Exclusive: AACSB all set for higher engagement with India

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MBAUniverse.com News Desk |
July 1, 2009
Today the Asian region hosts more than 5,000 MBA schools or 40% of the world’s MBA programs

Leading US-based business school accreditation body AACSB International, which has recently set up its Singapore office, is looking to increase its presence in India, and Asia. Indian MBA schools too are warming up, but until now no MBA schools in India enjoy AACSB's prestigious accreditation. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) President & CEO shared this in an exclusive interview with Amrita Das of MBAUniverse.com

In an exclusive chat with MBAUniverse.com, John Fernandes, President & CEO of AACSB International said, "Although there aren't any MBA schools in India that enjoy AACSB accreditation as of now, we do have a growing membership base. While it is a policy not to identify MBA schools that are in the process of seeking initial accreditation, we can verify that there are several MBA schools in India that have begun, or have indicated that they plan to begin, the accreditation process."

The AACSB President and CEO said that in this age of globalisation, getting an international accreditation ultimately helps a MBA school. "In the recent years, management education has grown exponentially. Today the Asian region hosts more than 5,000 MBA schools or 40% of the world’s MBA programs."

He added that the Asia Headquarters, in Singapore, will champion AACSB’s mission by delivering expert advice specific to the region on how MBA schools can continue to build, improve, and maintain quality management education. Fernandes said, "For MBA schools in India, having a team on the ground will better serve those who are considering–or have begun the accreditation process–providing each with an internationally validated level of quality assurance. After an international accreditation, a MBA school gets an opportunity to launch independent programs in foreign countries. International placements and job opportunities can also receive a boost."

He also said that the Asian operations of AACSB will be headed by the new vice president of Asia, Eileen Peacock, who previously served as dean of the Charlton College of Business and professor of accounting at the University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth.

The AACSB International opened its Asian Headquarters in Singapore in July 2009. AACSB International is an association of educational institutions, businesses, and other organizations devoted to the advancement of higher education in management education. It is also the premier accrediting agency of collegiate business schools worldwide. Less than 5% of the world's MBA schools have achieved this distinction.

Stay tuned to MBAUniverse.com for more details from the exclusive interview with John Fernandes, President & CEO of AACSB International.