Beyond the lecture hall: How CMBE shapes the future of business education

Academia isn’t just about teaching in isolation—it’s about linking ideas to practice, collaborating with industry, and shaping future enterprising and innovative leaders. Dr. Robert James Crammond shares his journey with CMBE, which has given him opportunities to reflect and connect with peers who share the same drive for innovation in business education. 

Why did you decide to join the Certified Management Business Educator and what has the impact of this been? 

 The CMBE was championed by our school’s business manager, a member of the Scottish Committee. He introduced it as a method to track and reflect on CPD, with the added benefit of networking opportunities. With that comes the chance to get involved in CABS, which offers national recognition. CMBE provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on your work, keeping you motivated and focused on the year ahead—almost like a to-do list for future goals. Within our school, we saw its value as a national standard that extends beyond our university, connecting us to a wider academic community. Beyond recognition, it also enhances academic profiles through external engagement. Somewhat similar to the Advance HE Fellowship system, CMBE is less reflective and more pragmatic, bridging industry with academia—keeping us connected and informed. The dynamic nature of CMBE and working with the Chartered Association of Business Schools was a major draw, alongside national-level recognition. I’ve been a member of Chartered ABS since November 2019. 

 What's been the most positive thing that you've received from the subscription? 
 

The most valuable part of the subscription has been the regular updates from Chartered ABS and the Small Business Charter.  As a facilitator and session coordinator for CMBE, particularly in Help to Grow, I’ve been able to appreciate and understand through broader engagement with Chartered ABS and reflect on CMBE. This involvement naturally encourages deeper participation in other areas.  It’s all part of the same community and network. Working within Help to Grow enhances understanding of Chartered ABS's wider strategy, particularly in relation to government and universities.  With CMBE, there are opportunities to engage with those already involved in similar initiatives. In terms of connecting with the network, everything is interlinked, providing further impetus to join the CMBE scheme. 

What was your experience with the CMBE community? 

The CMBE community offers valuable opportunities for peer review and engagement. Periodically, members are invited to sessions that address key concerns for business educators, such as seminars, which are particularly beneficial. Much like the Fellowship system—where members advance from associate to fellow, senior, and principal—CMBE provides a structured progression within the academic and business education landscape. 

If you were introducing the CMBE scheme to a peer, how would you summarise its value? 

I would say that CMBE is important because it gets you to plan ahead and be pragmatic. It encourages you to think about where you can progress and consider the wider elements beyond your day-to-day workload. It plays a role in networking as well. It’s like a process of reflection and review, but it also has the ability to influence and motivate you moving forward. Once you are part of the CMBE community, that engagement becomes a key part of your experience.  For anyone looking to refine their academic profile, expand their reach, and stay connected to evolving industry trends, CMBE is the perfect way to do it. Arguably, decades ago, an academic might have earned a degree and taught, rigidly within that subject area and that was it. Today, it’s about making an impact and engaging beyond the walls of your university—seeing how your work applies to and benefits other institutions. 

CMBE offers an accessible way to build that network. While critical reflection is key, you also contribute to the wider UK academic and industry landscape, gaining valuable insights about yourself. It’s a win-win. Yes, there is an administrative aspect—being critical and reflective—but that’s the best kind of critique: self-assessment that helps you plan ahead. You realise you can’t do everything at once, but each achievement leads to the next. CMBE provides a structured approach to personal development beyond the standard workload, programme leadership, or administrative responsibilities. Those tasks—the foundation of academia—still need to be done. But when it comes to long-term planning, becoming a well-rounded academic, and engaging with a broader community, CMBE is an obvious choice.  It covers reflection, review, networking, and community engagement. The more you invest in it, the more you gain. And with peer review adding another layer of credibility, plus plenty of supporting content like blogs, it’s a resource with lasting value. 

If you could describe the CMBE scheme, what's the first word or phrase that pops into your head? 

 It’s about three things, reflection, engagement and networking. During COVID, when everyone was locked in, people were looking for that sense of collegiality and connection. I think there’s an opportunity for that to return. Beyond that, the CMBE log tracks other things you can engage in with the CMBE community. You can set goals—decide what you want to achieve—and while that might start within your institution, the community is there to support you. You’ve got the research and teaching community, all working towards similar goals. We already engage with them for course compatibility, content alignment, and regulatory requirements for awards. So, in a way, we’re all singing from the same song sheet—it’s about ensuring that alignment continues. 

The Certified Management & Business Educator (CMBE) scheme is helping the global business school community to raise standards in business & management education. If you are interested in learning more about how the CMBE can support your professional development and amplify your role as an educator, visit here for more information.