Looking at the questions on this forum regarding Open University, I just have a thing or two to say to those consultancies who are a bit snobbish towards the OU business school.We all know that assumption can be the mother of all f@#$ ups, and I can tell you all who have no time for an OU qualified MBA grad or other OU post grad, and assume that they're less qualified that a Warwick, et al. that you're missing out on consultants that are possibly the best for your organisation. Why do I say that? Because to study at OU, you need a work ethic and committment that is second to none. The majority of post grads at OU work and have family committments while they are completing their MBA. That takes committment. Committment that will be evident in their work ethic. Not to mention that the OU business school has triple accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB). Those of you who ignore OU MBA, MSc or MA grads, do so at the cost of real quality.

I would agree with you.... to a point - studying part time does demonstrate a high level of commitment. But most people would agree that, academically, there are better schools out there. Also taking a year out and studying full time for an MBA is a huge commitment too. As well as the massive financial implications, a full time MBA at Warwick or LBS basically takes over your life! I don't think it's fair to say that OU grads are "possibly the best for your organisation" on the basis that they have a strong work ethic. I think that characteristic applies to most MBA grads...

Hi RecruitGal. Ok, point taken. My main point though is that OU grads are being looked down on for no legit reason. Academically, in 2004, OU was ranked in the top five in the UK, before Warwick. I think there is an air of snobbishness in the consulting sector that is unjustifiable against anyone who has a degree from OU. It's sad really. Why get into massive debt when you can earn a triple accredited MBA that is academically sound, and pay one tenth of the price, financially speaking.

I completely agree that there is snobbery, and most of time it isn't justified. I am always having to remind my hiring managers that I went to an ex-poly for my first degree, and I'm pretty good. :o) Thankfully clients tend to be more interested in the experience, rather than which school someone went to...

It would be interesting to hear why certain people may not rate the OUBS MBA - any takers for the fight? ;o> My own MBA is from another institution, however I work with and have working for me a number of OUBS MBA's (amongst others institutions) and to be honest, when recruiting, you tend to be looking at the whole 'package', rather than where the MBA is from - so long as its accredited. Surely OUBS MBA bashing is more like taking the micky out of the fat/bald/scottish/take your pick of politically incorrect stereotypes (all of which apply to me btw) just because 'you can', rather than hiring managers really saying "oooo, he/she's got an OUBS MBA, lets not bother with him/her then...."

Look, clearly some of you are missing the point. The responses to someone asking about the OUBS MBA were genuine. Some were snobbish but indirectly helpful. How? Well basically they were stating that generally an OUBS MBA was not seen as top draw! It doesnt matter why, what does matter is that it isnt. Implication, then is that one is best probably not going there if they can go somewhere else that is not hit with this snobbish prejudice. But what is irrefutable is that, no matter how many accredations it gets, its not in the same league as LBS or INSEAD, and that is fact. League tables mean nothing, reputations mean all. Its a sad fact of life. Also to say OUBS MBS are amongst the brightest etc is purely speculative. Personally, Id rather have an LBS MBA graduate working for me than OU MBA. Why, not because i think the OUBS MBA is bad, but because I know exactly what im getting with a LBS MBA graduate!!

I agree with 'anon', there was a post by someone who was trying to justifiably compare oxford with oxford brookes, thats like comparing a Bentley to a Vauxuall Nova! People pls

It boils down to this. Given the rigour of their selection processes and the quality of their teaching staff, graduates from Insead, LBS, Harvard etc. etc. are a "safer bet" for recruiters. That is not to say that there aren't outstanding OU MBAs out there or that it is the only selection criterion one should use, but it is not an unhelpful criterion if you are recruiting. Thus if I want to improve my chances of getting my CV into the select not the reject pile - guess which B school I am going to go for.I would also view anyone who has been through a full-time MBA quite differently to someone who has done a distance/part-time/executive MBA (regardless of school) on the basis that the intensity of the experience of a full-time MBA produces a certain approach and mindset that is difficult to replicate in a part-time course. I would be interested if others would agree with this last sentiment.

Brand & design, in cars like CVs and people, is very important for making choices. You would rather tell you drive a Ferrari than a Vauxhall, have an LBS MBA than a 2:1 Oxford Brooks degree and a good looking girlfriend instead of a “nice” one. But the point someone is trying to make here I think is different… Large enterprises are becoming more and more complex organisations and populated by a diverse range of characters. To work in a team made of only one colour, education or background will be less functional in the future to come. Is that right?

No!!! Jackie you couldnt be more wrong. Selecting a bunch of people from say LBS, INSEAD, Harvard etc does not mean that a team will be less functional because they have a certain educational background. You are totally incorrect here. If you do your research you will know that these BS recruit people from a diverse range of backgrounds, some do not even have bachelor degrees. These BS are known for nuturing and producing people with a vast array of skills and most importantly the ability to work with an array of people effeciently and effectively. The above post put it perfectly, people from these BS are safe bets. Thats the bottom line. They are taugtht at innovative institutions and generally considered very bright. These schools also have a proven track records of outstanding individuals. In this increasing competitive world, innovation ands brand reputation are increasingly important, and for business schools you simply cant beat the likes of Harvard, Wharton, Columbia, LBS, INSEAD etc