Strategic value of AACSB International accreditation in start-up overseas American business schools: two case studies

Abstract

International business education has reached an unprecedented level of importance and notoriety. There remains much debate about precisely what, how, and increasingly, where international business programmes should be taught, particularly at the MBA level. Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International is a professional accrediting body that accredits business schools throughout the world. Only about 15% of all business schools worldwide are so accredited. This is an elite group and membership equates with quality. More specifically, what is the strategic long-term value added to start-up overseas American business schools from the strenuous, time-consuming and costly AACSB 5-year accreditation process? Presented here are two case studies that illustrate why two start-up business schools in American universities located overseas have decided to embark on the AACSB International accreditation process. Both cases highlight the strategic value of AACSB International accreditation and how this process is helping them gain a competitive advantage over other local, more well-established academic competitors.