5. Top Business Schools by Specialisation in 2007

There has been a growth in the number of MBA programmes specifically designed for engineers. Specialisations like information management (systems integration, back office, knowledge management) are an attraction for engineers, keen to make the transition from a technical specialist to a technical manager. Large business schools offer electives for MBAs to specialise in information and technology management.  MIT and Carnegie-Mellon, followed closely by Stanford University Graduate School of Business are recognised as leaders in this field and attract employers seeking MBAs with these specialist skills. In 2007, both Harvard and Wharton break into the top five schools specialising in information management, suggesting that the aggressive faculty recruitment policy is paying dividends and is being recognised by employers. McCombs School of Business The University of Texas at Austin has dropped in this specialist field in 2007 compared to 2006. In Europe, INSEAD, IMD and IE Business School lead the way in this field.

In response to demand, some business schools are offering programmes specifically geared to the needs of technical professionals. Elsewhere in Europe, Rotterdam School of Management in the Netherlands, and SDA Bocconi in Italy have each developed programmes with specialisations in technology management. In the UK, Lancaster business school has a course that focus on technology and information management. At Lancaster, the programme has developed a unique focus on soft system thinking, based on the research of Peter Checkland. As Rick Crawley explains, "engineers are trained to believe there is a right answer to every problem, but when they apply that mindset to people problems, they often experience difficulties. Soft system thinking provides a process and systems approach specifically suited for human-based problems, which is particularly beneficial for engineers."