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by foobarqux 4395 days ago
The value of HBS is the imprimatur not the courses.

Harvard's model is clever because they create perceived value for customers through an affiliated brand without tarnishing the brand itself.

2 comments

If they offer online classes I feel like it will reduce the prestige of HBS. Let other MBA programs offer them, one of Harvard's best attributes is its exclusivity.
In other words, a HBS degree only has value because some powerful entranched people feel inclined to defend it because for them it's a sunk cost. In other words, if there is any actual value of the courses, it's beside the point, and HBS has zero incentive to do anything but raise the price, in time and money.

I'm sure they give a reasonable introduction to the material, but that's not how they profile themselves at all.

It's an inverted lemon market. Instead of the lowest price winning, it's the highest price that still generates a just large enough elitist club. But the product is not education, the product is the elitist club.

Exactly what you'd expect for the business side of companies. These people are as suitable for management as high heels are for walking, in the same way.

> HBS has zero incentive to do anything but raise the price, in time and money.

Harvard University's endowment is the largest out of any university in the world. They have literally no incentive to squeeze matriculants, and have been increasing their financial aid pool whenever they can.

You really don't know what you're talking about. Harvard is trying as hard as it can to not be an elitist club. They regularly review admissions policies so as to avoid giving the appearance of favoritism towards alums.

They really are trying to be the best university in the world.

I think you're conflating Harvard University with Harvard Business School, which are two distinct entities. Your comments are true for the former, but generally not for the latter.
HBS is a profit center. Plain and simple.

No need to give away a product which people are happy paying for.

Just street smarts 101.

Harvard is trying as hard as it can to not be an elitist club.

They really are trying to be the best university in the world.

Which is it?

I think he means they are trying not to restrict access based on money, but on skill, which at least in fringe subjects such as mathematics and physics is true.