The Fundamentals of Analysing Context, Impacts, and Risks
Be Transformed
Course Overview
This course will provide students with the necessary tools and skills to gather and analyse socio-economic data and develop management responses for businesses functioning in complex company-community contexts.
The course will also provide an understanding of the nature of socio-economic impacts and risks for a range of place-based project contexts. The course also explores additional topics and issues relevant to the ongoing management of these impacts and risks, including human rights and institutional capacity requirements.
What you will walk away with
- An understanding of the complexity of businesses and projects operating in local community contexts, and its bearing on social and economic impacts, and associated business risks.
- The ability to evaluate and select appropriate socio-economic data gathering processes and tools.
- Skills to analyse where responsibility and mitigation is required for socio-economic impacts.
- An understanding of social complexity, inter-connectedness, and root-cause analysis.
- Approaches to analysing the capacity and potential of institutions and communities associated with one’s operation.
- The ability to identify and assess community-level socio-economic impacts and risks to business.
- An understanding of human rights issues in the operational context and associated human rights due diligence processes.
- Skills to interpret data related to local socio-economic baseline conditions.
- The ability to evaluate and select appropriate information management tools, and processes applicable to the daily operational needs of project sites and operations.
Additional Course Information
MODULE BREAKDOWN
Curriculum Overview
Key factors influencing social issues in an operational context
The introduction provides insight into the broad trends shaping the environmental and social governance (ESG) and social performance landscape. It covers key terminology, guiding principles, and explores drivers and restrainers for maximising positive socio-economic outcomes.
A Case Study of the Socio-economic Impacts of the Mineral Extraction Process
This case study unravels the complexities, exploring how core business characteristics shape the impact landscape and how effective ESG governance can mitigate risks and foster positive change.
The Value and Role of Socio-Economic Profiles
This module delves into the art and science of socio-economic profiling, exploring its critical role in shaping effective strategies. Discover the tools and techniques that drive successful initiatives, from the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust cycle to the art of engagement.
Approaches to Information Gathering
Uncover the secrets of data management and unlock the full potential of your socio-economic research. This section delves into the art of information gathering, from the initial stages of project planning to the final stages of analysis.
Defining Your Zone of Influence
Discover the power of your influence and learn how to harness it for positive change. This session delves into the concept of the Zone of Influence, providing practical insights.
Exploring the Impact Assessment Process
This session delves into the critical role that impact assessment plays in shaping successful projects. Gain a structured understanding of the assessment process, from identifying key steps to interpreting results. Learn how impact assessment can inform decision-making, mitigate risks, and maximize positive outcomes.
An Overview of Human Rights and its Applicability to Intricate Company-Community Contexts
This session seeks to answer the core question: What are human rights? And how do they apply to your business? Gain practical insights into the steps required to ensure your operations respect human rights. Learn where to find resources and guidance to deepen your understanding of this critical intersection between business and ethics.
Understanding Risk Assessment
This session explores the nuances between risk and impact, equipping you with the tools to assess and manage risks effectively. Learn from established best practice and gain a deep understanding of the factors that can influence risk with the aim of developing strategies to mitigate their impact.
Approaches to Analysing Institutional Capacity
A deep-dive into capacity analysis, focusing on the critical role of governance and institutions. This section will equip you with the tools to assess your organization's strengths and weaknesses, empowering you to unlock its full potential. Explore the powerful OCAT (Organisational Capacity Assessment Tool), designed to identify areas for growth and development.
Information Management and Communicating Information
Discover the power of information and how it can drive your projects forward. This session delves into the art of storing, organizing, and sharing information effectively. Learn the critical role of ESG and social performance reporting in disseminating information and driving positive change.
Minimum Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate, NQF 4 or equivalent
- English proficiency
Who should apply:
- Entry to mid-level social impact professionals
Partnership
This course is offered in partnership with Synergy Global Consulting, with 24 years’ experience in stakeholder relations
Learn with the best
Our Internationally acclaimed researchers and teachers are all dedicated and gifted individuals who contribute directly to UCT GSB's reputation of excellence.
Course Convenor
Ralph is a professor at the UCT Graduate School of Business and works on business sustainability and social innovation and entrepreneurship.
Course Convenor
As a social scientist, the focus of Alison’s work over the past 25 years has been in the field of ‘social performance’, predominantly in the extractive industry (mining), and over recent years, in the renewable energy sector.FAQ
15% for 3 - 6 applicants (bulk discount applied from third applicant)
10% for 7+ applicants (bulk discount applied to all applicants)
10% for alumni of UCT GSB academic and Executive Education courses
The UCT GSB's Breakwater Campus is situated in the heart of Cape Town's most popular tourist attraction, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Centrally located and easily accessed, the UCT GSB is just 1.5km away from the central business district and 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
As an added benefit to studying at the UCT GSB, you'll be situated in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Certificate of completion
Flights & accommodation costs are not included.
The course is a non-credit-bearing course delivered at the equivalent of an NQF 8 postgraduate level of study.
The course is accredited through UCT, which is a registered public higher education institution with the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Each programme is accredited through an internal UCT quality assurance process, as delegated by the CHE, ensuring the excellent quality of our offering.
In short, this course does not refer to NQF levels.
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