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Applicants prefer rankings, but the school for them most part do not. European schools, in particular, argue that rankings are misleading as they may use a narrow range of often-inappropriate measures which fail to reveal the true competence of unique programs. Several schools have contested and boycotted league tables. Nevertheless, the number of business schools which participate in rankings is actually growing, in part because rankings tell potential customers what they need to know. Since business schools must market to applicants as if they were consumers, most take rankings seriously. ___________________________________45____________________________________ A ranking is just one factor that underpins the success of schools and MBA programs. The programs must not only rank highly, they must also be known. Schools want their programs---and graduates want their degrees ---to receive instant recognition and respect. Until recently, prominence has been largely overlooked in the assessment of MBA programs, but the Internet now provides another channel of communication and reputation for schools and their market. The MBA is the principal product in the most market-oriented sector of higher education. Given the globalization of business, increased communication, and the ability to deliver content to individuals wherever they are, the complexity and competitiveness of this pioneering educational marketplace can only increase. | 
