Categories used in the 2012/13 QS Global 200 Business Schools Report

As part of this year’s2012/13 QS Global 200 Business Schools Report, we asked 3,300 active MBA employers from all over the world to tell us which schools they go to in order to find the best MBA talent.

Employers named the schools from which they recruit candidates nationally, regionally and worldwide. Through analyzing this data, QS has been able to build up a picture of how the world’s business schools compare in terms of their international reach.

Whereas some schools are highly regarded by employers within their nation or region, other schools possess a reputation for excellence that transcends national borders.

From this year’s analysis, a hierarchy emerges of four distinct categories of business school, based on the level and reach of their employer reputation: Elite Global; Emerging Global; Elite Regional; Emerging Regional.

While each business school is different, schools within each of these categories tend to share a set of broad characteristics:

Elite global

Elite Global business schools form an established cadre of the world’s very best business institutions. A wide range of employers targets them, domestically, regionally and globally. Highly international, they typically admit only experienced candidates with superior GMAT scores and all-round credentials. Their name will transform the résumé of any candidate. MBAs will in many cases go on to be influential business leaders, and can expect to earn top salaries upon graduation

Emerging Global

Emerging Global business schools have an established reputation for excellence among employers that stretches well beyond their region. They attract high-quality candidates from all over the world, and graduates can expect to earn highly competitive salaries. While these business schools are often newer and not as firmly established as the ‘brand-name’ institutions that make up the Elite Global cluster, these institutions will in many cases aspire to break into the Elite Global group in years to come.

Elite Regional

Elite Regional institutions are well regarded by employers within their region, and may have started to develop a reputation further afield. Admitted students typically have strong credentials, though they may be slightly less experienced on average than those at Elite Global or Emerging Global institutions. Elite Regional institutions are often younger institutions that, having established an excellent reputation among employers within their region, will be looking to establish their brand as one with a truly global reach.

Emerging Regional

Emerging Regional institutions have established a solid reputation among employers within their own country. They will appeal to candidates with fewer years of professional experience, and graduate salaries are on average more modest than those at Elite Regional institutions. Having established a good reputation among domestic employers, they will now be looking to increase their visibility among international employers and students.