Sukabumi, ummi.ac.id - On Monday, April 3rd, 2024, the D4 Retail Management Business Program from Ngudi Waluyo University in Semarang embarked on a strategic benchmarking visit to the Faculty of Economics' Retail Management Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi (UMMI). This initiative aimed to garner valuable insights in preparation for the upcoming Lamemba accreditation. The Retail Management program at FE-UMMI, acclaimed for achieving a "Very Good" ranking even before graduating its first cohort, served as an exemplary model for achieving accreditation excellence.

UMMI's program stands out not only for its early success in accreditation but also as one of the few programs to secure a "Very Good" rating on its first attempt. The visit offered Ngudi Waluyo University a unique opportunity to explore the key factors behind this achievement, especially as they gear up for their Lamemba accreditation process set for July 2024.

During the visit, discussions went beyond accreditation insights. Ade Sudarma, M.M., the Chair of the Retail Management Program at UMMI, highlighted the keen interest from the Ngudi Waluyo delegation in exploring collaborative ventures in research, publication, and educational endeavors. A significant focus was on the curriculum's approach to Outcome-Based Education (OBE), emphasizing retail management, which aligns with modern educational demands.

The visit facilitated a meaningful exchange between the two institutions, with the delegation from Ngudi Waluyo University also engaging with the Chair of the International Cooperation and Relations Agency (LKHI) at UMMI. This discussion aimed to broaden university and faculty-level cooperation and laid the groundwork for potentially establishing an Association of Retail Management Lecturers across Indonesia—a significant move considering the limited number of Retail Management Programs in the country.

This benchmarking visit underscores the commitment of both the Retail Management Program at FE-UMMI and the D4 Retail Management Business of Ngudi Waluyo University to fostering a strong synergy. By sharing best practices and exploring new collaborative avenues, they aim to enhance the quality and impact of retail management education in Indonesia, paving the way for broader cooperation in the future.