BUILDING SUSTAINABLE GLOBAL BUSINESS SCHOOLS:A STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
Abstract
This paper addresses the critical need for a structured framework to guide Indian business schools (B-schools) toward sustainable global competitiveness and deep integration of global values. The fundamental objective is to provide a framework that is both strategic and sustainable for B-schools, improving institutional efficiency and aligning operations with global best practices. Utilizing a qualitative research design, this study examines the strategic priorities and institutional perspectives of six key internal and external stakeholders: institutional founders (n=2), directors (n=2), and accreditation experts (national AICTE and international EFMD) (n=2). Data were collected through in-depth interviews categorized across five foundational pillars - Marketing, Infrastructure, Admissions, Administration, and Placements. Thematic analysis was augmented by interpreting stakeholder prioritization via bubble chart visualizations, wherein stakeholders allocated a normalized weight (16.67) across sub-themes for each pillar. The analysis revealed a unified shift toward digital-first, outcome-based branding, and holistic candidate assessment. However, a significant finding is the critical misalignment between aspiration and implementation, where stakeholders prioritize reputational assets - specifically Accreditations & Rankings Impact - over functional mechanisms for global mobility, such as International Faculty & Student Diversity. Accreditation experts strongly define faculty quality and continuous improvement as the institutional cornerstone, emphasizing that global standing depends on policy-driven processes and research excellence. The core contribution is a comprehensive framework - the Sustainable Global Business School (SGBS) Model - which integrates AACSB-aligned faculty qualification standards with policy-driven strategies to embed entrepreneurship, sustainability, and continuous quality assurance (CQA) across all institutional functions. This model provides B-school leaders with an empirically validated, replicable blueprint for achieving institutional excellence and long-term relevance in the contemporary world.