| Paul Danos, the Dean of the Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, is proud of his school and he has every right to do so. The school located in Hanover, New Hampshire is small, where stress is placed on ethics as well as financial reward. He knows that for his school to better compete, Tuck must offer distinct advantages.
In a recent forum, he discussed with participants the differences between European and American MBA programmes. In the States, he believes that a "high percentage of candidates do an MBA degree if they seek to change direction in their careers. Less than 5% are sponsored by their corporations. The approach to education and career choice is remarkably different in Europe. Europeans look to step up their existing competencies in fields, which they have already demonstrated accomplishments, often to move up the ladder, increase their responsibilities as well as their financial remuneration. In addition, European companies are more likely to sponsor in-house talent in order to retain qualified high-flyers". Another major difference between the two systems is the emphasis of theory and practices. "Practice is the strength of the American programmes. Two-year programmes can offer more flexibility, particularly on selecting electives or building your own curriculum. In addition, there is the opportunity to exercise the option of carrying out an internship. Internships at this level are trial runs of professional suitability.
There are of course, other issues at stake such as a spate of corporate scandals and the economic downturn. Students are measuring carefully, which schools they choose to apply to.
"At Tuck, we have always considered sound general management skills to be coupled to strong ethics. Many of our students see themselves as change agents, and are involved in community service activities". | 
