Ms Kaoru Curmi
Graduate Certificate in Corporate Responsibility
“La Trobe was the only university who offered a postgraduate course focused on corporate responsibility – the area of my interest. The course is well structured and suitable for people who work full-time. Theoretical and practical discussions are well balanced.“
Since taking the step in 2008 to become the first Victorian business school to sign the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Management, the GSM of La Trobe University has moved on a number of fronts to implement responsible management principles in a number of activities as part of its strategic plan.
The most visible result has been the first year of the Graduate Certificate in Corporate Responsibility. The first cohort is now moving on to the second stage- the Graduate Diploma. Other activities have included a review of the MBA curriculum, the beginning of a GRLI student chapter, and the conducting of industry seminars.
Three factors have underpinned these developments:
1. The signing of the PRME with its 6 principles in areas of values-based business, curricula development, learning experiences, research, industry engagement, and widening the debate.
2. Industry feedback about the need for an holistic approach which was manifested through the creation of an advisory group.
3. The identification of a market gap to ensure replication is minimised.
From the university perspective, key to progression has been the partnership with the ACCSR, providing the link between theory and practice. In addition all university-based subjects have sessions conducted by practitioners to ensure material reflects current business practice and thinking. Students are expected to reflect on these business practises within the theoretical frameworks provided and critically analyse and suggest continual improvements to practice.
From ACCSR’s perspective, a partnership with La Trobe University’s GSM is a key step in the professionalisation of the CSR management function. As a private company dedicated to building organisational performance through stakeholder and social responsibility, we realised since our inception in 2003 that quality university programs in managing corporate responsibility would be a vital complement to our short courses and consulting services. However it was only in 2007 that we found the right partner in the GSM. The Graduate Certificate and its pathway through a Graduate Diploma and further learning gives practitioners an important career progression tool that can raise standards and support industry-level change at a more profound and systemic level than we could by working alone.
Click here to find out more about the La Trobe / GSM Graduate Certificate in Corporate Responsibility
