Harvard Business School
History
Harvard Business School (HBS) is the graduate business school of Harvard University, located in Boston, Massachusetts. It is one of the most prestigious business schools in the world, consistently ranking among the top in global rankings. The school was established in 1908 and has since grown to become a leading institution in business education and research.
The idea for a business school at Harvard was first proposed by the university's president, Charles W. Eliot, in the late 19th century. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the school was finally established, thanks to the efforts of Harvard's then-president, A.L. Lowell, and a group of prominent businessmen and academics.
The school initially offered a two-year graduate program leading to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. The first class, composed of 33 students, began their studies in 1908 in the basement of Harvard's College building. The school's first dean, Edwin F. Gay, was an economist and historian who believed in the importance of practical training in business.
Academic Programs
HBS offers a full-time MBA program, doctoral programs, and many executive education programs. It also provides several joint degree programs in conjunction with other schools at Harvard University.
The MBA program at HBS is a two-year, full-time program. It is renowned for its case method of teaching, which was first introduced at the school in the 1920s. This method involves students studying and discussing real-world business cases, rather than traditional lectures. The aim is to prepare students for the challenges they will face in their careers by developing their problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and understanding of business theory and practice.
HBS also offers a Doctoral Program for those interested in academic careers in business administration or business economics. This program typically takes four to five years to complete and is highly competitive, with only a small number of students admitted each year.
The school's Executive Education programs are designed for senior executives and are offered in a variety of formats, including short-term intensive courses, online courses, and custom programs for organizations.
Faculty and Research
HBS has a faculty of more than 200 professors and associate professors, making it one of the largest business school faculties in the world. The faculty is organized into ten academic units, each focusing on a specific area of business, such as Accounting and Management, Business, Government and the International Economy, Entrepreneurial Management, and Organizational Behavior.
The faculty at HBS is renowned for its expertise and its contributions to business knowledge and practice. Many faculty members are leading scholars in their fields, and their research is frequently published in top academic journals. In addition to their research, faculty members also contribute to the school's teaching and curriculum development, and many are involved in consulting and advisory roles in the business world.
HBS also has several research centers and initiatives that focus on specific areas of business and management. These include the Business and Environment Initiative, the Digital Initiative, the Forum for Growth and Innovation, and the U.S. Competitiveness Project.
Campus
The HBS campus is located on a 40-acre site on the western side of the Harvard University campus in Boston. The campus includes a number of academic buildings, student housing, and facilities for sports and recreation.
The main academic buildings on campus include Baker Library, which houses the school's extensive collection of business and economic literature, and the Class of 1959 Chapel, which is used for various events and ceremonies. The campus also includes several residential buildings for students, including the Soldiers Field Park apartments and the Harvard Business School Dormitories.
The campus is known for its distinctive red brick buildings and its green open spaces. It is designed to foster a sense of community among students and faculty, with many spaces for socializing and collaboration.
Notable Alumni
HBS has a large and diverse alumni network, with more than 80,000 alumni in over 150 countries. The school's alumni include many prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, and public figures.
Some notable HBS alumni include Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and former mayor of New York City; Meg Whitman, former CEO of Hewlett-Packard and eBay; and Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots. Other alumni have gone on to successful careers in academia, government, and non-profit organizations.