This module explores the principles and practices that underpin effective organisational performance and good governance. Learners will examine how strategic planning, risk management, and data-informed decision making contribute to achieving sustainable business outcomes. Emphasis is placed on aligning organisational objectives with ethical leadership, compliance frameworks and corporate responsibility to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

This module is designed to contribute to the development of all Behaviours listed within the apprenticeship
standard, and the following Knowledge and Skills for Operations Managers:

Duty 1: Manage operational plans to achieve organisational objectives
* K11: The current and future needs of the sector and the impact on their organisation
* K19: The sector in which the organisation operates and its impact on their role
* S13: Analyse and prioritise organisation activities in response to the operating environment
* S15: Identify and respond to external factors that may influence the future landscape and evaluate their
impact on the organisation

Duty 6: Ensure organisational compliance with governance and regulatory requirements
* K2: Relevant regulation and legislation requirements, and their impact on their team, the individual,
their role and the organisation
* K3: Legislation and organisational policies relating to equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and
their impact on the organisation and stakeholders
* K22: Organisational policies and procedures, for example health and safety

Duty 7: Manage risk and ensure business continuity
* K21: Business continuity principles, including risk assessment, contingency planning and disaster
recovery
* S14: Implement business continuity plans, including risk assessment, contingency planning and disaster
recovery, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of critical functions

Duty 8: Promote and support the organisation's sustainability agenda
* K23: Responsible for organisation policies and practices covering social, environmental, and economic
factors, including sustainability
* S18: Deliver sustainable services and solutions which allow the organisation to respond to changes in social, economic and environmental factors

Learning within this module maps to the following Sustainable Development Goals:
* 3: Good Health and Well-Being
* 4: Quality Education
* 5: Gender Equality
* 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
* 10: Reduced Inequalities
* 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Learning within this module maps to the following Fundamental British Values
*:Democracy
* Rule of law
* Individual liberty
* Mutual respect
* Tolerance

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Safeguarding:
*Safeguarding and supporting individuals

Learning within this module maps to the following principles of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:
* Fair and ethical leadership
* Preventing discrimination and bias
* Embedding EDI in organisational policies
* Flexibility for different needs

As part of this module, you are required to produce a 3,000-word report critically analysing your organisation’s approach to risk management, financial management, and governance. This report should evaluate current practices, identify strengths and weaknesses, and apply relevant theories or frameworks to demonstrate a deep understanding of these key areas. This assessment should cover learning outcomes 2, 3 and 4.

In addition to the written report, you must provide work product evidence to demonstrate how you apply these concepts in practice. This evidence should be naturally occurring within your organisation and should not be created solely for this assessment. The purpose is to showcase real-world application through existing documentation, policies, or records.

Work product evidence to meet learning outcomes 1, 2, and 3 can include but is not limited to:
*Organisational risk registers or risk assessments
*Budget reports, forecasts, or financial statements
*Cost-benefit analyses or investment appraisals
*Board or committee meeting minutes
* Stakeholder engagement reports
*Audio recordings
* Video recordings
*Other multimedia content as appropriate

This module will be delivered through a combination of face-to-face on campus sessions and online webinars, designed to provide an engaging and interactive learning experience:

* Face-to-face teaching: Sessions will incorporate group work, formal teaching, case study analysis, and
guest speakers. Apprentices will also be encouraged to share their workplace experiences to enhance
peer learning.

* Online webinars: These will take the form of recorded content, interactive e-learning, or live tutorials,
offering opportunities for group discussion, presentations, flipped-classroom activities, further group
work, and case study analysis.

Additional learning activities include:
* Engaging with supplementary online content, including videos and presentations
* Independent reading to reinforce and expand on formal teaching
* Completing formative tasks set by the tutor to consolidate learning
* Preparing for assessments, writing, and gathering evidence
* Developing and maintaining a portfolio

In line with DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules, this module includes 115 off-the-job (OTJ) training hours as standard, covering new learning funded by the apprenticeship levy. A total 200 nominal learning hours has been attributed to this module, incorporating OTJ training alongside broader academic development beyond levy-funded new learning.
Please refer to your Aptem account to identify your individualised off-the-job hours.

1. Demonstrate critical understanding of risk management principles, including the importance of communication and leadership in managing risk within an organisation.
OM Apprenticeship Standard: K21 and S14
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

2. Critically evaluate different types of enterprise and operational risks, proposing basic responses to mitigate uncertainty.
OM Apprenticeship Standard: K11, K19, S13 and S15
University Learning Outcome: Enquiry, Analysis, Problem Solving

3. Critically evaluate the key financial statements used in business, applying a thorough understanding to interpret fundamental financial data, and assess contemporary financial issues that impact organisations. OM Apprenticeship Standard: K23 and S18
University Learning Outcome: Knowledge & Understanding

4. Examine the principles of corporate governance and the role of key regulatory bodies in organisational decision-making, applying relevant theories and reflecting on their practical implications.
OM Apprenticeship Standard: K2, K3 and K22
University Learning Outcome: Application, Reflection, Communication

* Computer facilities to access online materials

* Access to specialist online databases, appropriate core texts and journals via the library, module leader and own research.

Books:

* Coonan, E. (2022) Risk management. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.
* Field, A. (2023) Risk management and ISO 31000: a pocket guide. 1st edn. Ely: IT Governance Ltd.
* Pandey, I.M. (2021) Financial management. 12th edn. Uttar Pradesh, India: Pearson India Education
Services Pvt. Ltd.
* Pinder-Ayres, B. (2019) Financial management. 1st edn. London: RIBA Publishing.
* Sarfraz, M. and Ivascu, L. (eds) (2021) Risk management. London: IntechOpen.

Journal Articles:

* Klein, P.G., Mahoney, J.T., McGahan, A.M. and Pitelis, C.N. (2019) ‘Organizational governance adaptation: who is in, who is out, and who gets what’, Academy of Management Review, 44(1), pp. 6–
27. Available at: https://doi.org/10.5465/amr.2014.0459.

* Unterhitzenberger, C. and Moeller, D. (2021) ‘Fair project governance: an organisational justice
approach to project governance’, International Journal of Project Management, 39(6), pp. 683–696. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2021.06.003.

Audio:

* Field, A. and Alistair (Male Synthesized Voice) (2023) Risk management and ISO 31000: a pocket guide.
IT Governance Publishing.

* Matsuo, A.S. (2022) The chief compliance officer: implementing and incentivizing compliance. London:
Henry Stewart Talks.

* Muller, M and Tait, K. (2019) Essentials of inventory management. Ascent Audio.

The module is typically open to those enrolled on the Operations Manager Higher Apprenticeship programme.

The module is also open to those who wish to undertake this as a standalone module; those candidates should be currently in working towards an operations manager position.

This module introduces you to the fundamental principles of risk management, financial governance, and
regulatory compliance in business. It explores how organisations identify, assess, and respond to risks while maintaining financial integrity. You will develop an understanding of corporate governance frameworks, financial statements, and risk mitigation strategies, equipping you with the skills to support decision-making in a business environment.