NWU Business School first in Africa to receive international BGA accreditation

The NWU Business School at the North-West University (NWU) is a driving force of business education in Africa. Not only has the international prestigious Association of MBAs (AMBA) renewed the MBA accreditation of the NWU Business School, but the school is also now officially the first school on the African continent to receive international accreditation from the Business Graduates Association (BGA).

This follows after the recent virtual visit to the NWU Business School by panel members of the AMBA, with which the BGA is affiliated. The purpose of their visit was to evaluate the school with the aim of granting it international accreditation. According to Prof Jan van Romburgh, chief director of the NWU Business School, the school managed to also successfully secure another five-year international accreditation for its MBA qualification.

“Business education in general – and the role of MBAs in particular – is going through a fundamental transformation, both globally and domestically. In a fast-changing world and country, business schools must remain relevant by providing business education that critically unpacks their socio-economic environment for successful business strategies.”

Prof Van Romburgh says it is a huge vote of confidence from the BGA that it has accredited the NWU Business School as the first in Africa. “The AMBA accreditation also denotes the highest standard of achievement in post-graduate business education. Only 2% of recognised business schools around the world have AMBA accreditation. We are proud to be one of them. We recognise the big changes across the continent of Africa that excellent business education must help to navigate and manage successfully.”

Who is the AMBA?

Spearheading excellence and trailblazing innovation for more than 50 years, the Association of MBAs (AMBA) has been the impartial authority on post-graduate management education. The AMBA established that vision in 1967, and in a volatile, uncertain world it is as relevant today as it was then. They are committed to raising the profile and quality standards of business education internationally, for the benefit of business schools, students and alumni, employers, communities and society.

The AMBA is the only professional membership association that connects MBA students and graduates, accredited business schools and MBA employers across the world.

What is accreditation?

Accreditation certifies that an institution has the capacity to fulfil a particular function within the quality assurance system. The AMBA’s accreditation is reviewed every five years and is international in scope and reach. They work with senior academics at top global educational institutions to continuously update accreditation policies and maintain their unique, in-depth and detailed approach. Programmes that receive this accreditation reflect changing trends and innovation in the post-graduate education sector. They foster innovation and challenges and encourage business schools to continuously perform at the highest level.

Why is this a big deal?

Students and graduates, business schools and employers alike all recognise the AMBA and BGA accreditation as a gold standard. The rigorous accreditation criteria and assessment process ensures that only the best programmes achieve accreditation. The accreditation bodies look at programmes that demonstrate the highest standards in teaching, learning and curriculum design; career development and employability; and student, alumni and employer interaction.

Employers looking to attract game-changing managers and future business leaders know that graduates from accredited programmes have received the best quality, most relevant management education. To recruit a graduate from an AMBA- or BGA-accredited programme is to recruit top talent.

This accreditation gives our business school worldwide recognition and honour. The AMBA accreditation identifies the best programmes from the thousands available, and the developmental nature of their process helps us spot potential shortcomings. They provide a comprehensive report detailing recommendations for potential future improvements, ensuring that the NWU Business School continues to grow.

What does it mean to the MBA students at the NWU Business School?

Employers are increasingly asking for business graduates who possess a balance between hard and soft skills, innovative capabilities and a mind-set geared towards being more socially responsible. We can guarantee that our students who obtained an MBA or Postgraduate Diploma in Management will bring all these qualities and skills to the table at their workplace and make a viable contribution to their company.

“For our MBA graduates, accreditation offers the opportunity to connect with peers from the best global MBA programmes. Student and graduate membership of the AMBA means alumni can network internationally, knowing that they are connecting with individuals from equally impressive programmes.”

Prof Van Romburgh says through the AMBA they can enjoy career advice and support, a job portal, events, access to the latest research and thought leadership, and selected offers and benefits.

“In short, it opens doors and facilitates opportunities and we are committed to making sure that each and every student receives the best possible education in order to shape executive minds in Africa.”

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/NWUBusinessSchool/videos/337838344438189 or visit www.nwu.ac.za for more information about our offerings.