Content

First, the concept of corporate governance is outlined as well as the relevance of governance for firm performance and long term value creation are explained. Not only financial performance, but also to aspects of business ethics are discussed.

Second, the various possible governance mechanisms are explained. The specific roles of the different governance mechanisms are addressed: the board, the different possible committees (audit committee, renumeration committee, governance committee), the role of the CEO (executive compensation), the role of the external auditor in the governance landscape. Furthermore, the impact of the ownership structure is studied.

Finally, the legal framework of corporate governance is discussed in both Anglo-Saxon and in European and Belgian contexts and  the different requirements for listed companies (financial and non-financial companies) and non-listed companies are discussed.

Course material

Articles and literature
Preparatory material
Toledo

Format: more information

Prior to the practical case studies, guest speakers (including accounting firms) are invited who were involved in the supervision of these operations in order to explain the practical side of it.

Is also included in other courses

• D0N73A : Governance

Content

Introduction to Sustainability : This topic provides an overview of definitions of the key sustainability crises of our time (climate change; biodiversity loss; inequality, social issues etc.), explanation of commonly used tools and frameworks; and how ESG information is used by stakeholders.

The environmental, social impact of business and new governance models. This topic provides an overview of

innovative practices to assess global climate and social challenges by the companies; new governance models reflect the new realities; identifying the needs of stakeholders through qualitative research and comparing models of governance structure

Sustainability and ESG assessments begins with explanation why and how environmental and social issues can be recognized as a financial risk and opportunity; and provides an overview of identification of  key environmental and social issues relevant for business organization. How to establish robust data processes, controls and metrics to monitor ESG performance in collaboration with sustainability experts;

Analyzing, interpreting and applying sustainability results introduces how non-financial topics could impact on business’ performance and provides an overview of  identification of key SDG data sources and tools to support organization’s sustainability analytics; applying data analytics principles to sustainability information;interpretation and applying professional skepticism to sustainability assessment results

Leadership in sustainability highlines the importance of the leadership role to successfully complete sustainability projects. Coverage includes how to engage peers and company management in sustainable projects, how to coach and instruct sustainability across an organization, and how to communicate to a variety of audiences.

Sustainability audit and assurance describes that sustainability audit and assurance is an independent review of the company’s internal sustainability processes and is used to increase the robustness, accuracy and reliability of information in sustainability reports for users in their decision-making.

Is also included in other courses

• D0O84A : Sustainable Business and Reporting