Maggie Feng and Rauf Abdul Attend AACSB Round Table Discussion in Germany

Maggie Feng, CEO of Wittenborg, and Dr Rauf Abdul, Head School of Business, recently attended an exclusive event organised by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).  

The event, tailored specifically for Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS), provided a unique platform for discussion and collaboration among professionals in the field of business education.  

Hosted at Pforzheim Business School in Germany on 6 and 7 May, the AACSB round table brought together leaders and quality assurance experts from UASs across the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the UK. The focus was on addressing the specific challenges and opportunities faced by UASs within the broader context of business education.  

The event started on the afternoon of 6 May, followed by a networking dinner. The discussions continued the next morning, culminating in a networking lunch that allowed for further engagement and collaboration.  

The event featured informative sessions led by prominent figures such as Ron Tuninga, Vice President of AACSB in Europe Middle East and Africa, Mathias Falkenstein and Wilfred Mijnhardt.  

Reflecting on the event, Abdul expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate. "The AACSB event provided an excellent opportunity to engage with other institutions that are either in the process of AACSB accreditation or already accredited," he stated. "Maggie and I had the chance to highlight Wittenborg's AACSB journey and the progress made thus far."

Abdul further stated that the event facilitated valuable networking opportunities and allowed them to gather insights from institutions at different stages of the accreditation process. What's more, the AACSB event reinforced that Wittenborg is on the right track for achieving AACSB accreditation.  

"Our current strategies and efforts align with the accreditation requirements and best practices. Furthermore, the insights gained from other institutions will undoubtedly shape and inform Wittenborg's future direction, enabling us to refine our approach and implement effective measures to enhance our accreditation readiness," Abdul explained.  

One key aspect discussed was the importance of aligning the institution's mission with strategic planning, educational delivery and impactful research.  

"Additionally, the event highlighted the significance of onboarding faculty and staff in the accreditation process, fostering internationalisation and ensuring research and effective Assurance of Learning (AoL) mechanisms."

Feng echoed Abdul's sentiments, emphasising the inspiration drawn from the collective impact that UASs can make in the field of business education. She underscored the significance of the event as a first of its kind, expressing confidence in its continuation as an annual tradition.  

WUP 28/05/2024 
by James Wittenborg 
©WUAS Press