Quick Hits

The 1,521 executives surveyed were asked: How would you rate the value of an MBA in your business? Fiftyseven percent characterized a business school diploma as "a nice addition, but not necessary," while 26 percent said it was "very important" to have the degree. Only 17% said it was altogether "unimportant" to have an MBA in the current business climate.

The survey of registered execs was conducted on TheLadders.com Web site from Feb. 16-24.

Businesses like prospects
Economic conditions in Wisconsin aren't terrific, but they're going to get better, according to the results of a survey of 350 small business owners conducted by the Wisconsin chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business. About 33 percent of the small employers polled said business conditions in their area are good, but 66 percent said they were optimistic conditions will improve.

About 20 percent said their profits are good, and Wisconsin smallbusiness owners (55 percent) led the Midwest region in capital expenditures over the past three months.

The respondents ranked insurance as their biggest problem, followed by energy costs.

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