GME Lifecycle Surveys
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      What is a 'fielding year'?

      Some of your GME Lifecycle literature references a 'fielding year.' What do you mean by a fielding year?

      Fielding refers to the period of data collection for a market research study. The fielding year is the 12-month frame from which we designate a 'year' to approximate an academic year based on the intent of the higher education study.

      The end date of the fielding year is what is most important. We select an end date by which a majority of GME (graduate management education) programs will have completed the data collection from their students. This allows us to deliver our benchmark reports (Program Roadmap & Market Trends Report) to the largest number of programs in the shortest time after a program's individual survey has concluded.

      We provide Topline Summaries within two weeks of closing your survey for each intake or outtake whereas your benchmark reports are delivered after the end of the fielding year.

      In 2023, the fees for the Roadmap and Guidance Decision Packages with the GME Lifecycle Surveys increased, which include up to 3 cohorts/survey events per fielding year. The fees for the Monitor Decision Package did not increase; however, only one survey fielding is included within the Monitor Decision Package fee.

      Reference this MBA Lifecycle Survey Timing page for our current survey fielding dates.



      Reference this article — blog: MBA Student Exit Survey Fielding Year Updated

      • The fielding year for each survey is:

        Entry - November 1 – October 31
        Midterm - July 1 – June 30
        Exit - July 1 – June 30
        Alumni - January 1 – December 31
      The timing of the survey fielding year and delivery of reports are based on the survey engaged. Please view the Calendar of Survey Milestones for more details.