Category: Events

Advancing Gender Equality in Accreditation

On March 3-4, CEEMAN and IEDC – Bled School of Management hosted the EQUATION project’s activities: Learning, Teaching, and Training (LTT) event and Dissemination Events. With 65 participants from 26 countries joining both in person and online, we explored how to advance gender equality in accreditation and quality assurance. The event brought together accreditation bodies, business school leaders, policy experts, and gender equality advocates.

The LTT event provided accreditation evaluators and business school representatives with practical tools to embed gender equality into accreditation processes. The Dissemination event highlighted the development of Gender Equality Guidelines for Accreditation Institutions and best practices for implementation. Discussions focused on overcoming universities’ resistance to change in meeting accreditation standards and efforts in integrating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) principles into quality assurance.

This marks an important step forward—no other accreditation agency has embarked on such an initiative. However, this is only the beginning. The EQUATION project provides a roadmap for embedding gender equality in accreditation, offering theoretical foundations and best practices to drive systemic change. A pilot study based on CEEMAN’s case demonstrates real-world application. A flexible gender-sensitive framework ensures institutions can integrate gender equality criteria in ways that fit their unique contexts while aligning with global best practices.

We must continue challenging outdated norms, advocating for structural change, and ensuring gender equality becomes a fundamental pillar of quality assurance in higher education.

If you missed the event or would like to revisit the discussions, the full recording is now available on CEEMAN YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5UoZVgWnJA 

On September 25, 2024, CEEMAN hosted a hybrid dissemination event for Work Package 3 (WP3) of the Erasmus+ funded EQUATION project. Held in Innsbruck, Austria, as a part of the 32nd CEEMAN Annual Conference, the session brought together deans, researchers, and quality assurance experts to discuss the progress of gender equality plans in business schools and the broader quality assurance framework in higher education. 

The event, moderated by Živa Žmavc Thongvanh, Head of IQA at CEEMAN, focused on multiple objectives. Firstly, it provided updates on the EQUATION project’s progress, particularly in addressing systemic and cultural barriers to the recruitment, retention, and career progression of women in higher education. Tjaša Cankar, a researcher from IEDC-Bled School of Management, presented the results of WP3, highlighting efforts to integrate gender equality into the development and quality assurance processes of higher education institutions. This work aims to foster inclusivity and advance gender equality initiatives across academic institutions. 

In addition to the focus on gender equality, the event also explored the value of accreditations and quality assurance in higher education. Prof. Olgun Cicek, Board Member of INQAAHE, provided insights into the global importance of quality assurance and how accreditations enhance both educational standards and institutional reputation. 

Živa Žmavc Thongvanh further introduced CEEMAN’s International Quality Accreditation (IQA), emphasizing its mission and goals, while Derek Abell, President of the IQA Accreditation Committee at CEEMAN, explained the core values of IQA—Excellence, Relevance, and Dynamism—and their significant impact on management education. 

A key aspect of the event was the interactive Q&A session, where participants—ranging from schools undergoing accreditation to those considering it—had the opportunity to seek advice, discuss challenges, and explore best practices with the panel of experts. This open dialogue allowed for a deeper understanding of how to maximize the benefits of the accreditation process. 

The session concluded with a unique Dean2Dean networking opportunity, called CEEMAN Connect, where deans met individually to share personal advice, explore potential collaborations, and further discuss gender equality initiatives. This was a valuable platform for building lasting connections and fostering future cooperation among institutions committed to advancing gender equality. 

Overall, the dissemination event marked a significant milestone in the EQUATION project’s mission, reinforcing CEEMAN’s dedication to promoting gender equality in education and enhancing management education standards through quality assurance and accreditation processes.

Bled, Slovenia — On April 8th and 9th, CEEMAN successfully hosted the Equation Conference, representing a significant milestone in the Erasmus+ gender equality project (EQUATION). This event provided a crucial platform for addressing gender disparities in higher education, particularly within business schools.

Key themes of the conference included:

• Framing Challenges: Analyzing the unique barriers faced by women in academia and research.
• Organizational Structures: Highlighting the necessity for coherent organizational frameworks that enhance trust and inclusivity.
• Implementing Change: Developing practical strategies to integrate social justice and human rights into educational environments.

The collaborative discussions fostered an enriching exchange of ideas and laid the groundwork for future initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in educational settings.

Warsaw, Poland — The vibrant city of Warsaw played host to the second meeting of the EQUATION project, marking a significant stride in collaborative efforts for equality advancement.

On November 9, participants to delve into the rich cultural tapestry in diversity management of Vistula University.The meeting delved into in-depth discussions centered around the materials presented at the Discussion for the 36th Businet Annual Conference – LTT on November 10, 2023. The intellectual exchange fostered a dynamic environment for participants to engage with cutting-edge ideas and trends in diversity field.

In addition to reflecting on the current project milestones, participants actively formulated a strategic schedule for forthcoming collaborations. This forward-looking approach sets the stage for continued synergies and impactful initiatives.