Impact Measurement & Management for the SDGs from Coursera

How can businesses and investors help fill the multi-trillion-dollar gap needed for sustainable development? Simply put: by incorporating sustainability and social impact factors on people and planet into management decisions. Through this course, anyone can learn to improve their organization's practice of impact measurement and management and align their ESG or impact activities and reporting with emerging global standards.

Impact Measurement and Management for the SDGs is a collaboration between UNDP SDG Impact and the award-winning team at CASE at Duke University. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a steward of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were launched in 2015 and to which 193 countries have signed up to achieve by 2030. The SDGs are a shared plan to end extreme poverty, reduce inequality, and protect the planet; they have become the world’s blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

But the public sector cannot meet those goals alone. Climate change, poverty, racial and gender equity, food, health, education, clean water − the list of challenges faced by people and planet is too long. Businesses and investors have stepped in to help. The course was designed around the fundamental elements of the SDG Impact Standards, the only management standards that embed sustainability at the core of an organization in the holistic way intended by the creators of the SDGs. The course demonstrates how the SDG Impact Standards help organizations align with responsible business principles, other standards, and best practices in impact management.

In the course, you’ll learn to improve decision-making for positive impact on people and planet in line with the SDG Impact Standards and the Operating Principles for Impact Management. In the course, we have translated 4 universal practices of impact management into practical actions: SET STRATEGY, INTEGRATE, OPTIMIZE and REINFORCE. We teach the steps to implement these actions through short videos and lessons with concrete practical examples.

Professionals who know how to apply these sustainable management standards are increasingly in demand by institutions globally as they work to improve their performance and reporting around ESG and impact management. If you work or wish to work within an enterprise, a corporation, a fund that manages assets or an asset owner or advisory that oversees investment assets, or if you just want to learn more about impact investing, ESG, social finance or corporate reporting, this course will help you master the core concepts and practices in impact management for the SDGs and other impacts from enterprise and investor perspectives.

This course was written and is delivered by CASE Faculty Director Cathy Clark, and benefitted from extensive input from a larger team from UNDP, CASE, global academic advisors, and other experts. For a full list of acknowledgements, see: https://sites.duke.edu/casei3/for-practitioners/impact-measurement-and-management-for-the-sdgs-course/

Selected course materials have been translated into Baha Indonesia, Thai, and Vietnamese. Spanish and Turkish translations are coming soon. Please find links to these translations under the Resources tab once you are inside the course.

This course was made possible by generous support from Norad.

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to Impact Measurement and Management for the SDGs!

How can the private sector help fill the $2 trillion gap needed for sustainable development? By getting better at measuring and managing its impact on people and planet. This module introduces the 4 universal steps of impact measurement and management (SET STRATEGY, INTEGRATE, OPTIMIZE and REINFORCE), explores how they can be applied across the investment value chain to simplify ESG and impact practices. It also introduces the SDG Impact Standards and the 5 Dimensions of Impact.

Set Strategy

Set Strategy equips you to understand the material issues most relevant to your stakeholders and then define your target SDG outcomes in ways that align with your overall business or investment objectives. You’ll create an impact thesis for each, and, if you’re an investor, a revised investment policy statement that integrates your SDG goals. You’ll also set ABC classification levels for your goals. Note that this week is divided into two parts: first, instruction, review materials, and resources for Enterprises, and second, the equivalent materials for Investors. The material is cumulative, and to complete the course, you will need to pass the quizzes for both roles.

Integrate

Integrate teaches you how to put into place the resources, tools, and processes that will allow you to measure your SDG impact. If you’re an enterprise this includes setting performance targets, choosing indicators from across the 5 dimensions, and deciding how you’ll track those indicators. If you’re an investor, this involves integrating impact management processes into every step of your investment process, from due diligence through exit. Note that this week is divided into two parts: first, instruction, review materials, and resources for Enterprises, and second, the equivalent materials for Investors. The material is cumulative, and to complete the course, you will need to pass the quizzes for both roles.

Optimize

Optimize is about what you do when the processes you have set up generate information about your impact. Importantly, this step goes beyond just collecting the data. This is where you use the data to create more impact. We show you how to analyze enterprise data to understand where performance deviated from the plan and why. Then we guide you to use that analysis to make decisions about the new actions you will take to improve impact performance. If you’re an investor, you’ll review the data coming from your investees and monitor their management of SDG impact. You’ll decide whether to hold and engage to increase impact, or exit, taking impact considerations into account. Note that this week is divided into two parts: first, instruction, review materials, and resources for Enterprises, and second, the equivalent materials for Investors. The material is cumulative, and to complete the course, you will need to pass the quizzes for both roles.

Reinforce

In Reinforce, you deepen your governance and accountability for the impact you are creating. This includes disclosing to internal stakeholders or the public about your impact measurement and management performance. You’ll also learn about 3rd party verifications, how to get ready to undertake them, and how to use them to improve your work. Note that this week is divided into two parts: first, instruction, review materials, and resources for Enterprises, and second, the equivalent materials for Investors. The material is cumulative, and to complete the course, you will need to pass the quizzes for both roles.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops tools and knowledge that are highly relevant to the Principles for Responsible Investment Process

Explores the holistic way intended by the creators of the SDGs

Delves into the universal practices of SET STRATEGY, INTEGRATE, OPTIMIZE and REINFORCE

Taught by Cathy Clark, Faculty Director of the Center for the Advancement of Social Entrepreneurship at Duke University

Emphasizes stakeholder engagement through the integration of ESG

Provides practical actions through short videos and lessons with concrete examples

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 Impact Measurement & Management for the SDGs with these activities:

Volunteer at a local non-profit organization focused on financial literacy

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Volunteering will provide you with practical experience in applying financial management principles while contributing to the community.

