Quality in management education through accreditations: Useful insights from a cause-and-effect analysis on the unique characteristics of AACSB

Purpose A trend is observed for international accreditation by business schools across the world, especially in India. This research aims to provide stakeholders involved in Triple Crown accreditation processes with useful insights. It examines the interrelationship dynamics between the unique characteristics of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) process, which is expected to improve the quality of management education and improve the desirability of AACSB schools among the most important stakeholders, the prospective student. Design/methodology/approach A comparative analysis of the Triple Crown accreditation process characteristics was conducted through an extensive literature review to identify the unique characteristics of the AACSB process. A focus group of experts provided a select set of important inputs. The decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory methodology was applied to analyse the interrelationships among the unique characteristics. Findings The four important characteristics of AACSB, out of a list of ten, identified are impact-focused intellectual contributions by faculty, subject matter expertise aligned teaching by faculty, continued currency of faculty (CuF) and thought leadership in a chosen area(s). The top two “cause” characteristics are AACSB’s mentoring of institutes for better alignment with its mission and the CuF. The top three “effect” characteristics are impact-driven contribution to society, quality student acquisition and impact-driven teaching–learning process. Practical implications The insights from the analysis will provide valuable guidance to business school leaders, accreditation teams, policymakers, accreditation bodies and students. The interrelationship dynamics between the characteristics help analyse and prioritize the focus areas in their accreditation journey. Originality/value The novel attempt to decipher interrelationship dynamics between unique AACSB characteristics using a quantitative approach of DEMATEL is a value add. The insights from this research study will serve as a guide to navigate the AACSB accreditation process for institutions and other key stakeholders.