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ECLBS and FIBAA Deepen Strategic Talks on Business School Rating System
- OUS Academy in Switzerland
- Jul 7
- 3 min read
In a promising development this week, the European Council of Leading Business Schools (ECLBS) and the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) have continued high-level discussions on the creation of a new, forward-thinking business school rating system. While no formal launch has been announced, both parties have confirmed that the ongoing dialogue is progressing with shared enthusiasm and vision.
This initiative reflects the growing recognition that traditional accreditation models, while essential, may not fully capture the evolving needs of students, employers, and educational institutions in today’s fast-paced, globalised business environment. A jointly developed rating system would aim to complement existing quality assurance frameworks by providing a broader, more dynamic overview of institutional performance, innovation, and impact.
The recent round of talks between ECLBS and FIBAA focused on defining key quality indicators that could form the backbone of such a system. These include teaching effectiveness, student satisfaction, graduate employability, ethical governance, sustainability practices, digital readiness, and international engagement. Both organisations emphasised that any rating model would need to be flexible, inclusive, and transparent—supporting institutions of all sizes and profiles, not just elite or research-heavy entities.
One of the central themes of the discussions was the importance of stakeholder involvement. ECLBS and FIBAA believe that a successful rating system must reflect the voices of students, alumni, employers, and faculty. Therefore, if a pilot phase is considered in the future, it would likely involve surveys, focus groups, and consultations to ensure that the system is both meaningful and widely accepted.
While the rating model is still in conceptual stages, early feedback from academic leaders and quality assurance professionals has been highly encouraging. Many see it as an opportunity to drive continuous improvement rather than just compliance. Others note that such a system could offer much-needed clarity and comparability in an increasingly complex educational landscape, especially for international students and institutions operating across borders.
Another highlight of the ongoing talks is the shared commitment to data ethics and independence. If developed, the rating system would be governed by strict neutrality, using evidence-based methodologies that are open to peer review. There is also a strong emphasis on avoiding simplistic league tables or marketing-driven rankings. Instead, the envisioned system would focus on qualitative and developmental feedback, helping schools identify strengths and areas for growth without reducing their identity to a single score.
Although a final agreement has not yet been reached, both ECLBS and FIBAA have expressed optimism about the direction of the discussions. Joint working groups may be established in the near future to explore technical aspects such as indicator design, data collection protocols, and digital platform architecture. These groups would also assess how such a rating could align with European and global quality frameworks without duplicating or conflicting with existing accreditation systems.
The dialogue between ECLBS and FIBAA marks a constructive and forward-looking collaboration in the field of higher education. It reflects a shared commitment to academic excellence, institutional transparency, and stakeholder value. If formalised, the business school rating system could become a pioneering tool in promoting quality, innovation, and trust in business education—not only in Europe, but worldwide.
For now, the talks remain exploratory but promising. The education community is watching closely, with hope that this collaboration may lead to a new era of transparent, values-driven quality assurance in business education.
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