The Germans are coming - and establishing themselves

Handelsblatt, Düsseldorf, 17th June 2005

There are now more than 120 MBA programs being offered in Germany, and the number is growing. However, only few can rightly claim the title MBA, and it will take years before a handful of them will rank among the best internationally. But there are many promising newcomers.

For three years now the Mannheim University, or more specifically the Mannheim Business School, a non-profit organization, has offered a full-time MBA program called “The European MBA” in cooperation with the French school of economics ESSEC and the British Warwick Business School. The students study for three months at each of the participating universities. The Germans and French, without the British partner Warwick, have also entered the market with a 20-month”ESSEC and Mannheim Modular Executive MBA” for students with 7 to 15 years work experience wanting to move into managerial positions. The kick-off has been quite successful. Just how permanent these alliances will prove to be, however, is in the stars. There is some talk of minor friction between the Germans and the French. Another possible alliance is being discussed with the Copenhagen Business School.