Two Deakin University business programs gain international accolade

Two of Deakin University's business programs, the MBA and Bachelor of Commerce have received an ultimate benchmark of international quality - accreditation by the European Foundation for Management Development's Programme (EFMD) .

The accreditation scheme or EPAS, aims to evaluate and benchmark the quality of business and/or management degrees programme at an international level.

Deakin University's Pro Vice-Chancellor Business, Professor Gael McDonald said gaining the accreditation was a coup for the two programs.

"EPAS encourages a rigorous strategic focus on our flagship programs and allows us to benchmark these programs internationally," she said.

"Gaining accreditation is challenging because it demands our program strategy, design, delivery and operations, the outcomes for students, our approach to continuous quality assurance, internationalisation and connections with industry all meet international standards.

"Everyone in our Faculty has made a contribution to these two flagship programs.

"The delivery of the MBA and the Bachelor of Commerce is a complex task and involves many people and it is because of their efforts that we have achieved this prestigious accreditation.''

Professor McDonald said the EPAS accreditation would make it easier for students to evaluate the strengths of Deakin's business courses.

"It is our students who will benefit the most from this accreditation," she said

"This is one of the strongest possible signs that they are enrolled in world-class and internationally-recognised programs.

"As they go out into the workplace, they can be proud that their Deakin MBA or Bachelor of Commerce is well-respected and is meeting the needs of both local and international employers."

Professor McDonald said the Faculty's strengths in leadership, academically qualified staff and its local and regional reputation among employers for developing business-ready graduates were reinforced by the accreditation process.

"This really is an exciting development for the faculty and I look forward to continuing our drive for international excellence together," she said.