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The Bschool.com criteria focuses on the development and use of technology within the Web site of each b-school.  We have created a certain set of expectations of what a site should contain.  This is inherently a biased opinion.  Yours may differ. It is our goal to highlight the truly interactive and innovative uses of the Web by B-schools.  Our goal is to push development of features and services through all of the business education programs.  We also hope to provide a useful source of information for people planning on attending a business school.  This is not a definitive site for b-school information.  It is simply another source of information for determining which school is right for you. The stars are used for easy skimming of the better b-school Web sites. This does not mean that the school is any better.  It simply means that they are putting more emphasis on Web-based technology.  It is also a method of making our criteria more ‘sexy' much as the rankings of the published magazines are argued over for their relevance and accuracy...they are, if nothing else, focusing attention on specific areas of business education development. We welcome questions, suggestions, rebuttals, concerns and recommendations.  We can't guarantee a reply to every email but every email is carefully read.  Regards,  -Hal  webmaster@bschool.com Bschool.com Star Ratings Our new star ratings will begin at 3 stars.  Schools not meeting the requirements for a 3 star rating will not receive any stars.  We are doing this for two reasons: first it will decrease the number of images on a given page allowing for a faster loading time and second it will allow us to focus more time on rating the schools that are using the Web in a more significant manner.  This in turn will allow for more and faster reviews (hopefully).  -- Comprehensive program information; 4 of the 8 criteria; fair amount of depth throughout the sections/departments.  -- Comprehensive program information; 6 of the 8 criteria; significant amount of depth throughout the  sections/departments.  -- Comprehensive program information; 8 of the 8 criteria; substantial amount of depth throughout the sections/departments. ***Note: Some schools have sections of their site which are in intranets but still fit our categories.  While we would appreciate the ability to actually view these areas for the purpose of our review we understand that that is not always possible.  We will try and give the benefit of the doubt when necessary or try to determine how closely the item fits our criteria without actually viewing it.  Mistakes will be made.  Corrections and suggestions are always welcome.*** Criteria Descriptions 1. Electronic Admission - A site must contain either a downloadable PDF (or similar format) document or a hypertext form for the application.  A form for beginning/requesting the application is acceptable but does not carry the same weight.  A commercial application option is acceptable.  A timeline for the application process should also be made available. A simple e-mail address is not adequate in this category. 2.  Course Home Pages - A site should contain specific course home pages which provide information and resources for the students in the class.  This also will provide information for potential students interested in applying to the program.  Possible resources can include full-text articles (if copyright allows), assignments, grading procedures, electronic quizzes, and other interactive uses of the Web. Simple summaries on the content of the class is not adequate in this category. 3.  Alumni Pages - A site should have information on the school's alumni services.  A bulletin board, listserv, or e-mail directory should be available to facilitate communication between alumni.  An electronic newsletter with announcements and a calendar of events is also helpful.  A simple descriptive page with contact information to the Alumni Dept. is not adequate in this category. 4.  Career Pages - A site should include space for students; preferably for professional use or electronic resumes.  It should also include information on local opportunities, internships, and assistantship positions as well as resources on companies that hire/recruit on campus. The ability for companies to post job announcements or to allow for other interactions is one possible use.  Links to other job repositories on the Web is expected.  A page with the address and phone number of the career services office is not adequate for this category. 5.  Online Business School Publication - The school's publication (if one exists) should be available in some format whether full-text, condensed version, full image, etc.  Back issues should be available.  A link to the publication will be made. 6.  Events Calendar - A calendar of upcoming events, presentations, interviews, companies on campus, etc. is the requirement for this category.  Searchability and personalization is plus. 7.  Virtual Tour/Showcase Event - We will be looking for excellent graphical(virtual) tours of the school or graphical views of special events, trips, or other endeavours that the bschool students have an opportunity to be involved in during their time at the school.  This can give an up-close-and-personal view of attending the program. 8.  Innovative Use of Web Technology - This category is the most open-ended.  This will be for exceptional and innovative use of the hypertext medium of the Web.  It will be highly opinion-based.  , We will be looking for effective administrative uses, interactive games or instruction, unique uses by clubs and student organizations, or other similar options.  This is for the truly cutting edge.  It should not be all flash though.  The purpose should still fit within the concept of business education and the business school/department's goals and mission.  It could provide a stronger sense of what it will be like to attend this school and program.  A link to the item will be made if possible. 9.  Revision Date - Sites should be consistently maintained and updated.  Schools should update their Web Sites at least once a semester.  This category will show the most recent date of revision for the web site.  This category alone can keep a school from obtaining a five star rating.

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