| Assessment and accreditation are common topics in the literature of higher education. These two practices can impact an institution's ability to produce high quality students, graduates, and general success as an institution. Outcomes assessment is a method of measuring student learning as a result of the educational process. Accreditation seeks to provide external validation of the quality of a program and ensure that the public and other external constituents are aware of, and can depend on, a certain standard quality level.;In academic business units, there are three accreditation agencies. These organizations include the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).;Because business schools are increasingly encouraged to obtain accreditation, understanding the use and practice of assessment encouraged by the different accreditation bodies can provide valuable information and help shape future actions and decision making. This study reviewed the assessment practices of business schools, the relationship accreditation plays in their assessment efforts, and the extent that assessment practices vary based on their relationship with an accreditation body. Through this inquiry, a clearer understanding of assessment in accredited business schools was acquired.;The results of the study indicated that business schools are assessing students and are following the best practices of assessment overall. It also indicated that the practice of assessment has a positive relationship with the success of the business school. In comparing accrediting agencies, all agencies indicated that they are assessing students; however, there are statistically significant differences between accreditation bodies in specific practices. |
