Course overview
Corporate governance has become an increasingly prominent topic in both academic and legislative circles, reflecting its critical role in modern business. While various governance models exist globally, they all aim to structure relationships between a company and its stakeholders. For instance, the Shareholder Wealth Maximization (SWM) model, prevalent in the US and UK, prioritizes shareholder rights, while models in Germany and Japan emphasize broader stakeholder involvement, such as employees and financiers.
This course delves into these governance models, explores single-tier and two-tier board structures, and examines the roles and responsibilities of board committees, including audit and remuneration committees. It also discusses the impact of institutional investors and the critical role of the chairman in governance.
Training methodology
The program combines expert-led presentations with interactive exercises and case study discussions, encouraging participants to apply and analyze corporate governance principles in practical scenarios.
Target competencies
- Structuring boards of directors and committees.
- Assessing board powers and shareholder rights.
- Managing the control environment effectively.
- Maximizing corporate wealth while addressing stakeholder rights.
Course objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Explain the core principles and importance of corporate governance.
- Evaluate various governance models and propose enhancements.
- Address ethical and policy considerations for stakeholders such as shareholders, boards of directors, auditors, and executives.
- Determine the most suitable governance structure for a business model.
- Implement best practices in corporate governance.
- Apply disclosure and transparency standards in line with IFRS and other regulatory frameworks
Course outline
Overview of Corporate Governance (CG)
- Definition and scope of corporate governance
- Fundamental principles and the macro governance perspective
- Philosophies influencing governance practices
- CG codes of conduct and global standards
Corporate Governance Models and Mechanisms
- Shareholder Wealth Maximization (SWM) model
- Corporate Wealth Maximization (CWM) model
- International governance frameworks
- Structure and functions of the board of directors and audit committees
- Corporate control mechanisms
Stakeholders in Corporate Governance
- Rights and roles of stakeholders and shareholders
- Types, duties, and rights of directors
- The chairman's role and corporate officers' responsibilities
- Functions of internal and external auditors
- Institutional investors and minority stakeholder considerations
- OECD views on stakeholder rights and corporate governance
- Governance frameworks from Deloitte and KPMG
- Risk-based decision-making and addressing governance failures
Governance Functions and Structures
- Designing effective board structures: unitary vs. two-tier models
- Board independence, selection, remuneration, and evaluation
- Analyzing and optimizing a company's governance system
- Planning, communicating, and implementing CG objectives
Corporate Governance Best Practices
- ICGN and OECD principles for effective governance
Disclosure and Transparency
- Reporting financial and operational results in line with objectives
- Transparency in remuneration policies for board members and executives
- Managing related-party transactions
- Ensuring timely, accurate, and cost-effective access to information.