Wittenborg and the Importance of AACSB Accreditation

20.08.2025

Rauf Abdul Reflects on Wittenborg’s AACSB Alignment

Wittenborg continues to strengthen its commitment to delivering high-quality, internationally oriented business education by aligning with the principles of AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), a globally recognised standard of excellence for business schools.

Understanding AACSB Accreditation

AACSB accreditation is known worldwide as the longest-standing, most recognised form of specialised accreditation that an institution and its business programmes can earn. Accreditation is a voluntary, nongovernmental process that includes a rigorous external review of a school’s mission, faculty qualifications, curricula and ability to provide the highest quality programmes.

According to Rauf Abdul, Head of the School of Business, “AACSB provides a framework for business schools to ensure that teaching, research and engagement with society meet global best practices. It reflects a commitment to diverse, ethical and applied business education.”

A journey of growth and alignment

Since relocating to Apeldoorn in 2010, Wittenborg has grown from a small applied sciences institution to a globally oriented business school. In 2018, Wittenborg made the decision to pursue alignment with AACSB principles after attending the first ever ICAM (International Conference and Annual Meeting) of AACSB in Vienna.

As part of this process, Wittenborg developed a Strategic Plan (2022–2026) with two strategic initiatives and seven operating goals, monitored via the Wittenborg-SPA system. Faculty classification systems were refined to align with AACSB standards (SA, PA, SP, IP) and Assurance of Learning (AoL) was implemented and integrated into the PDCA-based quality system, expanding on the existing framework.

The research centre was structured to expand the research portfolio, increase scholarly output and support engagement with EU-funded projects. Meanwhile, the curriculum was updated to reflect industry needs, global trends and ethical values.

Guided by mission and values

AACSB’s vision emphasises internationalisation, ethical leadership and continuous improvement, guiding institutions to align operations with mission-driven goals. For schools like Wittenborg, the framework encourages robust quality assurance systems, practical learning experiences and ongoing benchmarking against global standards.

Enhancing the student and staff experience

Following AACSB principles benefits both students and staff. Students gain access to curricula designed to develop practical skills, ethical decision making and managerial competencies, while staff benefit from structured professional development, research engagement and collaborative academic culture.

A path towards excellence

Institutions that engage with AACSB standards focus on innovation, curriculum relevance, global exposure and strong connections with industry partners. The process supports continuous improvement and helps position schools for greater international recognition.

“Embracing these principles ensures that students experience high quality education, global perspectives and ethical learning in every aspect of their studies,” Abdul adds.

For further information about AACSB Accreditation, visit the official website here.