ESG Risks and Opportunities from Coursera

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Syllabus

Module 1 – Introduction to ESG Factors and Concepts

In this module, you will be introduced to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Factors and the many different pathways by which they impact financial value. You will learn about the importance of assessing stakeholder interest or salience in different ESG factors and how this varies across industries. You will also gain insight into the five pathways of materiality through which ESG factors impact revenues, costs, or productivity. Finally, you will examine the conditions under which stakeholders are expected to activate these pathways, highlighting the strategic and financial importance of stakeholder relations. By the end of this module, you will have learned how to discern which ESG pathways matter for you and your stakeholders, how to navigate the materiality map and the importance of stakeholder relations for shareholder value.

Module 2 – History and Flavors of ESG Investing

In this module, you will get an overview of the history of ESG Investing and review the past and present ways that investors have attempted to incorporate environmental, social, and governance factors into their strategies. You will also learn about the relationships between social pressure, corporate responses, and financial performance. Next, you will look at portfolio optimization and how to utilize ESG factors to maximize returns. Lastly, you will review various case studies that look at different investment strategies and their outcomes in terms of both ESG and financial performance. By the end of this module, you will understand the history of ESG investing, corporate engagement and responsibility, and the different ways ESG factors can be integrated into investment strategies.

Module 3 – ESG Data

In this module, you will learn about the importance of ESG data and how you can best integrate it into your financial analyses. Next, you will review different providers of data for ESG factors and learn how to assess this data despite the challenges of interpretability and subjectivity. Next, you will survey the tendency towards integrated reporting whereby firms embed ESG data inside their financial reports. Lastly, you will examine ESG data that focuses on the financial impacts on a firm’s stakeholders who may, in turn, create financial benefits or harm for the firm. By the end of this module, you will be better able to utilize ESG data, assess the differences in ESG data provider approaches, and determine how to quantify the environmental, social, and governance factors which impact a firm’s stakeholders.

Module 4 – ESG Management at the Firm-Level

In this module, you learn about the specific cost and revenue variances associated with ESG issues and how better stakeholder relations can mitigate some of these risks. You will also examine cases from Peru, Ghana, and Brazil, and assess how different ESG risk management strategies affected the performance of these projects. You will also review participatory stakeholder processes, external value at stake (EVAS), and integrated project management systems. Lastly, you will look at transformative ways to implement ESG risk assessments into a broader risk management framework to maximize expected corporate performance. By the end of this module, you will have identified best practices for creating a solid financial and risk management plan that incorporates ESG factors and will understand how to create a culture that is sensitive to ESG.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the relationship between ESG factors and financial value creation

Instructed by Witold Henisz, an expert in ESG performance and reporting

Provides real-life case studies to illustrate ESG investing applications

Covers ESG management at the firm-level, including risk assessment and stakeholder relations

Suitable for professionals seeking to incorporate ESG factors into their investment strategies

Helps learners navigate the ESG landscape and stay up-to-date with current trends

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in ESG Risks and Opportunities with these activities:

Review ESG terminologies

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Solidify core subject matter before taking the course.

Browse courses on ESG

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Review provided resources on ESG terminologies
Review case studies to understand the practical application of ESG factors

Review the book 'ESG and Corporate Sustainability' by Robert Eccles and Ioannis Ioannou

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Gain insights from leading experts in the field.

View Understanding and Managing Strategic Governance on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read and take notes on key concepts and frameworks
Discuss the book's ideas with classmates or colleagues

Compile a list of publicly traded companies with strong ESG performance

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Improve understanding of ESG factors and research skills.

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Identify relevant ESG data providers
Gather data on ESG performance for various companies
Analyze data to identify companies with strong ESG performance
Create a list of compiled companies

Four other activities

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Attend a workshop on ESG risk management

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Develop practical skills in managing ESG risks.

