Frequently asked questions
There are a number of Universities and Business Schools to choose from. In what way is the Online Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Business (GCSB) at the IGSB different?
Global Perspective
For us, the term globalisation has special meaning. Our courses are actually built around an international focus, not just an 'add-on' case study here or there! The curriculum design inculcates cultural differences, especially related to the management of organisations.
Academic Excellence
At the IGSB, all of our 17 core academic staff hold doctoral qualifications or are currently completing them. We have 3 Professors and 6 Associate Professors. We are the biggest Graduate School in South Australia, and one of the largest in Australia. From that size comes a wide diversity of expertise, and a structure which allows the research efforts of our staff and the hundreds of Research students around the world, to flow through into the Online GCSB courses. At the IGSB we regard academic excellence as an essential quality. We are accredited by EQUIS, the European body for accreditation of academic excellence, making us only the 2nd Business School in Australia to have achieved that status.
How does the cost of an Online GCSB at the IGSB compare to other Business Schools?
The cost per course for the Online GCSB at the IGSB is A$2,100 per course or A$8,400 for the program in total (Australian permanent residents and citizens only). Fees are payable progressively and the GCSB is eligible for the Commonwealth Government’s Fee-Help Scheme.
I have many personal and professional commitments. Is the program flexible enough to meet my particular needs?
The Online GCSB operates in an asynchronous environment meaning that participants go online only when it suits their needs. Most participants are on the site about 3 times every week, but there are no fixed times when students must be online. The environment is a discussion board model and interactions with other students takes place in this discussion board.
How does your Online GCSB program rank vs similar programs from other Business Schools and Universities?
In 2007 we secured reaccreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) under its European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS). EQUIS is one of the two major international forms of accreditation for business education providers. UniSA’s Division of Business was the second Australian business school to be accredited by EQUIS, and the first to have its offshore operations accredited.
During 2003 the IGSB became a member of the prestigious European Academy of Business in Society (EABIS). We are the only Australian Business School to be invited to join the Consortium. EABIS is a unique alliance of companies, business schools and academic institutions, with the support of the European Commission, committed to integrating Business in society issues into the heart of business theory and practice.
What quality systems do you employ to ensure that the content, delivery and assessment is rigorously managed and evaluated?
The Online GCSB courses are written by our own most senior academics, and then sent for independent review by eminent academics from other Australian Universities. Day to day ‘academic’ management of our Online GCSB activities is then carried out through a unique system of Discipline Teams, led by senior academics. These teams preview every course before it is delivered, review and approve the teaching staff, assessment and results. Every course is subsequently evaluated by students and those results are reviewed by each Discipline team to ensure that we are providing the highest possible standard at all times.
Is this course cutting edge?
Yes. Sustainability issues in business have been discussed for some time, but it's only recently that attempts have been made to bring them together and apply them to business practice. The rapidly emerging focus on sustainability in the global business environment is driving this. This course is playing a leading role in Australia in meeting this core professional training challenge.
How will an Online GCSB from IGSB help me in my career?
Our Online GCSB is about the new knowledge business is calling out for to address the rapidly emerging strategic and operational sustainability challenges to global business
The course addresses the knowledge and skills required to guide business in their decision making in the age of sustainability.
The GCSB is designed for practicing managers to acquire these new skills and knowledge and for up and coming business managers who believe they need some qualification in this area to be taken seriously and have their voice heard within their organisation.
If my personal circumstances change, can I take a break from the Program?
Yes, the flexible nature of the IGSB Online GCSB means that participants can defer completion should circumstances change. In addition, the Online delivery mode enables the Online GCSB to be completed anywhere in the world.
Are there other qualifications I can obtain after this?
Upon successful completion of this Award you may be eligible to enroll in the Master of Business (MBA), and may be eligible for credit of up to four courses in the MBA. We are also considering expanding this Award to a Graduate Diploma, and eventually a Masters in Sustainable Business.
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