Mexicos MBA Programs: Seven Years Into NAFTA

Abstract

In its first seven years the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, has generated growth and stability for the Mexican economy. As a result of this success, the demand for academically trained managers increased and enrollment in MBA programs almost quadrupled. Despite this remarkable growth in enrollment, the total student population in MBA programs is relatively small and their academic standards are rather low. It is expected, however, that as NAFTA and other similar treaties continue modernizing Mexicos economy, the academic standards will rise and enrollment will be in proportion to the size of the economy.

A Psychometric Assessment of the Businessweek, U.S. News & World Report, and Financial Times Rankings of Business Schools’ MBA Programs

“…It is difficult to standardize the accountability of business schools and universities throughout different countries and regions of the world given their varying approaches to accreditation, auditing, or benchmarking (Anninos, 2011). Growing demand for management education in markets such as Mexico (Martinez, 2002) and India (Varman, Saha, & Skalen, 2011) has also produced numerous global joint program efforts on behalf of U.S. business schools, which fly under the radar, largely unranked. Online, distance learning is also booming, in part to meet the demand of management education and in part due to the convenience and cost-savings afforded by ever-expansive technology (Spais & Filis, 2006).…”