But despite potential contenders, Cash is stillthe favorite in the eyes of many observers in theBusiness School community. Cash, currently thedirector of the MBA program, led the school'srecent comprehensive restructuring of the MBAcurriculum," Leadership and Learning."

In addition, Cash has one other characteristicthat makes him a hot commodity for a diversityconscious University: He is Black. Harvard has 10faculties, all of which are presently headed bywhite males.

Still, at least one professor says that Cash isnot the most well-liked member of the BusinessSchool's faculty.

Cash may have "alienated a lot of people" asdirector of Leadership and Learning, one professorsays.

"Jim took a lot of the heat for [Leadership andLearning's unpopular changes], which makes hiscandidacy a little more difficult," the sourcesaid.

Other Business School observers, however, pointto Clark as the best candidate.

Clark's chances may be helped by the fact thatunlike Cash and Schlesinger, he has not previouslyheld a high administrative position, says aprofessor who named Clark as the most likelysuccessor.

"People who...have power and responsibilityhave lots of influence, but make enemies," saysthe professor, who insisted on anonymity.

Sahlman, the director of the Business School'spublishing activities, has drawn praise from somesources for his lead in the rebound of theschool's publishing enterprise.

As a senior associate dean at the school, hehas also been described as an accomplishedbusiness negotiator and effective capitalist.

Those four names are the among hundreds beingoffered to Rudenstine, who is in the process ofsoliciting advice and suggestions from HBScommunity.

Last month, less than three weeks afterMcArthur's announcement of his intention to retireas soon as a successor is found, Rudenstine sentout letters asking for input from faculty, staff,administrators and students from the BusinessSchool. He also named members of twocommittees-one composed of faculty andadministrators and another composed of alumni andBusiness School affiliates--who will assist himwith the search for the next dean.

In addition, Rudenstine has been meetingperiodically with various groups from thecommunity. Last Monday, for example, the presidentheld a meeting with a group of junior professorsat the Business School.

Insider or Outsider?

The question of whether the next dean should bechosen from within the Harvard Business School--asMcArthur was--or from another university remainsopen.