14 May 2007

The Financial Times' Executive Education Rankings have been published for 2007. This annual survey of both custom and open enrolment providers is not quite as influential as the MBA rankings but the schools still love (or hate) them for marketing purposes.

Harvard and Wharton who controversially boycotted the rankings a couple of years ago - as they felt that did not accurately reflect the different schools standings and attributes in executive education - returned to the custom rankings last year and this year are back in the open enrolment section too.

Rankings always cause some controversy as the methodology used to determine placings are questioned. The FT weights its positions on former participant responses - so eager and enthusiastic participants can swing results dramatically.

Last year IESE's Number 2 ranking in open enrolment was a surprise to many, this year it is down at 8th. However it has risen from 13th to 4th in the custom side.

Harvard will be pleased with its poll position in Open Enrolment provision, pushing Darden and and Stanford down a notch or two. The Center for Creative Leadership retains its top 10 position. London Business School and INSEAD, both have slumped with LBS falling out of the top 15.

Custom Programs have seen less volatility, with seven of 2006's top ten still in that grouping. INSEAD and LBS fall again but less prominent but still excellent schools such as Ashridge and Kenan-Flagler have jumped up.

For the full tables and breakdowns visit the FT website.

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