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.