College of Business and Graduate School of Business receive AACSB accreditation for advancing the quality of business education

Aug 05, 2024PRESS RELEASE

College of Business and Graduate School of Business receive AACSB accreditation for advancing the quality of business education

OBJECTIVE.

Rikkyo University’s College of Business and Graduate School of Business earned accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in August 2024. This prestigious recognition places Rikkyo among the top 6% of business schools worldwide, highlighting the university’s commitment to excellence in education and research, and enhancing its ability to collaborate with leading international institutions.

*The AACSB evaluates business schools that are higher education institutions offering regular degree programs in business and business administration for accreditation.

Rikkyo University became the seventh institution in Japan to receive AACSB accreditation. It is one of four universities in the nation to have both its undergraduate and graduate schools earn this distinction.

This accreditation affirms the global quality of education in the two undergraduate departments (Department of Business Management, Department of Global Business) and graduate programs (Master’s in international business, Master’s in Leadership Development).

Points of distinction

Evidence of unique education and world class research enabled the college and graduate schools to successfully navigate the rigorous screening process. Three key strengths were highlighted by AACSB: the exceptional leadership education programs, the unique Student Assistant (SA) system, and impactful collaborations with companies and community initiatives.

Leadership education (BLP/BBL)

The Business Leadership Program (BLP) of the Department of Business and the Bilingual Business Leader Program (BBL) of the Department of Global Business are designed to help students develop and demonstrate leadership through project-based classes. Both programs received particularly high evaluations from AACSB. In the BLP, students tackle actual issues presented by companies as a team while learning leadership theories. In the BBL, students learn how to study business administration via English and address business issues presented by companies as part of multinational teams.

The College of Business Student Assistant (SA) system

Student assistants play a vital role in supporting class management and collaborate closely with faculty in the Business Leadership Program (BLP), Bilingual Business Leader Program (BBL), and Good Business Initiative (GBI). They assist in planning, implementing, evaluating, and enhancing the curriculum. In doing so, student assistants gain valuable leadership experience while providing essential support to their peers. By working alongside senior students, students are inspired to pursue further development, fostering a positive cycle of peer-supported learning and growth.

Collaborative projects with companies and community engagement

The College of Business and Graduate School of Business engage in various collaborative projects with industry partners across multiple sectors. These collaborative initiatives are often integrated into seminars, where faculty members actively contribute to business practice and strategy. Several faculty members also serve as external corporate directors, bridging the gap between academia and business.

Examples of collaborative initiatives

An industry-academia collaboration event organized by Hiroshi Sasaki’s Seminar and Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro.
Development and sale of a training tool for new employees by Jun Nakahara’s Seminar, with Diamond, Inc., and others.
Proposals related to the anime business by Mika Takaoka’s Seminar, in projects with Dentsu Inc., and WOWOW.

About AACSB

Established in the United States in 1916, AACSB is the oldest and one of the most respected accrediting organizations for business schools. Its accreditation is a globally recognized benchmark, assuring students and employers of an institution's high standards in education and research. AACSB has accredited approximately 1,000 institutions worldwide. To retain this status, institutions undergo a rigorous rescreening every six years.

AACSB has nine screening standards for accreditation. Emphasis is placed on mission-based teaching and research with societal impact, alongside procedures used to ensure high-quality learning outcomes. Rikkyo University began the process in 2015 by completing a self-assessment and evaluation report, after which it underwent rigorous screening procedures. This included on-site inspections conducted by an accreditation team dispatched by AACSB.

Significance of Accreditation

Global Standards: This accreditation ensures that the College of Business and Graduate School of Business meet the highest international standards, benefiting students academically and professionally.
Increased Opportunities: This accreditation enhances Rikkyo’s visibility globally, attracting top students and facilitating stronger international partnerships and collaboration through the network of accredited schools.

Message from Renta Nishihara, Rikkyo University President

Receiving accreditation from AACSB, a global accrediting and evaluation body, signifies that the quality of education and research at Rikkyo University’s College of Business and Graduate School of Business is recognized as meeting the highest international standards. By leveraging this accreditation as an opportunity, Rikkyo University will continue to pursue innovative reforms that will allow it to lead higher education in Japan.

Message from Ayano Nishihara, Dean of the College of Business and the Graduate School of Business

Our students, faculty members, and graduates are all ecstatic that we have achieved AACSB accreditation. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who supported us in this endeavor. By leveraging our experience in the accreditation process, we are committed to fostering and supporting the next generation of innovative business leaders who can contribute to the world proactively and sustainably.