AACSB

The University of Gothenburg became a member of AACSB in 2009. Our Eligibility Application was approved in January 2011. We are presently intensifying our efforts, with the ambition to achieve AACSB accreditation as soon as possible.

We consider this additional international accreditation to be an important means for our continuing quality assurance efforts. Obtaining international accreditations are proof that our educational and research quality meet high international standards in the field of higher business education, which is important when it comes to creating international academic partnerships with high-quality institutions, as well as to attract students and faculty in an increasingly competitive international environment.
 

What is AACSB Accreditation?
In 1916, AACSB International was established as a membership organization for business schools—a place where business schools could network and discuss issues that effected the business education industry and their institutions. In 1919, the first AACSB Accreditation Standards were adopted with the primary objective of improving collegiate business education. In 1980, an additional set of accreditation standards were developed for undergraduate and graduate-level degree programs in accounting to address the special needs of the profession. Throughout the years, both the AACSB Business and Accounting Accreditation Standards have been continually revised to reflect the ever-changing needs of business and its students.

Today, the AACSB Accreditation Standards are used as the basis to evaluate a business school’s mission, operations, faculty qualifications and contributions, programs, and other critical areas. AACSB accreditation ensures students and parents that the business school is providing a top-quality education. It also ensures employers that AACSB-accredited business school graduates are ready to perform on day one. Additionally, AACSB accreditation provides many benefits to the faculty and staff at its accredited schools by attracting higher quality students, providing greater research opportunities, and allowing for global recognition.

How Does a School Become AACSB-Accredited?
First, a school must be a member of AACSB International and offer degree-granting programs in business or management. Next, a school may apply for AACSB accreditation. The school’s application is carefully reviewed to ensure it is eligible to pursue AACSB Accreditation. Once it is determined that a school has the potential to be accredited, it works with mentors, committees, and AACSB staff to develop a Standards Alignment Plan. Once a school follows through with its alignment plan and meets the AACSB standards, review committees and the AACSB Board of Directors decide whether or not a school should be accredited. In its entirety, the AACSB accreditation process is rigorous and requires a significant amount of work to achieve.

AACSB home page: http://www.aacsb.edu/accreditation/

Source: AACSB