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Challenges and benefits of Accreditation for Business Colleges in the Middle East. Sundaram Nataraja Abdullah M. Alharbi Waleed Idris. Vice Deanship of Quality & Development College of Business Administration - King Saud University. Study Objective. The objective of this study is:
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Challenges and benefits of Accreditation for Business Colleges in the Middle East Sundaram Nataraja Abdullah M. Alharbi Waleed Idris Vice Deanship of Quality & Development College of Business Administration - King Saud University
Study Objective The objective of this study is: • To examine the challenges and benefits of academic accreditation for business colleges in the Middle East
Background • Business schools are under pressure to seek accreditation for two reasons: • 1. Increasing competition from global and virtual universities (Stevens, 2000; Gore, Steven, & Bailey, 1998). • 2. changing environment in the higher education sector
Literature Review • Accreditation is a quality assurance scheme • which certifies that accredited schools have the structures and processes in place necessary to meet their stated objectives and continually improve performance (Zammuto, 2008). • Accreditation ensures that the quality, ethics, and code of practice of academic programs are in line with nationally and internationally set benchmarks (Stevens, 2000; Szanto, 2005).
Literature Review • Accreditation or external evaluation remains a powerful tool of quality assurance • it can be used to enhance the progress of international mutual recognition both of the educational base and professional experience • it facilitates national quality assurance system (Dodridge, 2002; Szanto, 2005).
Accreditation-Bodies for Business Education • A variety of accreditation agencies exist for business education. • Some accrediting agencies are general in scope and some are specialized. • AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) • Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) • International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).
Accreditation-Bodies for Business Education • European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) is a specialized accreditation agency • AMBA - The Association of MBAs (AMBA) is an international organisation that accredits postgraduate business programs at business schools worldwide • Triple Accreditation is the accreditation awarded to business schools worldwide by the three largest and most influential business school accreditation associations: • AACSB, AMBA, & EQUIS
National level Accreditation-Bodies • Most of the Arab States have their own national level quality assurance systems in-built under their political administrative system. • There are at least 14 accreditation agencies listed • Source: Source: Source: http://www.mohe.ps/quality/viewer/page/504/%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%A8%D8%B7-%D8%B0%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B5%D9%84%D8%A9
Challenges of Accreditation • (1) Implementing Strategic Plan • (2) Establishing an Institutional Effectiveness System • (3) Updating Educational Policies and Procedures • (4) Involving Stakeholders in the Academic Processes • (5) Reviewing Academic Programs and Courses periodically • (6) Improving Programs and Facilities continuously • (7) Engaging students in the Academic Activities • (8) Meeting the Standards of Accreditation-bodies.
Example: A Challenge • Institutional Effectiveness System • Source: Institutional Effectiveness Model adapted from ECSU, N.C., USA 2013).
Benefits of Accreditation • (1) Student Learning is assured • (2) Academic Programs & Facilities are improved • (3) Educational Quality is guaranteed • (4) Employability of Graduates are enhanced • (5) Institutional Image, identity, and reputation are enhanced (continued in next slide)
Benefits of Accreditation (Contd..) • (6) Recognition from Professional and Governmental bodies are received • (7) Global Mobility of Graduates and Faculty Members are improved • (8) Opportunities for Global Partnerships are increased • (9) Marketability of Programs internationally is enhanced • (10) Accountability to the General Public and Communities is met
Example: A Benefit • Assurance of Student Learning • Source: KSU-CBA Vice-Deanship of Quality & Development, 2012
Conclusion • Sure, accreditation is a quite demanding process • However, the business schools in the Middle East region are encouraged to involve in the accreditation initiatives. • It will help compete in the global higher education arena • It will help to cope with the changing environment in higher education