AACSB International Focuses on Enhancing Quality Improvement Services for the Latin American and Caribbean Region

TAMPA, Fla., July 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AACSB International (AACSB), the premier membership and accrediting body for business schools worldwide, announces the launch of regionally adapted programs which will focus on enhancing quality improvement services to meet the needs of business schools in the Latin American and the Caribbean region.

Guided by the expertise of a Latin American and Caribbean Advisory Council (LAAC), AACSB's increased focus and new programs will help to strengthen its membership, professional development, and accreditation services for the approximate 2,100 institutions that offer business degrees within Latin America and the Caribbean. Distinguished members of the LAAC represent prominent leaders in management education from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, and the United States.

"At a time of rapid change, successful growth is critical for business schools within Latin America and the Caribbean, and insuring that this growth is based on quality is of vital importance to AACSB," said John J. Fernandes, president and chief executive officer of AACSB International. "Through an integrated approach, AACSB will support the needs of this region through the development of resources and relationships that are essential to advancing business education."

To commence the new programs, AACSB will offer its inaugural Latin America and Caribbean Annual Conference in Mexico City, Mexico on August 26-27, 2013.  Delivered entirely in Spanish, this conference will focus on exploring management education trends in Latin America, as well as providing best practices from leading business schools in the region and beyond. 

Immediately following the conference AACSB will host its Business Accreditation Seminar, August 27-28, 2013. Offered for the first time in the region, this interactive seminar will provide participants with a step-by-step look at the accreditation process according to the most recent set of AACSB Accreditation Standards  (adopted April 2013).

Together, both events will provide an important platform for business school leaders to uncover new strategies or techniques, exchange ideas, and enhance their competitive edge.  Such inaugural events illustrate AACSB's growing portfolio of regionally adapted educational programs that will be delivered for the Latin American and Caribbean business school community.

"These events, under the scope of the LAAC, represent an important milestone for AACSB and the higher education community in Latin America and the Caribbean. I see very positive growth occurring over the next 10 years, not only for business education, but for higher education as whole," said Fernando D'Alessio, director general of CENTRUM Catolica and chair of AACSB's Latin America and Caribbean Advisory Council. "Business education is crucial for economic development across the region, and our graduates are playing a strategic role in leading the future—this is quite important." 

About AACSB International
AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), founded in 1916, is an association of more than 1,350 educational institutions, businesses, and other organizations in over 80 countries and territories. AACSB's mission is to advance quality management education worldwide through accreditation, thought leadership, and value-added services. As the premier accreditation body for institutions offering undergraduate, master's, and doctorate degrees in business and accounting, the association also conducts a wide array of conferences and seminar programs at locations throughout the world. AACSB's global headquarters is located in Tampa, Florida, USA and its Asia Pacific headquarters is located in Singapore. For more information, please visit www.aacsb.edu. 

SOURCE AACSB International