Monthly update and future plans from our CEO Anne Kiem

By Anne Kiem 

It has been a busy start to the year and I have been out visiting as many people as possible to ensure we are keeping as up to date with our members and other organisations that have an impact on the work of business schools.

I attended my first session of the International Deans Programme, which we run in conjunction with EFMD. I was impressed by the diversity of the deans on the programme as well as the trusting and open relationships that have already been formed.  It helped me make sense of conversations I have had with some of our most experienced deans in the UK when they speak with fondness and appreciation for their own time on the programme years ago and the lasting friendships that have resulted, not only with fellow deans in the UK, but also overseas.

In our most recent newsletter, James Newhall writes a piece about the meeting of the Diversity Group. At the event, the sense of camaraderie was once again, very evident. And I think this is what most strikes me about the sector; the commitment to the whole. Yes, there is competition and difference, but there is an overriding sense of fellowship and mutual support. This too is reflected in the work that is undertaken by the many committees and working groups, for which the Association is very grateful. The ABS exists for its membership and it is the dedication of the membership that keeps it going, whether that involvement is all encompassing or in specific areas only.

As you will read later in the newsletter, we are publishing the new Academic Journal Guide later this month. We also have a number of exciting conferences coming up; the Research Conference in March, the Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Conference in April and we are planning our Annual Conference in November. I look forward to seeing you all at one or more of these.

Anne Kiem

Chief Executive of the Chartered Association of Business Schools