The 2009 open and custom executive educations rankings have one thing in common: both are topped by last year's defending champion.

For Duke Corporate Education, it is a seventh consecutive year as the top global provider of customised programmes. Harvard business school enjoys top spot for the second time in a row in the open rankings, and also ranks as the best school overall.

From closer inspection of feedback given to the Financial Times – from course participants in the case of the open ranking, and individuals responsible for commissioning programmes for custom – there is little doubt as to the unanimity of both schools' victories. Duke scored highest on seven of the 11 corporate survey criteria used in the custom ranking, including the one considered most important by survey respondents, achievement of course aims.