AQF and ABDC submission on Business education* ANZAM Institutional Members Meeting 9 December 2011 * Material in these slides are taken from the ABDC submission to AQF except otherwise as indicated.

AQF – what’s it all about? Introduced 1995: – “Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education & training. It incorporates the qualifications from each education & training sector into a single comprehensive national qualifications framework” (AQF First Edition, July 2011, p. 9) Revised 2011 by AQF Council – “to ensure that qualification outcomes remain relevant & nationally consistent, continue to support flexible qualifications linkages and pathways and enable national and international portability and comparability of qualifications” (p. 9) Qualifications - 10 levels ABDC meeting 27 th July – presentation by Di Brooker – While AQF developed “First edition” TEQSA will regulate compliance – TEQSA not in full operation until January 2012; full compliance by 2015 – Current uncertainty for business schools & universities – clarification of document ABDC – raised six issues with them - subsequently presented as agreed business deans perspective on document

ABDC issues - generic Global context in which business schools operate – including accreditation, rankings, international competition – face challenge of this plus subject to significant scrutiny Graduate capabilities and quality – come from strong links to professions & accreditation Business schools at forefront – in demonstrating quality at an international level for long-term sustainability

ABDC issues - specific 1. Acceptable title of programs: seek recognition that: – Executive MBA is a compliant title – common globally c.f. MBA (Executive) – P/G Cert. in Bus. & P/G Dip. in Bus. = level 8 Grad Cert & Grad Dip 2. Professional doctorates: – Most appropriately fits in with AQF level 10 – Not all programs compliant with 2 years research requirement – Encourage Deans to ensure DBA compliance

ABDC issues - specific 3. Recognition of prior learning & pathways (section ) – Typically 50% credit for Advanced Dip. or Associate Degree linked to a 3 year Bachelor Degree – Other arrangements can be negotiated at institution level – ABDC – interpret as minimum guidelines

ABDC issues - specific 4. Volume of learning AQF policy: “The volume of learning of a Masters Degree (Coursework) is typically 1-2 year; in the same discipline 1.5 years following a level 7 qualification or 1 year following a level 8 qualification; in a different discipline 2 years following a level 7 qualification or 1.5 years following a level 8 qualification” Full-time – Australia = 2 – semesters/4 courses/year But: – many level 9 masters in business between 1-2 years of study – MBA, EMBA, conversion masters (Accounting) ABDC argument: – use non-disc. skills & kn. – 18mths therefore be recognized as typical for MBAs at level 9 – and same for conversion Masters

ABDC issues - specific 5. Structured practice related learning “The Masters Degree (Coursework) is designed so that graduates will have undertaken a program of structured learning with some independent research and project work or practice related learning. If this qualification is to prepare graduates for a profession a significant component of structured learning will be developed in collaboration with a relevant professional, statutory or regulatory body” ABDC position Structured learning experience is satisfied if the program is accredited by the relevant professional body Where there is no professional body..satisfied by evidence of appropriate graduate destinations and strong employability

ABDC issues - specific 6. Combined, dual and joint degrees First Edition silent on these Substantial variation in practice could damage quality & international reputation ABDC position on these degrees – Achievement of relevant learning outcomes – Max 50% overlap in learning outcomes of two separate degrees

Conclusion Important to global competitiveness of business schools Uncertainty about interpretation ABDC proactive in influencing “effective implementation of the AQF to Australian business programs” (ABDC submission, p.9)