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Research and identify relevant workshops
Register and attend the workshop
Actively participate in discussions and exercises
Follow up with workshop organizers or speakers for additional insights

Volunteer for an organization focused on ESG initiatives

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Gain practical experience and contribute to the community.

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Research and identify relevant organizations
Contact the organization and express your interest in volunteering
Attend volunteer training and orientation
Participate in ESG-related activities and projects
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for growth

Participate in an ESG case competition

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Apply knowledge and skills to solve real-world ESG challenges.

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Identify and register for relevant ESG competitions
Form a team and develop a strategy
Conduct research and analysis to develop a solution
Prepare and present your solution to a panel of judges
Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement

Mentor a peer on ESG principles and practices

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Reinforce your understanding by teaching others.

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Identify a peer who is interested in learning about ESG
Set up regular mentoring sessions
Share your knowledge and experience on ESG topics
Provide guidance and support on ESG-related projects
Reflect on your mentoring experience and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete ESG Risks and Opportunities will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

ESG Investment Analyst

ESG Investment Analysts specialize in evaluating and investing in companies with strong ESG performance. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG investing, including the history, drivers, and challenges of this field. The course also covers ESG data analysis and investment strategies, which are essential skills for ESG Investment Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Investment Analyst

ESG Data Analyst

ESG Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret ESG data to inform decision-making. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers ESG data analysis and visualization, which are critical skills for ESG Data Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Data Analyst

ESG Policy Analyst

ESG Policy Analysts develop and advocate for policies that promote ESG performance. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues and policies, including the latest trends and challenges. The course also covers ESG data analysis and communication, which are essential skills for ESG Policy Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Policy Analyst

ESG Risk Manager

ESG Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage ESG risks for their organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers ESG risk management and stakeholder engagement, which are critical skills for ESG Risk Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Risk Manager

ESG Communications Specialist

ESG Communications Specialists develop and implement communication strategies to promote ESG performance. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers ESG communication and stakeholder engagement, which are critical skills for ESG Communications Specialists.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Communications Specialist

Impact Investor

Impact Investors seek to invest in companies and projects that have a positive social and environmental impact. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers ESG data analysis and investment strategies, which are critical skills for Impact Investors.

See salaries and explore the career path for Impact Investor

ESG Consultant

ESG Consultants advise organizations on ESG strategy and implementation. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers ESG risk management and stakeholder engagement, which are critical skills for ESG Consultants.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Consultant

ESG Fund Manager

ESG Fund Managers manage investment funds that focus on ESG investing. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG investing, including the history, drivers, and challenges of this field. The course also covers ESG data analysis and investment strategies, which are essential skills for ESG Fund Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for ESG Fund Manager

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers oversee the development and implementation of ESG strategies for their organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers ESG risk management and stakeholder engagement, which are critical skills for Sustainability Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

Corporate Sustainability Analyst

Corporate Sustainability Analysts work to evaluate and improve the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of their organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers ESG data analysis and management, which are critical skills for Corporate Sustainability Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Analyst

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee the development and implementation of CSR strategies for their organizations. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers CSR reporting and stakeholder engagement, which are critical skills for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers oversee the development and implementation of programs that address social and environmental issues. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers program planning, budgeting, and evaluation, which are critical skills for Nonprofit Program Managers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Program Manager

Government Policy Analyst

Government Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that impact social and environmental issues. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues and policies, including the latest trends and challenges. The course also covers policy analysis and advocacy, which are critical skills for Government Policy Analysts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Policy Analyst

Academic Researcher

Academic Researchers conduct research on ESG issues and policies. This course provides a strong foundation in ESG concepts and frameworks, which is essential for success in this role. The course also covers research methods and data analysis, which are critical skills for Academic Researchers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Researcher

Journalist

Journalists write and report on ESG issues and policies. This course provides a comprehensive overview of ESG issues and policies, including the latest trends and challenges. The course also covers journalism skills, such as interviewing, writing, and editing, which are critical for Journalists.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

ESG Risks and Opportunities

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