European and U.S. Accreditation Standards and Globalization: View from a U.S. Regional Public Business School

Abstract

Business schools around the world are seeking partner relationships that will support the growing need for well-educated business professionals. The dilemma for many U.S. regional business schools is the trade-off between establishing international partnerships while ensuring educational integrity through quality assurance. This assurance can be measured by standards set by various international accreditation agencies. This article uses a case analysis to track one regional business school’s approach to bridging the perceived paradox of globalization and accreditation. The article explores issues of transfer credit, short-term and long-term relationships, and the differences between international affiliations and international partnerships. It provides candid insight into the difficult decisions faced by a regional public business school that could readily provide application for public, private, and small- to mid-size business schools facing similar issues.