Admission criteria and performance predictors at a GCC executive MBA programme

Abstract

The identification of reliable factors that help predict students' performance is vital for the selection processes at graduate business schools to ensure a higher success rate and improved college reputation. Using data from the University of Sharjah's Executive Master's in Business Administration (EMBA) programme over 2000 to 2007, regression models were developed to determine whether the current admissions criteria and the students' profile variables could adequately explain graduates' performance. Results showed that English language proficiency, entry GPA and place of residence had the most significant effects. A comparison of performance was also made between various groups based on 14 precedent variables related to the students' profile and academic background to shed additional light onto the issue. The quantitative findings were discussed and related to previous research.