Highest recognition for management education
The Business School, as well as the courses of studies in Industrial Engineering at the Pforzheim University meet the highest international requirements. This is certified by the world’s leading accreditation institution for business schools, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). This is considered to be one of the most prestigious seals and is a distinguished recognition of the quality of the university’s education in economics.
- As the first university of applied sciences in Germany the Pforzheim University bears this outstanding label.
- Apart from Pforzheim, 10 other educational institutions in Germany have been AACSB accredited.
- So far, less than 5% of the business schools worldwide have been able to receive this honor (as of 2022).
“It is a prestigious distinction, hard to obtain and thus many would like to decorate themselves with it (…) (This accreditation) is not compulsory, but optional for the really good ones worldwide.” Handelsblatt, 09.09.2011
“Along with the Amba and Equis Seal, the quality seal of the nonprofit organization founded in America is considered to be one of the most respected in the world of business schools and faculties of economics.” FAZ, 15.10.2011
Organization and goals of accreditation
AACSB (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International is a nonprofit membership organization, which was founded in the USA in 1916. Currently, over 700 universities in 51 countries have been accredited with their business programs. The main objective of the organization is the accreditation of university business programs.
With the voluntary accreditation the accredited institution commits to meet 15 standards, which guarantee the highest quality of education and research. The AACSB accreditation ensures, for both students and companies, that the accredited institution offers the highest quality in academic education.
A consistent quality management system, which the AACSB supports with workshops and seminars for its members, lays the foundation for the accreditation. In a review within the scope of the re-accreditation after five years, the AACSB checks to what extent the aims of the strategic planning have been achieved and how the institution will further develop.
- Outstanding quality of study courses
- Active professors in science and applied research
- Great teaching and learning conditions
- High degree of interaction between students and professors
- Close ties to corporate practice
- High-quality relationships to international partner universities
- Excellent career prospects for graduates
- Each course of study has defined competency goals outlining the skills that each graduate will have obtained at the end of the studies.
- Feedback loops from/to students to enhance the learning experience through surveys or evaluations
- Self-commitment to continuous improvement in all areas
- Support in programs at excellent partner universities
- High degree of interaction between students and professors
- Close ties to corporate practice
- The excellent quality of the Pforzheim management education has now been internationally verified
- Pforzheim students possess useful skills and practical knowledge
- The students have been well equipped for the globally shaped workplace
- The accreditation guarantees the industry the high quality of education at Pforzheim University
- You get highly-trained young management talent!
Based on a recommendation of the university council, the university applied for the membership at the AACSB in 2006. In January 2007, the university was admitted to the accreditation process.
With the help of an AACSB Mentor the university created an accreditation plan. Upon approval by the AACSB Committees the implementation process of said plan began.
The successful execution of the accreditation plan marked the final phase of the initial accreditation. The peer review team, consisting of deans of already accredited institutions, prepared by reading a comprehensive self-evaluation report prior to their visit on site.
The outcome of the visit was the successful accreditation of the university in the summer of 2011.
Every five years, the university has to prove itself in a standardized, shortened process of the re-accreditation in order to maintain the seal of quality.
"Your successful reaccreditation confirms that Pforzheim Business School belongs to the best business schools in the world. AACSB accreditations stands for the highest achievements in business education and research."
Tim Mescon, AACSB Executive Vice President and Chief Officer, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
"As an entrepreneur and honorary senator I have been closely associated with the university for many years, and it is gives me great pleasure that the AACSB, the world’s most renowned accreditation organization for business programs, has confirmed that Pforzheim University is on the right track and has certified its outstanding work. This award will contribute to Pforzheim moving up on the wish list of highly motivated applicants for practice oriented degrees in business administration, industrial engineering or business law, and therefore will give our region stronger impulses."
Siegfried Weiser, Managing Partner at Laboratoire Biosthetique Kosmetik GmbH & Co., Pforzheim, Honorary Senator of Pforzheim University
"The effort for the international accreditation is significant, but I am convinced the benefits outweigh considerably. The willingness of the Pforzheim University to establish an integrative quality management system according to the requirements of the AACSB deserves utmost respect. This makes the landscape of higher education in Baden-Württemberg even more attractive for students, businesses and our society overall."
Clemens Benz, Head of Section, Ministry of Science, Research and Arts Baden-Württemberg
As future employers of the graduates, companies take the quality and reputation of a university into account. Thus, I am congratulating my former university on the AACSB Accreditation, which in my eyes also represents a seal of trust."
Dr. Christoph Kübel, Chairman of the Divisional Board of Management Automotive Electronics, Robert Bosch Gmbh, Reutlingen
