Several Observations about CKGSB MBA Program

This afternoon, I joined the information session about CKGSB MBA program in Oriental Plaza, a complex where the richest Asian Li Ka-shing invested in. Generally speaking, I got a fair impression on today's arrangement. Here come some observations and comments on this school:

First, CKGSB, which is founded in 2002 by the Li Ka-shing Foundation, is very ambitious to set its goal as a top 10 business school in 10 years, although it is so young. Indeed, this announce could be just a propagandistic strategy to attract talented students. However, it is also true that this mission impossible could be achieved only in China, if there is a possibility for any new business school to attain this kind of astonished achievement. The reason is, of course, that China is the focus around the world and that the booming economy of China can fuel any brave valiant attempt.

Second, to complete a mission impossible, CKGSB has to take some unconventional and unusual actions to solicit more excellent students. A very different approach in CKGSB MBA program is that applicants are allowed to have interview first, and then, if passed the interview, get a so-called “conditional offer”, which means the applicants afterwards need to take GMAT and to achieve the minimum requirement for GMAT score, so that CKGSB would issue the official admission offers for them. Above-mentioned practice is different from the usual procedure of most B-schools, which require the GMAT score before the decision to give any interview. The purpose of CKGSB, I believe, is to attract some outstanding applicants who have problems to take GMAT earlier.

Third, CKGSB holds several GMAT reading clubs, or studying groups, in order to assist all MBA applicants to share mutual experiences and then get as high as possible score at the exam. It also invites some teachers in New Oriental School, a well-known cram school which has listed in the American stock market, to instruct these club members. It is wise to do so because this activity enhance more opportunities for CKGSB to reach those exceptional applicants, and these applicants can also become familiar with this school in the process of studying in this kind of organization.

Forth, CKGSB knows how to attract eyeballs and how to prompt its information session. It organizes a professor’s speech prior to the introduction of admission officer. Today's topic is “Brand Position of Tsingtao beer”, which can lure many attendees for sure.

http://www.ckgsb.edu.cn/