Quality Education or Defense of Accreditation? The Struggle of a University Professor Leading an Education Committee

Abstract

This case illustrates Professor Saitoh’s struggles in a middle-management position leading an education committee called the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Committee at a business school in Japan. The committee assessed students’ learning outcomes and provided suggestions for curriculum improvement. The school was accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), and AOL played an important role in defending that accreditation. However, some faculty members shared dissatisfaction with AOL for various reasons. This case may provide practical and theoretical implications in developing potential middle-level leaders managing committees in higher education.

Keywords

management education international accreditation Assurance of Learning leadership

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