Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation FIBAA
Overview
Overview
The Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) is a non-profit international foundation based in Bonn, Germany, established in 1994. FIBAA is a prominent quality assurance agency specialising in the accreditation and certification of higher education institutions and programmes, particularly in the fields of business, economics, law, social sciences and related disciplines. The agency operates across Europe and internationally, offering services that promote transparency, quality and continuous improvement in higher education.
History and Legal Framework
Founded in the fall of 1994 by leading business associations from Switzerland, Austria and Germany, FIBAA was established as a non-profit international foundation. The agency was created to address the growing need for quality assurance in higher education, particularly in the context of the Bologna Process and the transition to bachelor's and master's degree programmes. FIBAA is legally registered in Zurich, Switzerland, with its main office located in Bonn, Germany. Since its inception, FIBAA has been authorised by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) to conduct programme and system accreditations in Germany. The agency is also listed in the European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education (EQAR), reflecting its adherence to European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG).
Mission, Vision and Objectives
FIBAA's mission is to promote transparency and quality in higher education by providing independent accreditation and certification services. The agency aims to:
- Enhance the quality and international recognition of higher education programmes.
- Support institutions in developing and implementing effective quality assurance systems.
- Foster continuous improvement and innovation in teaching and learning.
- Facilitate the international mobility of students and graduates through recognised accreditation.
Through these objectives, FIBAA contributes to the advancement of higher education standards and the alignment of academic programmes with global best practices.
Governance, Structure and Independence
FIBAA operates as a non-profit foundation governed by a Foundation Council, which represents the interests of its founding members and oversees the strategic direction of the agency. The Foundation Council is responsible for defining the agency's mission, policies and objectives. FIBAA maintains strict independence in its accreditation and certification processes, ensuring that decisions are based on objective criteria and expert evaluations. The agency's organisational structure supports transparency, accountability and stakeholder involvement in decision-making.
Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education
FIBAA offers a range of accreditation and certification services to higher education institutions:
- Programme Accreditation: Evaluation of individual study programmes to ensure they meet established quality standards and align with national and international frameworks.
- System Accreditation: Assessment of an institution's internal quality management system, enabling the institution to accredit its own programmes in the future.
- Institutional Accreditation: Evaluation of an institution's overall quality assurance processes and strategic management.
- Certification of Continuing Education Courses: Assessment of non-degree programmes to ensure they meet quality standards.
- Quality Seal for Digital Education: Recognition of programmes that demonstrate excellence in digital learning environments.
These services are designed to support higher education institutions in enhancing the quality of their academic offerings, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and ensuring alignment with national and international standards.
International Cooperation and Network Memberships
FIBAA is actively involved in several international networks and organisations dedicated to quality assurance in higher education. Its memberships include:
- ENQA (European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education)
- EQAR (European Quality Assurance Register for Higher Education)
- ECA (European Consortium for Accreditation in Higher Education)
- CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation)
These affiliations enable FIBAA to stay abreast of global trends in quality assurance, participate in international dialogues and contribute to the development of best practices in accreditation.
Current or Future Impact on Higher Education
FIBAA's role in higher education continues to evolve as it adapts to changing educational landscapes. Its impact includes:
- Enhancing the quality and international recognition of higher education degrees.
- Supporting institutions in aligning their programmes with international standards and expectations.
- Contributing to the development of a more transparent and accountable higher education system.
- Facilitating the international mobility of students and graduates through recognised accreditation.
Looking forward, FIBAA aims to expand its services to include more institutions globally, further strengthening the internationalisation of higher education.
Summary
The Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) is a key player in the global higher education landscape. Through its rigorous accreditation and certification processes, it ensures that academic programmes meet high-quality standards, contributing to the continuous improvement of teaching and learning. Its active participation in international networks underscores its commitment to global best practices in quality assurance.
FAQs
- What is FIBAA?
FIBAA is a non-profit international foundation based in Bonn, Germany, authorised to evaluate and accredit higher education programmes and quality management systems. - When was FIBAA established?
FIBAA was founded in 1994 by leading business associations from Switzerland, Austria and Germany. - What types of accreditation does FIBAA offer?
FIBAA offers programme accreditation, system accreditation, institutional accreditation, certification of continuing education courses and a quality seal for digital education. - Is FIBAA recognised internationally?
Yes, FIBAA is a member of several international quality assurance networks, including ENQA, EQAR, ECA and CHEA. - How does FIBAA ensure the independence of its accreditation processes?
FIBAA maintains strict independence by ensuring that accreditation decisions are made collectively by a board elected from its diverse membership, with no single institution influencing the outcomes.
Organization Profile
Organization Name
Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation
Acronym
FIBAA
Year of Establishment
1/01/2002
Control Type
Private
Entity Type
Non-Profit
Geo Focus and Coverage
International
Recognized by
n.a.
Affiliations or Memberships
n.a.
Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions
n.a.
Contact Details
Address
Berliner Freiheit 20-24
Bonn
53111 Nordrhein-Westfalen Germany
Phone
+49 (228) 2803560
Fax
+49 (228) 2803569
Location Map
Member Universities or Accredited Institutions
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