Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/42073
headlines Reviewing the Rankings THE EUROPEAN University Association has published a report arguing that the main international university rankings pro- vide an "oversimplified picture" of institutional mission, quality, and performance, because they focus mainly on indicators related to the research function of universities. The report also claims that the ben- efits rankings might offer, such as fostering accountability and encour- aging the collection of more reliable data, are outweighed by their drawbacks, such as a lack of transparency and the risk of unintended consequences. These consequences include a tendency for universities to invest in activities that will improve their positions in the rankings rather than in core areas such as teaching and learning. "Global University Rankings and Their Impact" was commis- sioned by the European University Association, an organization rep- resenting 850 universities in 47 European countries. The report was presented over the summer at a conference in Brussels, Belgium. While the report accepts that rankings are here to stay, it also argues that it is vital for universities and their various stakeholders to understand what the rankings are measuring, how their scores are cal- culated, and what those scores mean. The report also points out that international rankings only cover 1 percent to 3 percent of the world's estimated 17,000 universities. Currently, rankings favor large, research-intensive institutions; the report suggests that, in the future, "democratized" rankings find a way to include regional universities or those that serve nontradi- tional students. More information can be found at www.eua.be. Schulich Builds in India YORK UNIVERSITY'S Schulich School of Business in Toronto, Ontario, has partnered with infra- structure developer GMR Group to build a Schulich campus in Hyder- abad, India. As part of the part- nership, Schulich will develop the learning environment and academic infrastructure, while Bangalore- based GMR Group will provide the land and the physical campus, which will include a residential facility. 10 September/October 2011 BizEd Under current legislation, foreign schools are required to partner with an Indian sponsor if they wish to offer educa- tion in India. A foreign education institu- tion bill, now before India's parliament, would lift that restriction. "We are confi- dent it will happen before the end of this calendar year," says Dezsö Horváth, dean of the Schulich School. That means the new program in Hyderabad, expected to launch in September 2013, would be deliv- ered entirely under the Schulich banner. Signs Positive for MBA Job Hunters RECRUITERS ARE returning to busi- ness schools. According to a survey by the MBA Career Services Council, this spring 76 percent of schools reported an increase in on-campus activity for full- time positions compared with last spring. The survey also found that 86 percent of respondents saw an increase in full-time job postings, compared with 70 percent last fall and 60 percent last spring. Full-time recruiting activity increased at almost all types of companies, includ- ing start-ups, small firms, large firms, and non-U.S. companies. The one exception: Recruiting for family-owned businesses remained flat. At the same time, recruiting activity is increasing across most sectors, including consulting, consumer prod- ucts, financial services, pharma/biotech/ healthcare products, and technology. The weakest industries are real estate and gov- ernment, which is consistent with broader economic outcomes. More information about the MBA Career Services Council can be found at www.mbacsc.org. BLENDRF/GLOW IMAGES