Guide to MBA Schools in Canada: The Strengths and Weaknesses of 27 Canadian MBA Programs 2nd ed

Alexander D. Gregor is director of post-secondary studies in the Faculty
of Education, University of Manitoba, and co-editor of Postsecondary
Education in Canada: The Cultural Agenda.

This book is aimed at students intending to proceed to MBA studies at a
Canadian university. The author is a career counsellor at Queen’s
University and so may fairly be assumed to have a basic familiarity with
the issues involved in this kind of comparative assessment.

In all, 27 anglophone and francophone programs are examined. In
collecting her information, Purcell interviewed both the administration
of each school (dean and program director), and approximately 5 to 10
percent of the student body. This information, and statistical data
derived from the 1992–93 academic year, is used to assess: the unique
characteristics, emphases, and goals of each program; its perceived
strengths and weaknesses; student demographics (size of incoming class,
proportions of full-time/part-time and male/female, age distributions,
regional distributions, international student numbers, academic and life
experience, etc.) as well as the student characteristics sought by each
school; application/admission ratios, criteria, fees, dates, and
procedures; job placement patterns and support; tuition fees; other
related programs within the institution; and the character of the
community in which the school is located. Much of this information is
subsequently presented in comparative charts at the end of the book,
providing an excellent summary and overview.

In addition to the material on the individual programs, the book also
examines a range of recent trends—the “soft” skills
(communication, interpersonal relations, negotiating, and leadership);
integrated method of study; international emphasis—as well as 10
“myths” surrounding the MBA—e.g., “The MBA is a ticket to a good
job and a high salary” and “An MBA program is for men.” Useful
hints on preparing for application are provided, as well as a
comprehensive listing of names, addresses, and telephone numbers of
contact people.

In this second edition, a good study has been made even better. The
guide will provide a very useful and balanced overview for the
prospective student, and should facilitate an appropriate match between
the student’s interests and circumstances and the quite different
characteristics of the various Canadian MBA programs.