EOCCS

By 23rd January 2020Resource

EOCCS

EFMD’s Online Course Certification System (EOCCS)  evaluates the quality of online business/management courses.  Unlike EPAS or AMBA, the focus is on individual courses (or modules) which may or may not be part of a wider programme set. It also considers programmes from undergraduate up to doctoral level, including executive education provision.  The underlying benefits are:
  • to provide an international quality benchmark for online courses (and these may include blended delivery, where some elements of the course are delivered face-to-face);
  • to promote a culture of continuous improvement;
  • to enhance the potential for peer-to-peer networking and learning.

Entry Criteria
The entry criteria are straightforward: the course must have had one successful ‘run’; have had at least 20 participants and must offer at least 20 learning hours.

Process
The EOCCS process involves a thorough review of the relevant courses or modules, and is usually completed online.  It can take as little as 12 weeks from submission of application.  The application is in two parts: the Data Sheet and the Course Self-Assessment Report (covering the four EOCCS standards: see below).

Once the application is accepted by EFMD, it is considered by an Online Review Panel.  The Online Review is scheduled with the School, using online video conferencing software (The meeting takes approx 3 hours).  Certification recommendations are submitted to the EOCCS Certification Board for a final decision. Certification (where successful) lasts for three years.

EOCCS Standards
The EOCCS framework is based on four inter-related standards:

  1. Institutional Context: is the course sustainable?  Does it have qualified and experienced staff? How is it linked to the organisation’s mission?  Is it supported appropriately?
  2. Course Composition: What is the target population? How is learning designed?  How is course content and delivery designed and agreed?  How does technology impact the delivery?
  3. Course Delivery and Operations; What are the processes for recruitment and admission of students? How is the course content conveyed?  What about academic and technical support?
  4. Quality Assurance Processes: This covers all elements of quality assurance – from institutional systems (course planning, faculty appointments etc) through to course review assessment of students; and monitoring of teaching and learning.
How can QED help?
QED is well positioned to support schools interested in EOCCS. We have unparalleled expertise in preparing accreditation documentation and supporting business schools with continuous improvement processes.
Further information on EOCCS is available directly from the EFMD website.  If you’re interested in EOCCS, QED is happy to provide an initial 30 minute consultation at no obligation – to discuss whether your course is likely to be suitable for EOCCS certification and to consider what supports might be required.  Email us directly to set up a time.
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