Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/54925
OF EXCELLENCE Business schools must demonstrate continuous improvement and an array of quality attributes if they want to support their missions and pursue accreditation. BY JERRY TRAPNELL AND W. RANDY BOXX usiness schools around the world seek international recognition and status as they operate in an increasingly global market. In this competitive environ- ment, it's essential that they demonstrate high quality. Accreditation from a recognized inter- national organization is one hallmark of quality, but accreditation should not be the ultimate goal of any educational institution. Instead, schools should aspire to be well-managed, continuously innovating organizations that are capable of achieving and maintaining accreditation. When they reach that point, accreditation will become an external recognition of everything they have achieved internally. Schools need to cultivate certain attributes and achieve certain outcomes as they pursue the excellence that merits international accredita- tion. This article offers an overview of these characteristics and expectations to give admin- istrators a framework that will help them deter- mine if they're on the right path. ATTRIBUTES B 50 July/August 2011 BizEd