Islamabad, Pakistan – April 26, 2024 – The Peer Reviewers Discussion Forum, hosted by the National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC) at HEC Islamabad, convened today to address critical updates in accreditation standards and report writing. Almost 45 peer reviewers across Pakistan have took part in the eighth peer reviewer discussion forum.  All Chairpersons of peer review teams, the members of accreditation related committees and the council members are invitees of the forum. The forum provided a platform for leading experts to share insights, discuss challenges, and propose recommendations to enhance the accreditation process for business schools across Pakistan.

 The forum kicked off with an insightful address by Dr. Naukhez Sarwar, Chairman of the NBEAC, who presented updates on the action items discussed during the previous Peer Reviewers Discussion Forum held in 2022. Dr. Sarwar provided valuable insights into the progress made and highlighted key areas for further focus and improvement.

Dr. Farooq-e-Azam Cheema, Vice Chairman of the NBEAC, led Session 1, focusing on the revisions in NBEAC standards. Dr. Cheema unveiled the structural and content changes implemented in the accreditation standards, including a reduction in the number of forms to seven and significant content modifications based on comprehensive reviews conducted since 2020. Attendees gained a comprehensive understanding of the revised standards and their implications for business school accreditation. The attendees are provided with two weeks to provide feedback on the revised standards.

Session 2, led by Dr. Asfia Obaid, Chairperson of the Accreditation Award Committee (AAC), explored the critical issues in report writing observed during accreditation review visits. Dr. Obaid highlighted concerns regarding data compatibility, completeness of arguments, and the integration of Peer Review Team (PRT) findings into accreditation reports. The session aimed to address these challenges and streamline the report-writing process for improved clarity and effectiveness.

Dr. Zaki Rashidi, Chairperson of the Eligibility Screening Committee, facilitated Session 3, which focused on discussing issues and challenges surrounding mentoring in the accreditation process. Dr. Rashidi emphasized the importance of mentoring services for business schools undergoing accreditation and identified key obstacles hindering optimal outcomes. Participants engaged in constructive dialogue to identify recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of mentoring services and overcoming existing challenges.

The Peer Reviewers Discussion Forum served as a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange among accreditation professionals, fostering a collective effort towards enhancing the quality and credibility of business education in Pakistan. By addressing key areas of concern and proposing actionable solutions, the forum reinforced the commitment of stakeholders to uphold rigorous standards of excellence in business education accreditation.