The Training and Development Wing of the National Business Education Accreditation Council successfully organized an online training program titled “How to Prepare for Peer Review Visits of Business Schools” on August 08, 2024. Conducted via Zoom, the event was designed to equip business schools with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective preparation for peer review visits, a critical component in the accreditation process. These peer review visits involve a comprehensive assessment by a Peer Reviewer Team, which evaluates various aspects of a business school's operations, including the quality and effectiveness of policies, processes, and academic outcomes. The review covers key areas such as the institution’s strategic plan, faculty performance, student achievements, research output, resource availability and utilization, and the robustness of administrative functions. Proper preparation for these visits is essential for business schools to highlight their strengths, address potential weaknesses, and meet the standards required for accreditation or re-accreditation.

The training provided a detailed guideline on how to prepare for these peer review visits, addressing critical areas such as understanding evaluation criteria, organizing documentation, and effectively engaging with reviewers. It also tackled common challenges faced by business schools during the peer review process. The training covered essential topics, including the prerequisites of a peer review visit, scheduling, preparing faculty and staff, understanding the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders, and organizing necessary documentation before and during the visit. Additionally, it emphasized the importance of campus and facilities preparation, strategies for engaging the Peer Review Team, developing evidence trails, and the do’s and don’ts of peer review visits, as well as tasks to be completed post-visit.

The consultants for this workshop were Dr. Zaki Rashidi (Professor, Iqra University, Karachi) and Dr. Hamid Hassan (Professor, FAST School of Management, FAST-NU) who are well-versed with the peer review process. The training attracted over 30 participants from across the country, including Deans of Business Schools, Heads of Business Departments, NBEAC Focal Persons, senior faculty members, faculty involved in the accreditation process, QEC members, and aspirant reviewers. The wide range of attendees highlights the importance of peer review visits in maintaining and enhancing the quality of business education in Pakistan. Through this program, NBEAC continues to support business schools in their pursuit of excellence and adherence to international standards, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of business education in the country.