COURSE #1 OUTCOMES:
On successful completion of course 1, participants will be able to:
- understand the concepts of integrated thinking and value creation, the importance of integrated thinking in contemporary business environments and the different ways in which value is defined;
- explain the impact of integrated thinking on an organisation’s business model and the need for a multi-capital mindset to develop innovative business models capable of sustainable value creation;
- understand and evaluate the use of different tools for and approaches to measuring and monitoring value creation;
- understand the role of ethics, culture, outcomes-based governance and leadership as enablers of integrated thinking and value creation and the emerging role of the Chief Value Officer; and
- explain the consequences of integrated thinking, barriers to integrated thinking and how to overcome these barriers.
HOW ARE THESE TOPICS ADDRESSED WITHIN THIS COURSE?
The “Integrated Thinking and Value Creation” course consists of five modules.
The first module introduces participants to the concepts of integrated thinking and value creation. The motivation and building blocks for integrated thinking are explored together with the different ways in which is value is defined and created. Participants will be required to consider their organisations and how the skills and competencies of a CVO can contribute to improved economic, environmental and social performance.
In the second module, participants examine integrated thinking and its impact on the business models. The module deals with the characteristics of innovative integrated business models which yield sustainable returns for stakeholders. This module explores the need for a multi-capital mindset and the impact of capitals on value creation.
The focus in the third module is on measuring, monitoring and communicating value creation. Different tools for and approaches to measuring and monitoring value creation are considered, and the importance of effective stakeholder communication is discussed.
The fourth module focuses on collaborative culture as a key building block for integrated thinking and the role of the CVO. The module explores how leadership, ethics and governance enable integrated thinking and value creation. In this module, the implications for the CVO are considered and as well as the evolving concepts of ‘profit’ and ‘business rationale’.
The final module addresses the implications and consequences of integrated thinking. The challenges and success factors for integrated thinking are explored and the module deals with how the CVO, by applying an integrated approach to multi-capital management, can add value to organisations.
HOW IS THIS COURSE STRUCTURED?
This online course follows a traditional business school approach. It is designed to provide participants with a conceptual and theoretical appreciation of integrated thinking and value creation in the context of integrated reporting and the role of the CVO. Participants will be exposed to a mix of technical and professional publications, complemented by relevant academic readings and presentations by the academic staff, practitioners and other experts.
Each module comprises prescribed readings and video content which participants are expected to study. Additional resources are provided to aid the learning process. These include research articles, extracts from websites and short commentaries.
Throughout each module, participants are prompted to reflect on key issues and important learning outcomes. Optional ‘knowledge checks’ are provided. For participants registering for the short course by competency, assignments dealing with the content covered in each of the course’s modules must be completed.
The modules are designed to run online with some flexibility to work through prescribed material. Live seminars form a key part of the course. They offer an opportunity to debate points, engage directly with experts and network with peers. These sessions will be hosted at the Wits Business School or on the University’s online platforms.
WHAT IS THE EXPECTED DURATION OF THIS COURSE?
The course duration is 10 weeks from the date of registration to completion, plus the final assessment for those who enrol for the course “by competence”.
For those who enrol ‘by competence’, prescribed assessments must be completed. The pass mark is 50%. You will be awarded a certificate of competence upon successful completion of the course. For participants who prefer not to write assignments, the course can be completed ‘by attendance’. A certificate of attendance is awarded upon the completion of the requisite number of hours on the course.
ABOUT THE CVO PROGRAMME:
The CVO Programme is part of a continuing research-driven enquiry into integrated reporting, integrated thinking and sustainable development being undertaken by the Wits School of Accountancy. It consists of three short courses, of which Integrated Thinking and Value Creation is the first.
The second short course deals with the role of assurance in an integrated and thinking and reporting context. The short courses deals with, inter alia, the nature and emergence of combined assurance, the role of external assurors in the preparation of integrated reports and the relevance of assurance for the broader value creation.
The final short course in the CVO programme covers the history of South African corporate governance, the drivers and consequences of good governance and how an outcomes-based approach to governance is essential for effective multi-capital management, stakeholder engagement and long-term value creation.
These short courses will run consecutively yet independently of each other; therefore, participants have the option to complete either one, two or all three of the courses. Information and registration regarding the second and third short course will be released in due course.
