Our Process Is Extremely Rigorous, But It Is Also Inclusive To Schools…

Tom Robinson, President and CEO of American Association of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), in an interaction with Rajaram Sukumar, shares his views on India’s management education and related issues…

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Q. India’s B-Schools do not figure much even in Asia Pacific rankings, let alone world rankings. However, it is tougher to gain admission to a top B-School in India, compared to a Harvard or an MIT. How do you look at this paradox?

A. The admissions model and size of applicant pools for IIMs in India, and those identified as “top” schools globally, is a bit of an apples to oranges conversation. Given the vast number of students seeking admission to IIMs, the percent admitted and yield rates represent different fundamental measures. Similarly, rankings themselves follow varying methodologies—with data points for each being weighted differently—resulting in inconsistencies in school rankings. For both examples, reducing the “quality” of education to a simple number does a disservice to education systems worldwide. Students, whether studying locally within India or going abroad, can rely on AACSB Accreditation as a common denominator in their evaluation process. With more than 800 schools accredited globally, and seven in India, our peer-reviewed evaluation and approval process can serve an objective measure of quality.

Q. Accreditation is looked upon as a quality enhancer, but only within the academic circles. Do other stakeholders see it as important?