We are pleased to announce that the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB), Lebanon and Cyprus, has successfully completed the Business School Impact System (BSIS) assessment process and has been granted the BSIS label.

The assessment team determined that OSB earned the Business School Impact System (BSIS) label for its exceptional contributions to finance, education, business development, intellectual output, regional integration, societal impact, and reputation enhancement.

Addressing the school for this achievement, BSIS Director François Bonvalet remarked:

“Congratulations to the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut on receiving the BSIS label. This recognition is a testament to OSB’s far-reaching impact on education, research, and community engagement. By fostering excellence, innovation, and collaboration, OSB continues to shape the future of business education in Lebanon and the MENA region. A truly well-deserved honour for the entire OSB community.”

Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB)

The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) at the American University of Beirut (AUB) is a leading institution in business education in Lebanon and the MENA region. Rooted in AUB’s legacy of excellence since 1866, OSB was established as an independent school in 2000. It offers a diverse range of programmes—including undergraduate, master’s, MBA, Executive MBA, and executive education—to approximately 1,500 students, with 6% from international backgrounds. With campuses in Beirut, Lebanon, and Paphos, Cyprus, OSB integrates rigorous academics with experiential learning, leadership development, and regional impact. OSB is recognised for its strong alumni network, influential research, and dedication to sustainable business practices and innovation.

The BSIS review highlighted OSB’s substantial economic impact on Lebanon, with financial contributions exceeding $89 million through direct, indirect, and induced effects. A robust scholarship system ensures equitable access, reflecting the school’s commitment to inclusivity.

Educationally, OSB combines academic excellence with practical learning through internships, co-op programmes, and case competitions, enhancing students’ readiness for the professional world. The school’s global alumni network of 72,000 members amplifies its reach, fostering long-term opportunities for engagement and influence.

In business development, OSB supports innovation and entrepreneurship through initiatives like the Darwazah Center, which nurtures startups and generates employment. Partnerships with local and regional businesses bolster economic growth and reinforce the school’s reputation as a hub for enterprise support. Intellectually, OSB addresses regional challenges such as gender inequality, corporate governance, and sustainable development, complemented by a bilingual case hub tailored to the region’s needs.

OSB’s integration within Lebanon’s educational and professional networks enhances its regional impact. With more than 150 partnerships spanning academia, government, and industry, OSB facilitates impactful research, mentorship, and professional development. Collaborations with Parliament, ministries, municipalities, and leading organisations advance its societal contributions. These efforts align with AUB’s sustainability goals and the United Nations SDGs, embedding corporate social responsibility across its curricula and operations. Community engagement initiatives and centres of excellence further underscore OSB’s role as a socially responsible institution.

Recognised consistently among the top business schools in Lebanon and the MENA region, OSB addresses critical socio-economic issues and prepares future leaders to tackle these challenges. The assessment team found that its diverse achievements and far-reaching impact establish it as a worthy recipient of the BSIS label.

Dr Yusuf Sidani, Dean of Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) commented:

“The BSIS process has been a transformative journey for our school, helping us quantify our impact and align our initiatives with the needs of our stakeholders. It has strengthened our value proposition and our ability to communicate our contributions effectively.”

About BSIS

The Business School Impact System (BSIS) is the first comprehensive impact assessment tool for business schools, covering more than 130 indicators across seven dimensions of impact. It provides a tailor-made data collection system for monitoring, assessing, and developing the impact of business schools.

The BSIS process involves the definition of the impact zone and institutional scope, data collection, impact assessment, and the report with recommendations for future development. Demonstrating the school’s impact on internal and external stakeholders, the system serves as a communication and negotiation tool externally and fosters an impact culture within the school. Schools that undergo BSIS are awarded the BSIS label for a three-year period.

• There are currently more than 90 schools across 25 countries that have received the BSIS label.
• To learn more about the impact assessment system, please visit the BSIS website or contact Julie Comte.

What is it like for schools to undergo the BSIS process? Discover the compelling journey of Blanka Cimcioch, International Accreditations Coordinator at Poznań University of Economics and Business, as she shares her insights on navigating the BSIS process, highlighting the challenges, seizing the opportunities, and reaping the rewarding results it has yielded. Read more.

For additional insights, announcements and perspectives about BSIS, visit the conversation here.