people, internship recruiting, mock interviews, crack-a-case sessions, CV workshops, cover letter workshops and many more activities that can help your career progression.

Listen to this podcast to hear more of Sean Barrett’s advice on getting the most out of what the School and London have to offer.

Created: Tuesday 08 January 2008

Freek Vermeulen launches his business commentary blog

Freek Vermeulen, Associate Professor of Strategic & International Management, has launched a blog which will regularly address topics pertinent to corporate strategy.

The blog, which will be updated at least twice a week by Vermeulen, will call upon his research and that of his peers.  It will examine a variety of topics relevant to the current business environment, such as M&A, CEO succession, strategic innovation and board effectiveness.

Vermeulen’s work focuses on strategic management and he has a special interest in how companies can stimulate profitable growth.

Visit Freek Vermeulen’s blog

Created: Monday 07 January 2008

We are part of a growth industry, says Shell CEO

Royal Dutch Shell’s Chief Executive, Jeroen van der Veer, told his Stockton audience at London Business School on 18 October that international oil and gas companies (IOCs) like Shell are part of a growth industry. By 2050, the world could be using at least twice as much energy as we use today and a company like Shell possesses the skills to open up new energy frontiers and help maintain the supplies of oil and gas for the world’s economic development needs.

Shell seeks to contribute to the gradual transition from a high-carbon to a low-carbon energy system; it is actively engaged in developing second-generation biofuels, is a large player in wind energy and invests in thin-film solar technology and hydrogen demonstration projects.

The company’s technological developments include prolonging the lives of mature basins around the world, moving into unconventional resources – the Canadian oil sands, contaminated gas in Australia and heavy oil – and developing giant integrated gas projects such as the Pearl project in Qatar. This project has everything today’s international oil company must master: a good working relationship with the host government, size, complexity, integration of upstream and marketing, and, of course, innovation

Download the speech given by Jeroen van der Veer

Created: Tuesday 11 December 2007

The Strategic Dynamics of Industry Architectures

Associate Professor of Strategic and International Management, Michael G Jacobides, presented at the Nobels Colloquia held on 3 and 4 December in Trieste.

The Nobels Colloquia event, which is now in its seventh year, aims to create a forum for leading international representatives from industrial and academic areas to meet with Nobel Laureates and world renowned economists and management scholars.

The topic of this year’s event was, ‘Debating Globalisation: Challenging ideas for a common destiny’.

Jacobides presented a keynote speech on the strategic dynamics of industry architectures which provided advanced material on the challenges facing firms in rapidly shifting environments. 

The presentation focused on how the landscape of competition is changing and what firms can do to succeed, as well as how changes in “who does what” within the sector may affect “who takes what”.  Furthermore, Jacobides looked at how firms, like Google, Microsoft and Intel, are able to shape their environments and gain architectural advantage.

For further information visit the Nobel Colloquia website

View a recent industry briefing on the topic by Michael G Jacobides

Link to Michael G Jacobides’ website

Created: Tuesday 11 December 2007

Lyn Hoffman, Associate Dean of the Sloan and EMBA programmes, talks about her portfolio

 Listen now l View all School podcasts

In a new podcast, Lyn Hoffman, Associate Dean of the Sloan and Executive MBA (EMBA) programmes, talks about the masters degree programmes that she oversees at the School and the impact they have on students' careers.

 This podcast discusses the EMBA programme which is catered to highly motivated students who wish to study for an MBA at the same time as managing a challenging career, the EMBA-Global which is offered in partnership with Columbia Business School in New York, the Sloan Fellowship, an exceptional masters degree for senior managers, and the recently launched Dubai-London EMBA.

To hear more about Lyn Hoffman's portfolio of products, listen to the podcast now.

Further information is available on the London Business School website for the programmes mentioned.

Executive MBA

EMBA-Global

Dubai-London EMBA

Sloan Fellowship MSc

Created: Monday 10 December 2007

Competing on knowledge: the UK's global innovation challenge

Professor of Strategic and International Management, Julian Birkinshaw, has co-authored the most recent Advanced Institute of Management (AIM) research report.

Entitled ‘Competing on knowledge: the UK’s global innovation challenge’ the report examines the UK’s innovation performance and presents ways in which the UK can improve its innovation performance. 

Suggested methods include; opening up innovation, mastering high-order innovation, developing innovation networks and making the most of international firms in the UK.

To read more download the AIM Report – Competing on knowledge: the UK’s global innovation challenge.

Created: Monday 10 December 2007

Dubai Ruler inaugurates London Business School Centre

London Business School was delighted to officially launch their Dubai Centre at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) on Tuesday 27 November.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated the launch event.

Other distinguished guests at the official launch were HE Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the Executive Office in Dubai; HE Abdul Rahman Mohammed Nassir Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development; HE Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the DIFC; and HRH Prince Faisal Al-Hussein.

London Business School was represented by Dean Robin Buchanan; Laura Tyson, former Dean; Professor Zeger Degraeve, Faculty Director, Dubai; Saeb Eigner, Governor and Chair, Middle East Regional Advisory Board and The Hon Apurv Bagri, Deputy Chair of the School’s Governing Body.

