Introduction

In today's complex and highly regulated business environment, robust internal controls and unwavering ethics are paramount for safeguarding organizational assets, ensuring operational efficiency, and maintaining stakeholder trust. Every operational process, from procurement to customer service, carries inherent risks that, if unmanaged, can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory non-compliance. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip current and aspiring leaders and professionals with the essential frameworks and practical strategies to implement effective internal controls and champion a culture of integrity across all operational functions.

This 5-day intensive program will empower participants to cultivate a deep understanding of operational risk management, master control framework design, and refine their ability to lead with transparency and accountability. You will learn to identify and mitigate operational risks, design controls that enhance efficiency without stifling innovation, and foster an environment where ethical conduct is embedded in daily activities. By mastering these critical competencies, you will enhance your capacity to protect organizational value, ensure compliance, and drive your company towards greater operational excellence and ethical standing.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Operations Managers and Directors
• Internal Auditors
• Risk Management Professionals
• Compliance Officers
• Business Process Owners
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Project Managers
• Senior Leaders and Executives
• Ethics Officers
• Anyone responsible for process design and execution

Objectives

• Understand the core principles of internal controls and ethics in operational processes.
• Develop a strategic mindset for integrating ethics into operational design.
• Master techniques for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks.
• Learn to design and implement robust internal controls for various business processes.
• Cultivate a strong culture of accountability and ethical conduct in operations.
• Enhance skills in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of operational controls.
• Understand the role of technology in automating and improving operational controls.
• Develop strategies for fostering continuous improvement in operational ethics.
• Create a personalized action plan for strengthening operational integrity.

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Operational Ethics & Controls

• Defining internal controls and ethics in the context of operational processes.
• Understanding the strategic importance of operational integrity for business success.
• Exploring the objectives of internal controls: efficiency, effectiveness, compliance, asset safeguarding.
• The role of leadership in establishing a strong control environment within operations.
• Case studies of operational failures due to weak controls or ethical lapses.

Module 2: Identifying and Assessing Operational Risks

• Techniques for mapping operational processes and identifying inherent risks.
• Understanding various types of operational risks (e.g., process failure, human error, fraud, system failure).
• Developing a systematic approach to assessing the likelihood and impact of operational risks.
• Integrating operational risk assessment into enterprise risk management (ERM).
• The importance of continuous risk monitoring in dynamic operational environments.

Module 3: Designing and Implementing Operational Controls

• Principles of effective internal control design for operational processes.
• Implementing preventive, detective, and corrective controls.
• Strategies for segregation of duties, authorization matrices, and reconciliation processes.
• Customizing controls to fit specific operational functions (e.g., production, logistics, customer service).
• Best practices for documenting and communicating operational controls.

Module 4: Ethical Decision-Making in Operations

• Applying ethical frameworks to resolve dilemmas in day-to-day operational decisions.
• Understanding the impact of operational choices on stakeholders (employees, customers, community).
• Addressing conflicts of interest in operational roles (e.g., procurement, sales).
• The role of personal integrity and professional judgment in operational ethics.
• Practical exercises in resolving ethical operational scenarios.

Module 5: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

• Establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational control effectiveness.
• Techniques for ongoing monitoring and periodic evaluations of controls.
• The role of internal audit in assessing operational controls and ethical adherence.
• Addressing control deficiencies and implementing timely remediation plans.
• Fostering a culture of continuous improvement in operational processes.

Module 6: Technology, Automation, and Operational Controls

• Leveraging technology to automate internal controls in operational processes.
• Understanding the role of IT general controls (ITGCs) and application controls in operations.
• Utilizing data analytics for continuous control monitoring and anomaly detection.
• Cybersecurity controls and data privacy considerations in operational systems.
• Emerging technologies (e.g., RPA, AI) and their impact on operational control design.

Module 7: Building an Ethical and Accountable Operational Culture

• Strategies for embedding ethical values throughout all operational functions.
• Promoting psychological safety to encourage employees to speak up about concerns.
• The importance of clear accountability frameworks for operational performance and controls.
• Developing and delivering ethics training tailored for operational teams.
• Creating a personalized action plan for championing operational integrity and ethical conduct.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.