The Otago Business School has received reaccreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
The School was commended for having 'one of the most comprehensive strategy and implementation plans observed, strong staff commitment to strategy, a real sense of direction, a very solid assurance of learning systems, and world-leading impact'.
It also received commendation for its engagement and societal impact as the School demonstrated a positive community influence in both internal and external initiatives that were consistent with its mission and strategy.
Having been originally accredited in 2006, this five-year-long extension of that accreditation is testimony to the School's commitment to life-long learning and consistent improvement.
Professor Robin Gauld, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School
Professor Robin Gauld, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Dean of the Otago Business School, believes this is a very proud moment for the School and its staff.
“This commendation acknowledges the effort staff and students have put into making the Otago Business School an institute of learning and research excellence,” Professor Gauld says.
“We believe in creating and facilitating a vibrant learning environment, where people from all walks of life can come to gain a qualification; we also believe in doing work that matters to people and planet, and this has come through strongly in the AACSB assessment.
“The School will be sure to spend the next five years continually improving, so that it remains at this standard of excellence, with courses, research and a dynamic environment that emphasises manaakitanga.”
Theresa Forbes, the School's Business Accreditation Manager, shares this sentiment and is glad the School has been acknowledged in the steps it has taken to continue improving.
“Achieving accreditation is a process of rigorous internal focus, engagement with an AACSB-assigned mentor, and peer-reviewed evaluation,” Mrs Forbes says.
“During this multi-year process, the School needed to develop and implement a plan that adheres to the AACSB's accreditation standards of excellence in strategic management, innovation, learning, teaching and academic and professional engagement.
“Receiving this reaccreditation demonstrates the School's adherence to these standards and that our staff and academics are making an impact on the society; we are elated to see all this hard work come to a successful and fruitful conclusion.”