The School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law has received AMBA & BGA accreditation – confirming it as world-class

The school also just celebrated its 75th anniversary in October 2024.

During the accreditation process, members of the AMBA & BGA accreditation panel commended the sustainable growth of the school.

The panel also mentioned the uniqueness of the specialisation in both Law and Economics /Management at the school, which the panel saw as a source of distinctiveness.

The panel also appreciated the attention the school paid to the gender balance of students  and the amount of female participation.

Upon receiving the AMBA accreditation, all current and recent graduates of the school’s MBA portfolio are invited to join AMBA’s global membership network, which comprises approximately 60,000 students and alumni from over 150 countries. 

Meanwhile, all undergraduates and alumni from any of the business school’s programmes are invited to join BGA’s individual membership network. Through both these organisations, students and graduates can strengthen a community that acts as a force for good in management thought and practice, through exclusive events and business content. 

AMBA & BGA accreditation is international in scope and reach, and the organisation works with senior academics at top educational institutions around the world to continuously update accreditation criteria and maintain a unique, in-depth, and detailed approach.  

AMBA & BGA believe accredited schools should be of the highest standard and reflect changing trends and innovation in postgraduate management education. As such, the accreditation process reflects this commitment to fostering innovation and challenges business schools to continuously perform at the highest level.

Haitao WU, Dean of School of Business Administration, said: “As Dean, I am proud of what we have achieved in this accreditation cycle. ... what we have gained is far more valuable than merely passing an assessment. I am deeply grateful for the insights provided by the panel members, both past and present, which have inspired us to reach higher. We remain committed to our mission and forge ahead with resilience and determination.”

Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of AMBA & BGA, said: “Accreditation reflects a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. I am delighted that the School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law has received this joint accreditation. The school is clearly invested in creating world-class education for its students.”

For more information or interviews, please contact:

· Ellen Buchan, Insight, Content and PR Manager, AMBA & BGA –

e.buchan@associationofmbas.com

· Ke CHEN, Coordinator, International Accreditation Office, School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law -

sba.accreditation@zuel.edu.cn

About the School of Business Administration, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law

Founded in 1948 as Zhongyuan University, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law (ZUEL) is renowned for its storied past, particularly within its School of Business Administration (SBA). Tracing its lineage back to 1949, when the Department of Factory Management and the Department of Trade were first established at Zhongyuan University, SBA has undergone remarkable transformations. The MBA School of ZUEL merged into SBA in 2018, ushering in a fresh chapter in its historical narrative, which reached a significant milestone.

ZUEL was proudly included in the first and second rounds of the national "Double First-Class" initiative, which aims to cultivate world-class universities and disciplines. In the latest discipline evaluations, ZUEL's core disciplines received outstanding grades: Law (A, top 5%), Applied Economics (A-, top 5%-10%), and Business Administration (A-, top 5%-10%). SBA boasts comprehensive resources in its two National first-level disciplines: Applied Economics and Business Administration.

SBA comprises seven departments spanning diverse fields such as Business Administration, Marketing Management, Economics and Trade, Agricultural Economy Management, Tourism Management, Operations and Supply Chain Management, and Human Resource Management, as well as an MBA Education Center. Additionally, it has established 18 research institutes (or research centers) that are at the forefront of various academic disciplines, including the Research Institute of China (Hubei) Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Research Center for Digital Economy and Business Ethics, and the Research Institute of Internet+ Agriculture Development etc.

SBA, with its comprehensive educational system, offers a diverse array of programmes spanning Business Administration and Applied Economics. This includes 8 doctoral degrees, 15 master's degrees categorized into 10 research-oriented and 5 professional-oriented programmes, as well as 9 undergraduate degrees. Notably, SBA enrolls international students for 5 undergraduate, 2 master's, and 2 doctoral programmes. SBA's undergraduate programmes are all nationally recognized as first-class, making SBA the business school with the largest number of such programmes not just in ZUEL, but throughout China.

The SBA consists of a total of 153 faculty members and 49 staff, with its teaching team including 49 professors and 70 associate professors. Notably, 55% of these faculty members possess overseas educational or research experience. Over the past five years, SBA has garnered over 50 provincial and ministerial research accolades, undertaken numerous national projects, provincial and ministerial initiatives, and international collaborations. Furthermore, more than 400 academic papers by SBA faculty have been published in prestigious domestic and international journals, including Social Sciences in China, Economic Research Journal, UTD24 journals, and FT50 journals. Currently, SBA boasts over 150 doctoral candidates, 1100 master's students, and 2400 undergraduate students.

SBA has maintained long-term academic exchanges and cooperation with univiersites in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and other countries and with overseas research institutions such as the Institute of Development Studeis and the International Rice Research Institute. Moreover, nearly twenty well-known scholars from the prestigious universities of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Finland, Japan, etc. have been employed as oversears guest professors and visiting scholars.  

About AMBA & BGA

Spearheading excellence and trailblazing innovation, for more than 50 years the Association of MBAs (AMBA) has been the impartial authority on post-graduate management education. AMBA established that vision in 1967 and, in a volatile, uncertain world, it's as relevant today as it was then. We are committed to raising the profile and quality standards of business education internationally, for the benefit of business schools, students and alumni, employers, communities and society.

· Our accreditation service is the global standard for all MBA, DBA and master’s degrees, currently accrediting programmes from the top 2% of business schools in more than 75 countries.

· Our Research and Insight Centre produces a rich body of reports exploring global trends in the business education sector. This drives our global thought leadership and public affairs campaigns.

· We are the only professional membership association that connects MBA students and graduates, accredited business schools and MBA employers throughout the world.

· Through our members, AMBA is building an international force for good, championing best practice, responsible management and sustainability. Membership to AMBA means being part of an international community of peers with access to business strategy thought leadership, career advice and knowledge, and an MBA jobs portal.

· Our multi-award-winning events offer networking opportunities online and in person across all continents in association with international corporate partners and thought leaders exclusively for our members and accredited business schools.

The Business Graduates Association (BGA) is an international membership and accreditation body of world-leading and high-potential business schools that share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning, and that are looking to provide a positive impact on their students, communities and the economy as a whole. We offer:

· Quality assurance services to business schools and similar institutions, aimed at continuous improvement and positive impact to increase a business school’s credibility and influence.

· Consultation and mentorship services to business schools to improve their marketing and admissions, programme design, alumni interaction, teaching methods, and career development services.

· Award-winning international events for business school professionals, focused on continuous learning.

· Student and graduate membership, which includes social networking events worldwide, professional development tools, a Career Development Centre, and much more.

· Leading and award-winning content on responsible management, professional and personal growth, and influence via the Business Impact content hub.