Continuing the series of events organized by PHER in 2024, on August 27, 2024, the VNU University of Economics and Business (VNU-UEB) hosted a seminar titled "Adjusting and Improving Business Programs – Perspectives from Stakeholders".

The event welcomed experts representing the PHER Project, who were also guest speakers from the National Economics University (NEU), including:

• Dr. Vu Van Ngoc, Rector of the Institute of Advanced Education, Quality Assurance, and POHE, NEU.
• Dr. Pham Dan Khanh, Deputy Rector of the Institute of Advanced Education, Quality Assurance, and POHE, NEU.

From VNU-UEB, the seminar was attended by:

• Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy, Head of the Faculty of Accounting and Auditing, Head of the ACBSP Accreditation Implementation Team;
• Ms. Dao Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Center for Educational Quality Assurance;
• Leaders of various Faculties/Institutes;
• Representatives of the Self-Evaluation Report Writing Teams for ACBSP-accredited programs.

Key Insights on Stakeholder Feedback for Program Adjustments

During the seminar, Dr. Pham Dan Khanh emphasized the importance of gathering stakeholder feedback in the process of adjusting and improving academic programs. The key objectives include:

• Ensuring relevance and effectiveness: Feedback from students, faculty, and other stakeholders provides a practical perspective on the program’s effectiveness. Their insights help ensure that any modifications align with their needs and expectations, making the curriculum more suitable.
• Enhancing quality: Input from individuals directly engaged with the program offers valuable insights for improving teaching quality, course content, and assessment methods.
• Promoting transparency and fairness: Involving stakeholders in the decision-making process fosters transparency, making program adjustments more open and equitable.
• Meeting accreditation standards and regulations: Many educational and accrediting bodies require institutions to consult stakeholders when making curriculum changes to ensure compliance with educational standards.
• Encouraging engagement and commitment: When stakeholders feel their opinions are valued, they develop a greater sense of responsibility toward the program, leading to increased participation and commitment in its implementation and sustainability.

Key Stakeholders in the Curriculum Adjustment Process

The process of gathering feedback should involve a diverse range of stakeholders, including:

• Students: As primary beneficiaries of the program, students' feedback is crucial in evaluating its practicality and relevance.
• Faculty members: Teaching staff possess in-depth knowledge of course content, instructional methods, and real-world applications.
• Alumni: Graduates provide valuable insights based on their post-graduation experiences, particularly regarding the program's usefulness in their careers and lives.
• Employers and businesses: Industry professionals offer perspectives on labor market demands and the skills and knowledge students need to succeed in the workforce.
• Academic administrators and education managers: These individuals ensure the program aligns with educational standards and the university's overarching goals.
• Experts in the field: Scholars and industry professionals contribute to keeping the curriculum updated and aligned with the latest trends and developments.
• Accreditation agencies and educational organizations: Their input ensures that the program meets quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements.

By incorporating feedback from these groups, academic programs can be comprehensively revised to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Insights from Experts

Following Dr. Pham Dan Khanh’s presentation, Dr. Vu Van Ngoc further emphasized the critical role of stakeholders in higher education. He noted that accurately assessing and positioning stakeholders contributes not only to student success but also enhances the reputation and influence of educational institutions.

At the National Economics University, collaboration with stakeholders has fostered a multi-dimensional and dynamic educational ecosystem, helping students develop not only academically but also in terms of professional skills and ethical values.

During the discussion, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong Thuy highlighted the significance of the seminar, especially as various Faculties/Institutes at VNU-UEB are currently revising their curricula. Faculty members from VNU-UEB actively engaged in discussions, and their questions were addressed comprehensively by the guest experts.

Event Highlights:

Photos of the seminar participants, speakers, and discussions.