Speaking at the inaugural event, Dr Bin Sulaiman said: “We are delighted to be the home of the Dubai Centre of London Business School. The Dubai-London Executive MBA is a valued addition to the region, particularly the United Arab Emirates.

“Our investment in education, geared towards creating an innovative, knowledge-based economy, has already borne fruit. The programmes offered by the School through the DIFC Education Centre will provide further access to world-class executive education from one of the world's leading business schools.”

The official event followed the launch of London Business School’s inaugural Dubai-London EMBA programme which commenced on 5 September 2007 with a class of 78 students representing 30 different nationalities.

Professor Degraeve said: “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to the inaugural Dubai-London EMBA programme. We recognise that the learning experience in Dubai – an international economic centre – is a natural fit with the experience provided to our students in London. We are pleased to be the first leading business school to offer a programme of this kind in the region.

“London Business School is strongly committed to Dubai and the Middle East and we look forward to developing our presence further, including Executive Education, in order to serve business executives in the region.”

View a slideshow of photos from the event

Information about the Dubai-London EMBA programme

Information about Executive Education courses in Dubai

Created: Wednesday 05 December 2007

London Business School placed second in Financial Times European ranking

London Business School is positioned second overall in the most recent Financial Times rankings of European graduate business schools, which were released today.

The school has maintained its position from last year when it was also ranked second.

London Business School is ranked number one for the MBA programme, number three for the EMBA programme and numbers five and seven respectively for non-degree Executive Education in ‘open’ and ‘custom’ programmes.

This ranking of European business schools is based on their performance in four key areas: MBA programmes, Executive MBA programmes, non-degree executive education programmes and Masters in Management programmes. London Business School does not take part in the Masters in Management ranking exercise.

Deputy Dean of Programmes, Professor Julian Birkinshaw says: “We are pleased with this result which places us at the very top in Europe and positions our MBA programme as the number one in Europe. While we acknowledge the importance of rankings like these, our focus remains on our vision to become the pre-eminent global business school offering a portfolio of world-class programmes.

The full report is available on the FT website.

Read more about our past rankings in the recent league tables.

Created: Monday 03 December 2007

Diane Morgan discusses Career Services and what it can offer

Listen now | View all School podcasts

In a new podcast, Diane Morgan, Director of Career Services, talks about the department and what it can offer to London Business School students.

Morgan begins the podcast by explaining that although there are many job opportunities for students at the moment; Career Services is extremely useful in assisting students in making the right choice, by building upon the student’s raw talent to secure good positions for them.

The team is composed of around 20 staff from seven different countries, who are from various fields such as investment banking and consultancy. “The personalities, work experience and cultural background of our staff actually mirrors that of our students and many of them are coming from careers that students are aspiring to,” Morgan says.

The Career Services team put on numerous events connecting students and recruiters throughout the year. This autumn alone, they will have organised over 100, both on campus and worldwide, with more events held in spring and summer.

Alumni Career Services has also helped draw in the expertise of the School’s alumni, many of whom give of their free time to advise the students in certain professional areas. Students can also benefit from individual coaching – and the opportunity for every student to receive this is something that is certainly unique to London Business School.

Morgan believes that the department enjoys its work. We “love the tie to the corporate community, and it ties us to the students. Everyday we know that we’ve added value to somebody’s life”.

Listen to this podcast to hear more about Diane Morgan’s advice on what Career Services can offer at London Business School.

Created: Tuesday 27 November 2007

Professor Richard Portes presents report for the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce

Professor Richard Portes recently presented the findings of a report he jointly wrote for the Icelandic Chamber of Commerce. 

The launch of the report on the Internationalisation of Iceland’s Financial Sector took place at a luncheon in London on 21^st November for 200 guests, including Icelandic Prime Minister Geir H. Haarde. 

The report analyses the extent of economic imbalances in Iceland and the potential effect on the financial system, as well as the development of Iceland’s financial sector since the ‘mini-crisis’ of early 2006. 

Summing up the report, Professor Portes said, "The Icelandic banks have exploited strong competitive advantages to expand at a remarkable rate over the past five years, most of this in northern Europe, including the UK. They are highly resilient, as shown in their response to the shock of early 2006 and their stability in the current financial turmoil. The current risk premium on Icelandic banks is excessive relative to their risk exposure and in comparison with their Nordic peers. If this is a country risk premium, it is not justified by Iceland’s economic situation. The internationalisation of the Icelandic financial sector is an exceptional success story that the markets should better acknowledge."

Created: Monday 26 November 2007

Thought leaders discuss the future of the global energy mix

The London Business School Energy Club hosted their second Global Energy Summit at London Business School on Friday 2 November 2007.

The Summit brought together leaders from the energy sector, government, consulting, banking, and academia to discuss the future of the global energy mix. In particular, the conference addressed the challenges involved in balancing nations’ quest for energy security with society’s desire to reduce the environmental impact of ever increasing energy demand.

The keynote speaker, Professor Ralph Sims, lead author of the Power and Renewables