THE Awards’ Business School of the Year – Saïd Business School

The impressive scope of activities at the Saïd Business School, part of the University of Oxford, saw it named Times Higher Education's Business School of the Year 2017.

In the area of responsible business – a key priority for business schools in the wake of the financial crash – Saïd has a formidable record. Its researchers have contributed to the study of happiness and well-being in the workplace for the World Happiness Report, and have explored how corporations can work in ways that benefit themselves and wider society in projects run for Mars and the Ford Foundation. Saïd’s work in major project management has influenced calculations about the affordability of large-scale projects such as the Olympic Games.

The school’s research feeds into its teaching: its CEO Report has informed the design and content of a number of executive leadership programmes.

Meanwhile, the school’s degree programmes offer integrative modules and electives in fields as diverse as the collaborative economy, social enterprise and the environment.

Particularly impressive was the Global Opportunities and Threats: Oxford programme, which has students, alumni and faculty work together on major issues affecting businesses. Among the 77 projects that featured in the scheme in 2015-16 was one seeking solutions for arsenic contamination of groundwater in Bangladesh and another to improve water access in Mumbai’s slums.

Entrepreneurship is another key theme, with an Entrepreneurship Centre helping students to launch their own start-ups, and the Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship steering these towards socially responsible goals.

The judges applauded the “very clear evidence of change at the school”.

“Saïd Business School impressed the judges with the breadth and depth of its activities,” the panel said.

The 2018 awards are open for entry now. Apply before 27 June 2018 here.