What types of accreditations are there and what do they entail?

'Firstly, UvA EB has 3 international accreditations (Triple Crown Accreditation): the American AACSB, the European EQUIS and the British AMBA accreditation. They accredit the education, research and management of Business Schools. AMBA specifically accredits the MBAs of Business Schools.

In the second place, the UvA is accredited by NVAO through the so-called Institutional Test, in which the UvA's quality assurance processes are assessed. All UvA BSc and MSc programs are also accredited by NVAO. This is a legal obligation. New programs, such as the BSc Business Analytics, must also undergo NVAO accreditation to be eligible for funding. This is another separate and intensive process.

In the third place, there are a number of courses accredited by a professional association. For example, the Executive Master of Finance & Control (EFMC) is accredited by the Association of Registered Controllers (VRC). Lastly, the ABS has a Cedeo recognition. Cedeo is an independent certification body for HR.'

What is the importance of accreditations?

'The international accreditations are important for Business Schools, because with these they obtain an international benchmark and are able participate in international networks (AACSB/AMBA/EQUIS). They stimulate internationalisation and help with the recruitment of international students and researchers. They also ensure innovation in education, research and business management.'

How do we prepare for accreditations?

'Preparing for accreditations is an intensive process. We put together an extensive self-study for each accreditation and we prepare the committee’s visit thoroughly.'

How are the inspections conducted?

'Usually an (international) committee comes along to talk to all UvA EB stakeholders. This visit often lasts 3 days. The NVAO visitation for new programmes normally takes a day. In the past year, all visits were conducted online (via Zoom). This was particularly efficient for us.

The committees form their judgment on the basis of the self-study, the additional documentation and the talks with the stakeholders. They then write a visitation report and advise the accreditation organisation in question on the outcome. The board of the organisation then makes the formal decision about the accreditation.'

What are the main things the committees pay attention to?

'The quality of education, research and operational management is assessed in all accreditations. Organisations also pay attention to specific aspects. For example, EQUIS pays extra attention to internationalisation, corporate contacts and ERS, the AACSB to the quality of academic staff, quality assurance and research and AMBA to career and alumni services.'