Governments create the conditions for the functioning of markets, the operation of private firms, the strengthening of civil society and the welfare of communities and individuals, including during times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Governance shapes the decision-making process of these conditions as well as the process by which these decisions are implemented. The trade context of all of this is what is referred to as the Quality Infrastructure of a country.
You may wonder how Good Governance is especially important for you. For example, you may work in a product testing lab, in a national standards body that develops product standards, or at the inspection directorate, or you may be a Quality Infrastructure professional. You may be in a lab testing a product. The test result shows the product fails to meet standards, but you get a call to change the test results, adjust the numbers, or to disclose the test information. Principles of integrity and confidentiality apply. Or maybe you are chairing a committee to draft a standard or a regulation. Who should you invite? Will you exclude some manufacturers for the sake of others? Will you accept gifts? Openness, impartiality, transparency, consensus and effectiveness come into the picture.
Good Governance is perhaps the single most important factor in eradicating poverty and promoting development. Establishing and governing a Quality Infrastructure can substantially assist a nation in pursuing a development path aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), overcoming the challenges involved and benefitting from the considerable opportunities generated through achievement of the SDGs. More specifically, Good Governance of Quality Infrastructure contributes to improvements in three of the five dimensions addressed by the SDGs: prosperity, people and planet. Acting ethically contributes to sustainable business success that makes for a better world all around.
The e-Learning Training Programme
The Good Governance training programme consists of seven modules designed to support Quality Infrastructure organizations in building their governance systems and guide their daily work.
It explains the principles of Good Governance, identifies stakeholders and stakeholder strategy, and builds awareness of the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on Quality Infrastructure organizations. Further, it provides samples of tools that organizations can introduce into their governance systems.
The seven training modules provide clear theoretical and practical guidance for the full range of Good Governance activities.
Module 1: Good Governance for QI in the Context of Quality Policy & Sustainability Strategy
Learning Objectives
The purpose of this module is to build awareness of the concept of Good Governance of the Quality Infrastructure (QI) in the context of a Quality Policy and a sustainability strategy. In this module, participants will learn about:
- What constitutes a QI, Good Governance principles, Good Governance structure and the types of governance within the QI
- Gender equality in the context of Good Governance and a sustainability strategy
- Good practices for combating corruption
- The knowledge needed to promote the concept of Good Governance within your organization
Module 2: Good Governance Approaches, Tools, Techniques & Technologies
Learning Objectives
The purpose of this module is to build awareness of the approaches, tools, techniques, and technologies for implementing a Good Governance system and principles. In this module, participants will:
- Acquire knowledge of the holistic, multi-stakeholder, responsible and ethical approaches for Good Governance
- Learn about the tools and techniques for Good Governance, including risk management and audit
- Learn about emerging information and communications technologies (ICT)
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Module 3: Stakeholder Identification, Communication & Engagement
Learning Objectives
In this module, you will:
- Increase your awareness of the stakeholder approach in the context of Good Governance
- Learn how to identify, map, analyze and determine the communication strategy with each type of stakeholders
- Learn how to develop and implement a communication and outreach plan with stakeholders
- Learn how to market and sell QI products and services
- Learn about reporting according to Global Reporting Initiative Standards, as an essential element of Good Governance
Module 4: Good Governance Models & Governance with Agility, Resilience & Security
Learning Objectives
This module focuses on good governance models, and governance with agility, resilience and security. In this module, participants will gain:
- An understanding of the nature of the rapidly changing and developing trade and industry context, and unprecedented societal and technological developments, which requires adaptability, agility and resilience
- Increased awareness of the emerging international standards for Good Governance in a dynamic context, such as ISO:37000 Guidance for Governance of Organizations, ISO 37001 Anti-bribery Management System, ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement and other societal security standards
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Module 5: Information Governance, QI in the Era of Industry 4.0 & Digital Transformation
Learning Objectives
In this module, participants will:
- Build awareness of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (also referred to as Industry 4.0) and the technologies that are making the transformation
- Learn about the impact of Industry 4.0 technologies on Quality Infrastructure (QI) organizations and their ability to cope with them
- Learn about information governance (IG), strategy, principles, policies and framework
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Module 6: Transition Roadmap & Action Plans
Learning Objectives
This module is intended for leaders, policymakers and professionals of National Quality Infrastructure (NQI), to facilitate the creation and implementation of a transition roadmap for good governance and Industry 4.0 transformation. In this module, participants will:
- Learn about change management as a systematic approach to initiate, develop, implement and communicate a transition or transformation in an organization
- Understand the phases and scope of transformation in the context of Quality Infrastructure (QI)
- Learn about situation analysis and maturity assessment as a first step in the transformation process
- Learn how to develop a master plan and roadmap for digital transformation
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Module 7: Motivation & Recognition in the Context of Sustainability Strategy & Quality Infrastructure
Learning Objectives
In this module, participants will:
- Learn about the key role of motivation and recognition in the implementation of Good Governance standards and joining sustainability initiatives
- Understand the different types of recognition schemes, awards, certification, accreditation and self declaration
- Learn about the role of product and service marking and labeling as means of recognition
- Gain knowledge of the international awards schemes for excellence, quality, environment, social responsibility and sustainability
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