For several months, several staff members at Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM) have been working on the report for EQUIS, in anticipation of the EQUIS delegation's site visit in March. Recently, the School received the long-awaited news that LUSEM has been re-accredited for another five years. This is LUSEM's third five-year EQUIS accreditation in a row.
EQUIS is a comprehensive quality review system for business and management schools. Its rigorous peer-review process signals the school’s overall quality, viability and self-improvement commitment to students, employers and academic partners worldwide. The internationally acknowledged label is often a prerequisite for entry to rankings.
We reached out to Joakim Gullstrand, Dean at LUSEM, and Margareta Dackehag, Quality Assurance Coordinator of the School, to learn more about their perspectives on this fantastic news and its related positive effects.
A mark of prestige but also a reaffirmation
“I am delighted to share that the LUSEM has been re-accredited by EQUIS for another five years. This re-accreditation is not just a mark of prestige but a reaffirmation of our decades-long commitment to excellence in every facet of our School, and it aligns perfectly with our mission to make a difference,” Joakim says.
Joakim emphasized the significance of achieving EQUIS re-accreditation, stating that it solidifies LUSEM's adherence to the highest international standards as a Business School. This distinction attests to innovative educational approaches, impactful research, and strong ties with society outside academia. According to Joakim it also assures all stakeholders of LUSEM's determination to continuously enhance the international reputation of the School.
Joakim also expressed gratitude towards the tireless efforts and commitment of colleagues who contributed to achieving this milestone, emphasising that this external validation is especially significant as it is not always apparent from within how the peers perceive the hard work and innovative practices done by the staff at LUSEM.
Evaluating LUSEM in multiple dimensions
As the Quality Assurance Coordinator, Margareta has played a pivotal role in managing the preparations, collecting written materials, and serving as the primary point of contact for the delegation. She says that the re-accreditation process requires a lot of effort, not the least when it comes to the collection of data.
“A lot of great things happens at the School, and keeping track of that was a challenge. This is something we need to continue working on in the future,” Margareta says.
On what the primary benefits or advantages of being accredited by EQUIS are, Margareta says that accreditation by EQUIS comes with many advantages:
“It is a comprehensive accreditation, evaluating the School in multiple dimensions. Our performance is assessed in relation to international standards, by a group of external evaluators (deans from other international business schools). These aspects contribute to transparency and an international outlook, keeping our School relevant and internationally competitive.”
Current impact and future prospects: A closer look
The conversation shifts towards the student perspective and the future of the school. Both Joakim and Margareta discuss the quality of education, international recognition, and reaffirming LUSEM's position.
What impact has this re-accreditation on the students at LUSEM?
“This re-accreditation is a reassurance to our students, affirming the high value and international recognition of their education at LUSEM. It strengthens their competitiveness in the global job market and ensures that their education remains contemporary, socially responsible, and globally oriented. It is a testament to the quality of education they are receiving and the opportunities it will open up for them in the future,” says Joakim.
Margareta adds that this re-accreditation reaffirms LUSEM’s place among the one per cent of business schools with triple accreditation around the world.
Looking ahead, how will LUSEM sustain its current position and further enhance its achievements?
“Looking forward, we will continue to maintain and elevate the standards recognised by EQUIS. This includes refining our program offerings, enhancing alumni engagement, and expanding our global footprint. Our efforts will focus on delivering transformative education and impactful research alongside fostering internationalisation, sustainability, and active engagement with the corporate world, ensuring our ongoing commitment to excellence in all aspects of our activities,” Joakim concludes.
