AACSB recognizes ALBA for Driving Innovation in Business Education Worldwide

ALBA recognized by AACSB International
for Driving Innovation in Business Education Worldwide

The initiative of ALBA "Student Consulting Projects for Struggling Businesses" among the 35 best global examples!

The AACSB International recognizes the innovative activity of ALBA Graduate Business School to support 65 Greek companies with the active involvement of graduate students

On Monday February 6^th, at its 2017 Deans Conference, AACSB International (AACSB), the world’s largest global education network, unveiled 35 innovations that represent critical work being done by business schools to better their communities and society at large.

ALBA Graduate Business School was recognized for their submission «Student Consulting Projects for Struggling Businesses” in the category “Engagement with Business” .

The overarching concept of this innovation is to match new, small and medium businesses that have specific needs to a group of students that will undertake a professional consultancy project. Via this project, ALBA Graduate Business School actively supports vulnerable Greek businesses, helps them overcome challenges created by the financial crisis, and identifies alternatives for growth—all through student consulting projects in which ALBA students are taught how to become agents of change.

 Dean of ALBA Dr. Konstantinos Axarloglou mentioned that "The recognition of our student's project by AACSB, certifies the appreciation of the positive social impact of the education of ALBA students, who  are catalysts of progress and change in the business community and thus contribute to social welfare."

“The Greek economy is changing dynamically due to the prolonged financial crisis that challenges decades of entrepreneurial tradition. Startups and family businesses face new types of threats and opportunities. said Mr. Alexis Komselis, Director of ALBA's Hub For Entrepreneurship And Development (AHEAD) It is great to witness student teams, from either ALBA or visiting business schools, help these businesses adapt and exploit opportunities through hands on, customer focused consultation projects. We are proud of what we are giving back to the Greek entrepreneurial community, especially after the strong support we have been receiving from it since ALBA’s foundation.”

The second annual Innovations That Inspire initiative recognizes institutions serving as champions of change in the business education landscape.  Is main purpose is to showcases unique ways business schools are changing the status quo to address societal needs, while empowering the business leaders of tomorrow.

A total of 315 submissions were received from 188 institutions, across 33 countries around the world mirroring society’s growing global demands, as well as the critical need for strong, connected, and forward-thinking business schools. The final list was narrowed down to 35 innovations from 19 countries.

“With great pleasure, I am thrilled to recognize ALBA Graduate Business School for its role in driving innovation in business education and fostering positive change in the areas of diversity and global economic prosperity,” said Tom R. Robinson, president and chief executive officer of AACSB international. “Through meaningful ideas and increasing opportunities for engagement, ALBA  has created a remarkable impact, to ensure a better and more connected world for many years to come.”

For a detailed overview of the featured innovations, please visit www.AACSB.edu/Innovations-That-Inspire.

About AACSB International

As the world's largest business education network connecting academe with business, AACSB provides business education intelligence, quality assurance, and professional development services to more than 1,500 member organizations across 97 countries and territories. Founded in 1916, AACSB accredits 780 business schools worldwide. Its global headquarters is located in Tampa, Florida, USA; Asia Pacific headquarters is located in Singapore; and its EMEA headquarters is located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, visit www.aacsb.edu.

Contact for AACSB: Amy Ponzillo | Senior Manager, Public Relations | [email protected]

Contact for ALBA: Marketing and Communication Department | [email protected]