Continuing the series of events organized by PHER in 2024, on August 13 and 14, VNU University of Economics and Business hosted the seminars “Consistency in developing and adjusting training programs according to ACBSP accreditation standards” and “Accreditation of economics and business programs – experiences and lessons from National Economics University”. The seminar featured experts who are key figures and hands-on practitioners, having successfully led the accreditation of their institutions' training programs under ACBSP standards.

Attending the seminar were representatives from the PHER project and guest experts from the National Economics University, including Dr. Vu Van Ngoc – Director, Dr. Pham Dan Khanh – Deputy Director of the Institute of Advanced and High-Quality Training and POHE, and Dr. Dam Son Toai – Head of the Testing and Educational Quality Assurance Department.

At the VNU University of Economics and Business (VNU-UEB), attendees included Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy – Head of the Faculty of Accounting and Auditing, and Head of the ACBSP Implementation Team; Ms. Dao Thi Thanh Huyen – Director of the Center for Educational Quality Assurance; along with faculty leaders from various departments/institutes and representatives from the self-assessment report writing teams of programs undergoing ACBSP accreditation.

Dr. Vu Van Ngoc delivered a presentation on ensuring consistency in the development and adjustment of training programs according to ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs) accreditation standards. The key steps in this process include:

• Understanding ACBSP requirements: The first step is to thoroughly examine ACBSP’s specific requirements for training programs, including program content, structure, quality standards, learning outcomes, and other criteria.
• Analyzing and adjusting the current curriculum: Assessing and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the existing training programs to determine necessary improvements or modifications to meet ACBSP standards.
• Designing and adjusting program content: Making curriculum modifications to align with ACBSP requirements, ensuring compliance with the accreditation criteria.
• Preparing documentation and reports: Compiling all necessary documents and reports related to the curriculum adjustment process according to ACBSP accreditation standards.
• Implementing pilot programs and evaluations: Testing the revised programs and evaluating their effectiveness to ensure compliance with ACBSP criteria.
• Submitting accreditation applications: Once the adjustments are completed, preparing and submitting the application for ACBSP accreditation.
• Collaborating and complying with ACBSP standards: Maintaining close collaboration with accreditation bodies and adhering to ACBSP requirements to ensure that the programs are evaluated and certified accordingly.

Ensuring consistency throughout this process requires continuous assessment, adjustment, and improvement based on feedback from ACBSP and other stakeholders. Commitment and professionalism at every stage are key to successfully aligning training programs with ACBSP accreditation standards.

For ACBSP accreditation, the design, development, and adjustment of training programs primarily focus on Standard 6. Experts provided detailed clarifications on specific criteria, addressed implementation challenges, and suggested solutions to overcome difficulties encountered during the accreditation process.

In Vietnam, the National Economics University has successfully accredited multiple programs under ACBSP, making this seminar a valuable opportunity for VNU-UEB faculty to discuss challenges in completing self-assessment reports and better prepare for accreditation and evaluation under this standard.

Additionally, Dr. Dam Son Toai introduced 10 international accreditation organizations recognized by Vietnam’s Ministry of Education and Training, including ACBSP, FIBAA, QAA, AUN-QA, ABET, ACQUIN, THE-ICE, HCÉRES, AQAS, and ASIIN. These options provide VNU-UEB with potential choices for accrediting its Economics and Development Economics programs.

Dr. Dam Son Toai also shared insights into establishing an Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) system, highlighting its key components:

Following that, Dr. Pham Dan Khanh provided an overview of the accreditation process for training programs under ACBSP standards at the National Economics University. Through Dr. Khanh's insights, faculty members from VNU-UEB were able to review the steps involved in drafting self-assessment reports and better prepare for the upcoming external evaluation process.

Faculty members of VNU University of Economics and Business attended the seminar.

At the event, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy emphasized that this support session was truly beneficial and brought great value to the faculty members of the VNU University of Economics and Business, especially during the phase when faculties and institutes are adjusting their training programs and finalizing the Self-Study report before submitting it to the accreditation organization. The seminar once again helped faculties and institutes review the entire report, relevant supporting documents, and refine their self-assessment plans, ensuring the best possible preparation for the accreditation of the university's training programs under ACBSP standards.

Some photos from the seminar: