GLOBAL: Convention for top business schools

Business school heads, managers and students from more than 55 countries gather this week at the Sorbonne in Paris to debate the internationalisation of higher education at the first Eduniversal World Convention. Under examination will be such matters as student mobility, schools' innovative actions, partnerships and exchanges - and rankings.


Many of those attending the convention represent establishments featured in the international rankings of 1,000 top business schools compiled by Eduniversal, a Paris-based educational consulting company and part of the educational services and publishing group SMBG. In addition to plenary sessions, workshops, debates and networking opportunities, Eduniversal will present trophies to the 27 institutions - three for each of the rankings' nine geographical zones - selected as the world's best business schools.

Altogether the zones cover 150 countries and, says Eduniversal, 97% of the world population. The rankings are based on the recommendations of Eduniversal's international scientific committee of senior business academics, and classified according to the votes of deans from 1,000 business schools. Selected schools are awarded up to five 'palms' denoting the range and strength of their influence. The system enables schools to be identified and compared nationally, within their world region and internationally.

As well as those from business schools, other participants at the convention include education ministry officials, diplomats and representatives from international organisations such as Unesco, Acuns and students' associations.

Eduniversal World Convention takes place at the Sorbonne, Paris, 4-5 November. University World News will publish a special supplement on Wednesday with the names of all the top business schools, including those which received awards on Tuesday evening at the convention.

www.eduniversal.com;
www.convention.eduniversal.com

jane.marshall@uw-news.com