Assurance of Learning

Almost two decades ago the Robins School recognized the central role that a formal Assurance of Learning structure and process should serve in guiding its activities to effectively measure and improve intentionally-defined student learning outcomes. A task force of faculty, administrators and personnel from instructional design and the career development center worked with students, alumni and employers to create a list of well-defined competencies that students should possess as graduates of the Robins School.

Although the progress has certainly not been linear since, this seminal work is reflected in the set of Learning Goals and associated Objectives that guide our work with students today as we continuously work to improve the quality of student learning. The Learning Goals and associated Objectives are presented at the program level and, for each program, serve two purposes as stated in the AACSB Assurance of Learning Standards:

  • First, learning goals convey to participants faculty and students, the educational outcomes toward which they are working.
  • Second, educational goals assist potential students to choose programs that fit their personal career goals.
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  • Core Learning Goals & Objectives for the Undergraduate Business Administration Program

    Learning Goal 1: Our graduates will be able to analyze and think critically to solve complex business problems.

    • O1.1 Students will produce solutions to business problems using appropriate analysis.
    • O1.2 Students will identify core issues, key stakeholders and their perspectives, and evaluate and apply evidence in support of a coherent position or recommendation.

    Learning Goal 2: Our graduates will be effective communicators.

    • O2.1 Students will make a professional and effective oral presentation.
    • O2.2 Students will write a cogent analysis of a business or economic situation.

    Learning Goal 3: Our graduates will possess the interpersonal skills needed to work effectively in a global and diverse business environment.

    • O3.1 Students will demonstrate an ability to work in teams and collaborate with others.
    • O3.2 Students will demonstrate an ability to make decisions considering the ethical implications and the impact on multiple stakeholders.

    Learning Goal 4: Our graduates will demonstrate knowledge across the primary functional areas of business.

    • O4.1 Students will demonstrate an understanding of the functional areas of business in accounting, economics, finance, management and marketing.

    For questions or comments, please contact Dr. Joyce van der Laan Smith, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Business Programs: (804) 287-6811 or jvanderl@richmond.edu.

  • Core Learning Goals & Objectives for the Accounting Department

    Learning Goal 1: Technical Accounting and Business Knowledge – Accounting graduates will possess technical accounting and business knowledge at a level tested by professional accounting certification examinations.

    • O1.1 Students will demonstrate that they possess the skills necessary to apply technical accounting and business knowledge when solving accounting-related problems.

    Learning Goal 2: Professional Responsibilities and Behaviors – Accounting graduates will understand professional accounting responsibilities and behaviors.

    • O2.1 Students will identify stakeholders, professional codes of conduct, and applicable laws when presented with an ethical accounting dilemma.

    Learning Goal 3: Information Technology Skills and Knowledge – Accounting graduates will integrate accounting knowledge with information technology skills.

    • O3.1 Students will demonstrate that they possess the skills necessary to integrate appropriate data analytic tools when solving accounting-related problems.
  • Core Learning Goals & Objectives for the Undergraduate Economics Program

    Our graduates will be able to analyze and think critically to solve complex economic problems. 

    • O1.1 Students will produce solutions to economic problems using appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques.
    • O1.2 Students will identify core issues, and evaluate and apply evidence in support of a coherent position or recommendation.

    Learning Goal 2: Our graduates will be effective communicators.

    • O2.1 Students will make a professional and effective oral presentation.
    • O2.2 Students will write a cogent analysis of an economic situation. 

    Learning Goal 3: Our graduates will possess the interpersonal skills needed to work effectively in a global and diverse economic environment. 

    • O3.1 Students will demonstrate an ability to work in teams and collaborate with others. 
    • O3.2 Students will demonstrate an ability to make decisions considering the ethical implications and their economic impact. 

    Learning Goal 4: Our graduates will demonstrate economic knowledge.

    • O4.1 Students will demonstrate an understanding of economic theory and practical applications.
  • Core Learning Goals & Objectives for the MBA Program

    Learning Goal 1 – Our graduates will be able to integrate knowledge from a variety of business disciplines in order to better understand markets, organizations, and individuals.

    • O1.1 Students will show evidence of appropriately and successfully integrating concepts from multiple functional areas in a single project.
    • O1.2 Students will combine statistical or quantitative analyses with non-quantitative factors in an analysis of a complex business situation (i.e., a case or exercise).

    Learning Goal 2 – Our graduates will be able to address complex business problems in novel ways, including the ability to reason and think analytically.

    • O2.1 Students will think logically through important decision factors and their implications when resolving complex business problems.
    • O2.2 Students will offer a well-reasoned recommendation to a specific business problem.

    Learning Goal 3 – Our graduates will have an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of operating in a global business environment.

    • O3.1  Students will be able to better analyze and resolve a complex business issue involving global elements.