EDAF FAQS

The EFMD Deans Across Frontiers (EDAF) programme is a global initiative aimed at supporting business schools, particularly in developing regions. It provides guidance, mentorship, and resources to help these institutions enhance their quality and operations. The programme connects experienced deans with emerging schools, focusing on strategic leadership, academic improvement, and sustainable development to meet international standards. EDAF is committed to fostering excellence and growth in business education worldwide.

Please visit our EDAF Benefits page.

The EDAF mentorship process involves a customised, long-term partnership between an institution and an experienced mentor, typically a dean or director from a globally recognised business school. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment of the institution's needs and objectives. The mentor then provides ongoing guidance over one to three years, focusing on areas such as governance, leadership development, and internationalisation. This collaborative approach aims to foster sustainable improvements and strategic growth tailored to the institution's specific context and goals.

The Assessment Criteria and Process Manual will help answer many of your questions. You may use the ‘Contact EDAF’ form on our website or edaf@efmdglobal.org to express your interest and get in touch with our team.

EFMD aims to support business education globally. Although membership is normally the first prerequisite for our services, EDAF is open to non-members. A business school wishing to take part in the EDAF process must meet the following criteria as a minimum:

1. It must be a higher education institution (or part of one) that delivers degrees that are recognised nationally, which:
   • has a mission appropriate for a higher education institution;
   • has a primary focus on education in general management or business administration;
   • can demonstrate sufficient institutional stability and resources.
2. The senior management of the school should have some autonomy in managing its staff and budget as well as in the design and running of its programmes.
3. The school should offer at least one degree programme from the following segments: Bachelors (first degree), Masters (second degree), MBA, Doctoral programmes.
4. There should be a sufficient number of students in the school to make it a viable business school. 
5. The school should have a reasonable number of core faculty so as to fulfil its mission. Faculty should cover the main fields of management and are expected to undertake some form of intellectual output activity.
6. The school should have adequate support services.

The EDAF programme offers two key paths:

1. Institutional Development Path: This path focuses on enhancing the overall quality and capabilities of a business school. It involves mentoring and support to help schools improve their strategic leadership, governance, and academic offerings.
2. Bridging the Path to Accreditation: This path is designed for schools aiming to achieve international accreditation. It provides tailored guidance and mentorship to prepare institutions for the accreditation process, ensuring they meet the required standards and criteria.

Upon completing the EDAF process, the school will receive the EDAF Certificate recognising its commitment to quality improvement.

There is a three-year mentoring process.

You can find the EDAF Fee Schedule here. Schools also have the opportunity to apply for EDAF funding that will grant a fee reduction for part of the process fees if needed.