Antwerp Management School (AMS) was recognized for its social impact and sustainability achievements when the Positive Impact Rating (PIR) results were launched today at the UN PRME Global Forum. AMS was one of the business schools from 21 countries worldwide that took part in the rating this year and achieved Level 4, making it a Transforming School within the PIR.

The PIR is a rating conducted by students and for students. For the second time, students worldwide assessed their business schools on how they perceive their positive impact in the world. The positive impact of business schools goes beyond their contribution to business and the economy; it addresses the need for their positive impact for society.

Students assessed how Antwerp Management School addresses societal and sustainable challenges and prepares its students to be responsible business leaders. The data collection in AMS was organized and led by the AMS Student Council, who distributed the PIR survey across campus to their fellow students. This year 113 AMS students responded to the survey.

"AMS did a tremendous job by showing persistence in emphasizing their vision and values concerning sustainability during this challenging year. We, as students, can only conclude it paid off!", said Jasper Wijnands and Kirsten Smets, the representatives of the AMS Student Council.

The rating survey asks students 20 questions in seven relevant impact dimensions that sit within three areas: Energizing, Educating, and Engaging. The overall PIR score of the business school is used to position the schools across five levels. The different levels refer to the developmental stage of the business school, rating it by a certain level of achievement. Business schools are provided with a defined social impact and a tool that they can use for change.

Participating in the PIR demonstrates the value Antwerp Management School gives to student feedback and voice. Dean Steven De Haes said: “Our student’s voice is important to us for continuing on a sustainable path. And we are very grateful to the student council for conducting this positive impact survey amongst our full time master’s students. To integrate sustainability further, AMS involves all stakeholders in its sustainability initiatives, including industry and academic partners, research and valorization team, but also executive education master's students, staff, clients, facilities, and HR staff. By mapping the AMS impact and achievements, and by drawing on existing frameworks such as the 17 SDGs, the PRME initiative, and the PIR, AMS is committed to its Sustainability Framework as a foundation for the long-term strategy.”

Katrin Muff, President of the Positive Impact Rating Association, said: “PIR is designed as a tool to improve and transform business education. It enables schools to understand what a positive impact for society is, according to their students. The PIR highlights the potential for improvement, even for leading schools.”

The PIR was created by concerned business school experts together with global NGOs - WWF, Oxfam, and UN Global Compact. International student associations oikos, AIESEC and Net Impact are also part of the PIR, which is supported by VIVA Idea and Fehr Advice.

Learn more on the Positive Impact Rating website.