Building Business-Ready Graduates Through Quality and Partnership: SBSA’s Journey Towards Excellence

Seychelles Business Studies Academy’s Director, Josianne Bristol

1. How does the Seychelles Business Academy (SBSA) define and promote a culture of quality assurance across its operations?

The Seychelles Business Studies Academy (SBSA) defines its culture of quality assurance as a continuous commitment to improving educational standards, institutional processes, and stakeholder engagement. This culture is embedded in its operations through structured initiatives and strategic partnerships.

To promote this culture, SBSA has established a Quality Assurance Committee that includes both staff and management members. This committee plays a central role in overseeing internal audits. Members of the committee have undergone training in internal quality auditing, facilitated by the Seychelles Bureau of Standards. This training has equipped them with the skills to develop and apply quality audit tools and instruments, which are essential for enhancing the academy’s quality assurance structures.

Additionally, SBSA aligns its practices with the institutional accreditation action plan, which emphasises areas for improvement and steps taken to reach the recommendations set by the Seychelles Qualifications Authority (SQA). The academy also collaborates with SQA, which conducts accreditation visits and evaluations to ensure SBSA meets national education standards.

Furthermore, SBSA regularly takes part in training workshops run by the SQA. Their hands-on experience and involvement help keep the academy connected to national quality standards, and play a big role in fostering a strong, supportive culture of quality assurance throughout the academy.

2. How has your engagement with the SQA influenced institutional growth or decision-making?

The SBSA’s engagement with SQA has been instrumental in shaping its institutional growth and strategic decision-making. This collaboration has provided a structured framework for academic quality, programme development, and institutional and programme accreditation.

One of the most significant impacts has been the re-accreditation of key diploma programmes, such as the Diploma in Accounting and Finance and the Diploma in Business Management and Administration. These accreditations have enabled SBSA to introduce new, relevant content - such as a local taxation course developed in partnership with the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Procurement, as a few examples. These programmes are on offer after receiving SQA’s seal of accreditation, ensuring they met national standards and industry relevance.

Moreover, the SQA’s regulatory oversight has encouraged SBSA to adopt a strategic planning approach that aligns with national education priorities. The academy’s strategic plan includes a robust Monitoring & Evaluation framework, which is directly influenced by SQA’s quality assurance expectations. This has led to more data-driven decision-making, improved resource allocation, and a stronger focus on continuous improvement.

Through regular capacity-building initiatives facilitated by the SQA, SBSA has also enhanced its staff competencies in aspects such as accreditation, credit transfer, alignment of programmes with the NQF and RPL. These engagements have enabled the staff to grow and develop not only competencies and skills but the confidence to engage in decision-making processes.

3. What steps has SBSA taken to align programmes with national and international quality standards?

The SBSA has taken several strategic steps to ensure its programmes meet both national and international quality standards:

• Accreditation by the SQA:
  SBSA works closely with the SQA to ensure all its programmes are accredited and aligned with the Seychelles National Qualifications Framework (SNQF). This ensures that the content, assessment methods, and learning outcomes meet national education standards.

• Integration of Internationally Recognised Programmes:
  SBSA offers qualifications such as the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), a UK-based professional body. These qualifications are globally recognised and ensure that learners receive training that meets international benchmarks.

• Adoption of International Training Modules:
  The academy has incorporated modules from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), such as the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) programme which is a globally recognised business skills development programme used in over 100 countries and helps learners develop entrepreneurial and financial planning skills; the ABSA ReadyToWork programme, a PanAfrican Flagship programme which incorporates Work Skills, People Skills, Money Skills and Entrepreneurial Skills.

• Programme Development with Industry Input:
  SBSA collaborates with national bodies and industry partners, including all Board members and organisations in programme development through organising Job Analysis Workshops and surveys for industry input. Other organisations, such as the Seychelles Revenue Commission (SRC), have also contributed to develop relevant course content, such as a local taxation module. This ensures that programmes are not only academically sound but also industry-relevant.

4. How are learners and staff encouraged to contribute to quality improvement within the institution?

At the SBSA, both learners and staff play an active role in fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement. The academy encourages their involvement through several structured and inclusive mechanisms:

• Quality Assurance Committee Involvement:
  Staff members are directly involved in the Quality Assurance Committee, where they contribute to internal audits and the development of quality assurance tools. This empowers them to take ownership of institutional standards and improvement strategies.

• Learner Feedback Mechanisms:
  Learners are regularly invited to provide feedback through surveys. Their input is used to assess course delivery, teaching effectiveness, and campus services, ensuring that learner voices directly influence institutional decisions.

• Staff feedback:
  Staff are regularly invited to provide feedback to gain insights into their experiences with teaching, learning, and institutional services. This feedback is analysed and used to inform decision-making, enhance service delivery, and foster a responsive and inclusive work environment for the staff.

• Learner Representation in Committees:
  SBSA has a Learner Council in place and the Chairperson represents the other learners on the SBSA Governing Board, allowing learner participation in discussions on campus life and academic policies. This promotes transparency and shared responsibility.

• Self-evaluation;
  Self-evaluation is a structured and reflective process through which the performance, practices, and outcomes of key departments/ strategic priority areas are assessed. This mechanism helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development, forming the basis for strategic planning and quality enhancement.

• Educational assessment;
  This involves the measurement of learning outcomes, skills, and academic performance through various tools such as examinations, assignments, and projects. The results inform programme development, teaching strategies, and learner support services such as mentorship.

5. What are the benefits of working with the SQA?

Working with the SQA offers several key benefits that contribute to the growth, credibility, and effectiveness of the academy in various ways:

• Programme and Institutional Accreditation and Recognition:
  SQA ensures that academic programmes meet national standards and are aligned with the SNQF. This accreditation enhances the credibility of SBSA’s qualifications, making them more valuable to employers and universities.
  Accreditation and compliance with SQA standards boost SBSA’s reputation, making the academy more attractive in the field.
  
  
• Programme Development Support:
  Through its accreditation processes, SQA provides guidance on programme design, ensuring that programmes are industry-relevant, competency-based, and learner-centered. This has enabled SBSA to introduce new modules, such as local taxation, in collaboration with national agencies.
  
  
• Quality Assurance and Continuous Improvement:
  SQA promotes a culture of quality assurance by encouraging institutions to implement internal audits, monitoring frameworks, and staff training. This helps SBSA maintain high standards and continuously improve its operations.
  
  
• Capacity Building and Professional Development:
  SQA facilitates training opportunities for staff in areas such as accreditation processes, RPL implementation, which helps the academy build internal expertise and strengthen governance.
  
  
• Strategic Alignment with National Education Goals:
  By working with SQA, SBSA ensures its programmes and policies are aligned with national development priorities, including employability, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning.