FlexiMasters in Sustainability Business Ecosystems

FlexiMasters

Sustainability Business Ecosystems

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The FlexiMasters in Sustainable Business Ecosystems is stackable to the Executive Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability Management. Both programmes share the same application form 
https://www.applynbs.com/apply/ 

After you have successfully created an account / signed in to the Application Form, please select AY2024 > Executive MSc in Sustainability Management – Commences Aug 2024.  

You may then select the programme(s) you are applying to within the form.

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For for information about this course, please contact us at [email protected] | (65) ​6790 5613

 

FlexiMasters in Sustainability Business Ecosystems Programme Overview

The urgent need for sustainability management expertise is clear, and it is only growing. In a world confronted by escalating environmental challenges, social inequalities, and economic uncertainties, the demand for individuals with a profound understanding of sustainability principles and effective management strategies has never been more critical.

The FlexiMasters in Sustainability Business Ecosystems course aims to instill practical skills that empower executives and professionals to lead their organizations through the complexities of sustainable business transformation. The seven modules will focus on key knowledge, skills and tools for corporate executives and professionals to transition their companies to operate within the green economy.

Credits earned in the FlexiMasters in Sustainability Business Ecosystems is transferable to the Executive Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability Management. 


ModuleObjective

Ecosystem

Corporate Sustainability: Strategies and Innovations

The negative impacts of the industrial sector on both society and the environment have triggered increasing demands from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), the broader civil society, and various stakeholders to adopt more sustainable and socially responsible practices across their entire operation. From sourcing to distribution and even post-use management of products and packaging, such concerns about corporate sustainability and responsibility have become pivotal for board members, shareholders, and market regulators.

While climate change remains one of humanity's foremost challenges, the United Nations, working alongside numerous stakeholders, has delineated 17 Sustainable Development Goals for companies to champion. Through innovative thinking and the adoption of appropriate technologies and methodologies, businesses can markedly reduce the adverse effects of their operations on both the environment and society at large. For business leaders, it's paramount to comprehend the primary challenges in sustainability and to gain insights into the strategies and innovations that can mitigate these issues. The course will also attempt to address contentious issues in corporate sustainability.

What you will learn

  • Analyse and evaluate the key issues in corporate sustainability, showcasing a profound understanding of their complexities and implications. 
  • Develop a strategic framework for effectively implementing sustainable business practices, demonstrating the ability to synthesize various concepts and approaches.
  • Critically assess and examine specific issues in corporate sustainability covered in the class, demonstrating a sophisticated comprehension and ability to apply learned knowledge.
  • Demonstrate the skill to proficiently read and interpret sustainability reports, and independently evaluate sustainability challenges in specific industries, showcasing the ability to assess, compare, and contrast relevant information.

Sustainability Reporting

Sustainability Reporting

The modern business landscape is witnessing an escalating demand for corporations to produce sustainability reports that are transparent, reliable, and comparable. Such reports are essential to address the needs of investors and other financial market players. This course offers learners a comprehensive understanding of the paramount sustainability reporting standards deployed for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns and climate-specific data.

Central to our exploration are globally recognised frameworks including the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI), Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (SASB), and International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB). The course lays significant emphasis on elucidating how organisations can proficiently convey information about pivotal sustainability-related risks and opportunities, ensuring that it serves the primary users of financial reports in making informed decisions.

Beyond presenting the salient features of sustainability reporting, learners will gain insights into the characteristics that define high-calibre sustainability-related disclosures. This module also ventures into the tangible challenges that organisations face while implementing and auditing these disclosures.

What you will learn

  • Evaluate the major sustainability reporting frameworks such as TCFD, GRI, SASB and ISSB.
  • Appraise the linkages between financial reporting and sustainability-related disclosures.
  • Assess the main features of sustainability reporting frameworks and characteristics of high-quality financial disclosures related to sustainability.

Sustainability and Law

Sustainability and Law 

Our world stands at a pivotal juncture, with challenges like climate change, resource depletion, environmental degradation, overpopulation, deforestation, and rapid urbanisation threatening our very existence. To navigate these tumultuous waters, governments, businesses, non-governmental entities, and international organisations are pivoting towards sustainable development. Central to these efforts is the role of law, acting both as a regulator and a harmoniser.

This course surveys the most pressing sustainability issues and the existing and emerging legal frameworks that may address them across various jurisdictions. While designed for a broad audience, it offers particular insights for individuals in leadership or decision-making roles, spanning both the private and public sectors.

What you will learn

  • Identify key areas of law that promote sustainable development.
  • Evaluate the role of law in compelling, if not incentivising, sustainability in developmental activities.
  • Evaluate the role of law as a balancing mechanism between the rights and interests of key stakeholders in matters concerning the environment.
  • Effectively communicate arguments and strategies both in written and oral form.

Nature-based solutions

Nature-based Solutions

In the modern age, as our planet faces unprecedented challenges, the importance of nature-based solutions — sustainable strategies that harness and bolster ecosystems for the mutual benefit of both humanity and the environment — cannot be overstated. These approaches have gained global prominence as an answer to the pressing issues of climate change, biodiversity loss, and escalating socio-economic disparities.

This course seeks to immerse learners in the world of nature-based solutions, spotlighting the pivotal role that the corporate sector can play. Given businesses' multifaceted relationship with the environment, from their impact through pollution and degradation to their reliance on ecosystems for resources, understanding these sustainable strategies is crucial. Learners will gain insights into the application of nature-based solutions across diverse sectors, including urban planning and water resource management.

Armed with this knowledge, learners can critically evaluate the potential of such solutions within their respective industries. Central to our exploration are two foundational frameworks: the Standard for Nature-Based Solutions set out by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and the Science-Based Targets for Nature Guidance tailored for businesses. These will be contextualised with tangible, real-world examples, providing a robust understanding of the topic.

What you will learn

  • Define nature-based solutions and summarise their social and environmental benefits.
  • Explain the relevance of nature-based solutions to businesses by giving examples of implementation in different sectors.
  • Identify steps businesses can take to promote and implement nature-based solutions in practice.

Sustainable Finance

Sustainable Finance

As sustainability takes centre stage in today's business landscape, the financial sector is no exception. This course offers a thorough exploration of sustainable finance principles and techniques, covering diverse topics ranging from carbon taxation and emissions trading systems to sustainable investment methodologies.

Learners will be guided through the complexities of each subject, focusing on real-world challenges and the opportunities they present, as well as the practical solutions employed in the industry.

What you will learn

  • Interpret the concepts and institutional backgrounds of each topic covered in the sustainable finance class.
  • Identify the issues and challenges in policy making regarding sustainable finance.
  • Make recommendations of potential solutions to one of the challenges and issues in practice.

Climate Change

Climate Systems and Climate Change 

Climate change represents one of the most significant challenges our modern world grapples with, having profound implications for our global economy. For the global business arena, the rising costs and the sheer unpredictability of climate change risks make it an area of pressing concern. However, a lot of apprehension springs from a fundamental gap in understanding the science underlying climate change.

For today's leaders, it's imperative to comprehend this science and strategise effectively to counteract and adapt to these risks. In this course, learners will embark on a comprehensive journey into the intricacies of the Earth's climate system, evaluating the profound effects humanity exerts upon it and the consequential shifts we instigate.

Presenting cutting-edge research on historical climate changes and their relevance to present conditions, this module also provides insights into future climate trajectories. Learners will be armed with the knowledge to discern how various facets of climate change could impinge upon business operations. We will also showcase pioneering adaptation and mitigation strategies, illustrating how businesses can not only endure but indeed prosper in a climate-altered future.

What you will learn

  • Explain how and why climate change matters to business using examples.
  • Describe the basics of the climate system and climate change science and the links between different components.
  • Demonstrate a conceptual knowledge of how studies of past and present climate inform models of the future.
  • Outline how climate projections can be used to examine the impact on business.
  • Explore sustainability, adaptability, and mitigation solutions.

    Green House Gases

    Greenhouse Gasses (GHG) Emissions: Measurement and Management

     

    In the contemporary business landscape, there's a palpable enthusiasm echoing throughout industries regarding green initiatives and the measures businesses are taking to mitigate their carbon footprints. Both governments and private entities are vocalising their commitments to net-zero objectives.

    This course is designed to endow learners with a deep understanding of the prevalent techniques of carbon accounting. Delving into the fundamentals, we will guide you through the process of delineating your organisational boundary and teach you how to categorise emissions using a standardised framework. Our approach will furnish you with the tools and methodologies to proficiently measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions within any organisation.

    What you will learn

    • Outline the fundamentals of carbon accounting.
    • Establish organisational and operational boundaries for developing a relevant and accurate GHG inventory for an organisation.
    • Identify relevant and material scope 1, 2, and 3 emission sources and account for them using the GHG Protocol.
    • Develop science-based target and decarbonisation strategy.
    • Provide you with better access to postgraduate-level training so you can personalise your learning pathway and upskill/reskill in a timely fashion.
    • Enable you to build on your experience, transit and prepare for a career shift, and become future-ready in an ever-changing employment market.
    • Earn credits that you can stack towards a postgraduate degree at Nanyang Business School, Singapore

      1. Our programme consists of seven advanced business courses, worth a total of 15 academic units (AUs).

        2. Each teaching day is 7.5 hours in duration, and classes are held at 9:00am – 6:00pm daily.

        3. Daytime sessions will be a mix of classroom teaching and industry visits, while some evenings may be used for guest lectures, projects, group work and networking sessions.

        4. You are required to attain a minimum of GPA 2.5, a C+ grade equivalent, to be awarded the AU for each course

        5. Mode of class delivery:

        • The default mode of delivery are in-person classes, with considerations for online classes when necessary

        6. Upon graduating, the following qualifications will be awarded:

        • FlexiMasters will be awarded to students attaining 15 AUs, with a minimum GPA of 2.5, a C+ grade equivalent, from each considered course
        • Graduate Certificate will be awarded to students attaining 9 AUs, with a minimum GPA of 2.5, a C+ grade equivalent, from each considered course
        • While no pre-requisites are needed to enroll in the course/s, participants with relevant background and/or experience may have a better understanding of their course content.

        The inaugural intake for this programme will be in August 2024.

        To accommodate to the schedule of working professionals, the programme will be delivered in three academic blocks of four to eight consecutive days each over five to six months.

        PROGRAMME CALENDAR
        Academic Block 1
        13 - 20 Aug 2024
        (8 days)         		Academic Block 2
        8 - 15 Oct 2024
        (8 days)        		Academic Block 3
        3 - 6 Dec 2024
        (4 days)

        Programme Attendance

        • Successfully admitted participants have to commit to the published schedule.
        • Courses are held on campus at Gaia, the largest building in Asia made of sustainable wood and the 8th zero-energy building of NTU.
        • Each teaching day is 7.5 hours in duration, and classes are held at 9:00am – 6:00pm daily.
        • No make-up classes for absentees.
        • Mandatory attendance is required for programme info session and details will be provided upon successful admittance into the programme.
        • Nanyang Technological University reserves the right to change the date, time, venue, and mode of delivery of classes due to unforeseen circumstances or prevailing government advisory.

        FlexiMasters in Sustainability Business Ecosystems can be stacked into the Executive Master of Science (MSc) in Sustainability Management and similarly accredited under the following conditions:

        • All 15 Academic Units (AUs) from the FlexiMasters may be transferred to the Executive MSc Sustainability Management.
        • The academic units earned from FlexiMasters are valid for five (5) years for transfer of credits to a relevant/adjoining Master's by Coursework programme.
        • Transfer of credits is by application and the application will be assessed and approved by the Programme Owners.
        • The minimum Grade Point eligible for transfer of credits is 2.5. The Programme Owners may recommend a higher Grade Point for transfer of credits.
        • Credit transfers are by application only and will be assessed and approved by the University, and the minimum Grade Point eligible for transfer of credits is 2.5. Credit transfer is subject to cap as per University Credit Transfer Policy.

        Admission to Full Nanyang Business School Master's Programme
        Participants have to meet all required admission standards of the selected Master's programme. Visit our Executive Master of Science in Sustainability Management website for more information. 

         Course Fees in SGD
         Fees BEFORE
        funding & GST
        		Fees AFTER
        funding & 9% GST
        Singapore Citizens (aged 21-39) / PR (aged ≥21)
        70% Funding         		$32,500.00 $10,627.50
        Singapore Citizens (aged ≥40)
        MCES1 - up to 90%         		$32,500.00 $4,127.50
        SME-sponsored Singapore Citizens / PR
        ETSS2​ - up to 90%         		$32,500.00$4,127.50
        NTU Alumni
        Fee payable after 70% SSG Funding and use of $1,600 **NTU Alumni Course Credits        		$32,500.00$10,104.30

         

        1. For more information about the SkillsFuture Mid-career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) scheme.
        2. For more information about the Enhanced Training Support for Small & Medium Enterprises (ETSS) scheme.

        Singapore Citizens, aged 25 and above, and self-sponsored, may use their SkillsFuture Credit and SkillsFuture Credit Top-Up to defray part of the nett course fee. You can submit your SkillsFuture Credit claims by logging into MySkillsFuture.sg. Please click here for “How do I submit a claim for SkillsFuture credit?” and other FAQs.

        Funding Requirements
        - You must achieve a minimum of 75% attendance for each module.
        - You must complete and pass all assessment components.

        You do not need to contact SkillsFuture for funding before course registration. NTU will handle the funding paperwork for both self and company-sponsored applicants. You will be invoiced the nett amount after funding and GST.

        **NTU Alumni Course Credits
        All NTU/NIE alumni may utilise their alumni credits of $1,600 to co-pay up to 50% of the nett fee (exclusive of prevailing GST) payable for courses offered by NTU-Continuing Education Training (CET) Units. It is your responsibility to inform us if you wish to utilize alumni credits before the start of the programme. For more info, please click here.

        1. What is the course schedule and duration of the FlexiMasters programme?

        Please look under ‘Course Schedule & Venue’ for the schedule and duration of the classes.

         

        2. Will I be able to pursue more than 1 FlexiMasters programme?

        There are no restrictions but it’s advisable to take up 1 FlexiMasters at a time as the schedule might overlap. Eventually, all of the applications will be reviewed by the Selection Committee.

         

        3. I’m only interested in one of the modules in the FlexiMasters Programme. Will I be able to pursue that module?

        FlexiMasters is a bundled programme. When you apply for a FlexiMasters programme, it will be considered that you’re applying for all the modules.

         

        4. How will the credits earned from the FlexiMasters contribute to a NBS Master’s programme?

        FlexiMasters is a stackable programme where credits earned are eligible for credit transfer to a NBS Master’s programme. However, participants are required to meet the admission standards of their selected NBS Master’s programme. For more information about the corresponding NBS Master’s Programme, you may visit this link: https://www.ntu.edu.sg/business/admissions/NEE/Executive-Master-of-Science-in-Sustainability-Management/

         

        5. What is the course assessment like?

        Course assessment will differ from module to module. This will be determined by the respective teaching faculty. Assessment components will be shared upon successful admittance to the programme. Some of the assessment components may consist of Individual coursework, Group coursework, Quizzes and Class Participation.

         

        6. When will the course outlines be made available?

        Course outlines will be shared upon successful admittance to the FlexiMasters programme.

         

        7. Can I still use my Alumni Credit? When does my Alumni Credit Expire? Can I check the balance of my Alumni Credit?

        Kindly email to PACE regarding queries of your Alumni Credit:  [email protected]


        8. Can I get a rough idea of the difficulty level?

        These are advanced graduate Business courses embedded with academic rigour necessary for the academic units in the programme. Due diligence is required to pass the modules in the programme.

         

        9. If I do not pass the course or any of its components, would the funding still hold? Or would it be revoked?

        In the event you do not pass a course, you will not be eligible for funding. Hence, you will have to pay for any outstanding fees thereafter.

         

        10. Will there be more details available on the course curriculum, such as the types of software being used and the specific topics covered in each module?

        Once you have successfully enrolled into the programme, more information will be given to you regarding the modules.

        Find out about the FlexiMasters route, the various subsidies and more here. 

        • An administrative fee may be imposed and there will be no refund of course fee for participants who withdraw from the programme after successful admission. 
        • Nanyang Technological University reserves the right to change the date, time, venue, and mode of delivery of classes due to unforeseen circumstances or prevailing government advisory.
        • All FlexiMasters programme registrations will be submitted to the NTU Academic Programme Admissions Committee. Registrants will be notified of their admission status prior to the start of the programme, and NTU will have the final decision on FlexiMasters programme admissions.
        • Nanyang Technological University will have the final decision on the mode of delivery for the class (either in-person or online) and participants will be notified accordingly.
        • There will be no make-up classes for absentees. 
        • Participants who wish to progress to a Master’s Programme upon attaining a Graduate Certificate or a FlexiMasters must submit a separate application for admission and the criteria for admission to the Master’s Programme would apply.

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