Browse courses on Financial Literacy

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Research local non-profit organizations that focus on financial literacy.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular volunteer schedule.
Participate in activities such as teaching financial literacy workshops, providing one-on-one counseling, or organizing fundraising events.

Join a study group or participate in online discussions with classmates

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Engaging in discussions with peers will aid in understanding diverse perspectives, clarifying concepts, and strengthening your analytical skills.

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Find a study group or join online discussions.
Actively participate in discussions and ask questions.
Share your own insights and help others understand the course material.

Start a personal finance project to track your expenses and create a budget

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Getting hands-on experience with personal finance management will complement the course material and help you build practical skills for financial well-being.

Browse courses on Personal Finance

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Choose a method to track your expenses, such as a spreadsheet, budgeting app, or notebook.
Track your expenses for a month.
Analyze your spending patterns and identify areas where you can cut back.
Create a budget based on your income and expenses.
Stick to your budget and track your progress regularly.

Five other activities

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Review the book 'Essentials of Management Accounting' by Garrison and Noreen

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This book provides foundational knowledge in management accounting, which will be instrumental in the comprehension of course materials.

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Read the introduction and first two chapters of the book.
Take notes as you read, highlighting key concepts.
Review your notes and identify any areas you need to clarify.

Solve practice problems on financial statement analysis

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Solving practice problems will aid in sharpening your analytical skills and improving your understanding of how to interpret financial statements.

Browse courses on Financial Statement Analysis

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Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
Attempt to solve the problems without looking at the solutions.
Check your answers and identify your mistakes.
Review the solutions and make sure you understand how to solve the problems correctly.

Watch video tutorials on advanced financial modeling techniques

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These tutorials will provide valuable insights into industry-specific practices and help you refine your financial modeling skills.

Browse courses on Financial Modeling

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Find video tutorials on financial modeling.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key concepts and techniques.
Try to apply the techniques you learned to your own financial models.

Create a financial analysis report for a company of your choice

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This hands-on project will allow you to apply the concepts of financial statement analysis to a real-world scenario and enhance your critical thinking skills.

Browse courses on Financial Analysis

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Choose a company to analyze.
Gather financial data from the company's website, financial databases, or other sources.
Analyze the financial data and identify key trends and ratios.
Write a report that summarizes your analysis and provides your insights on the company's financial health.

Create a blog post or article on a topic related to financial management

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Writing about financial management concepts will reinforce your understanding and demonstrate your ability to synthesize information.

Browse courses on Financial Management

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Choose a topic related to financial management that interests you.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write a blog post or article that is clear, concise, and engaging.
Share your content with others.

Career center

Learners who complete Impact Measurement & Management for the SDGs will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They advise policymakers on the potential impacts of different policies and make recommendations on how to improve policy outcomes. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which can be used to measure and manage the impact of public policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers are responsible for leading and managing nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement strategic plans, manage budgets, and oversee staff. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which can be used to measure and manage the impact of nonprofit organizations.

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Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants help organizations to reduce their environmental and social impacts. They may work on projects such as developing sustainability strategies, conducting environmental audits, and implementing pollution control measures. This course may be useful for Sustainability Consultants as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which can be used to measure and manage the impact of sustainability initiatives.

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Program Manager

Program Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government, nonprofit organizations, and businesses. This course may be useful for Program Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which can be used to measure and manage the impact of programs.

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Social Impact Analyst

Social Impact Analysts measure and evaluate the social impact of programs, policies, and investments. They use a variety of tools to collect and analyze data, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This course may be useful for Social Impact Analysts as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which include a number of social indicators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Impact Analyst

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for their organizations. They measure and manage the progress of these strategies in line with the SDGs. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which are increasingly being used by companies to measure and manage their sustainability performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Manager

ESG Analyst

ESG Analysts are responsible for evaluating the environmental, social, and governance performance of companies and investments. They use this information to make recommendations to clients on which companies to invest in or divest from. This course may be useful for ESG Analysts as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which are increasingly being used by companies to measure and manage their ESG performance.

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Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

Corporate Social Responsibility Managers are responsible for developing and implementing corporate social responsibility strategies for their organizations. They measure and manage the progress of these strategies in line with the SDGs. This course may be useful for Corporate Social Responsibility Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which are increasingly being used by companies to measure and manage their CSR performance.

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Environmental Consultant

Environmental Consultants help organizations to reduce their environmental impact. They may work on projects such as developing sustainability strategies, conducting environmental audits, and implementing pollution control measures. This course may be useful for Environmental Consultants as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which include a number of environmental indicators.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Consultant

Corporate Sustainability Officer

Corporate Sustainability Officers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies for their organizations. They measure and manage the progress of these strategies in line with the SDGs. This course may be useful for Corporate Sustainability Officers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which are increasingly being used by companies to measure and manage their sustainability performance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Corporate Sustainability Officer

Sustainability Analyst

Sustainability Analysts work with organizations to develop and implement sustainability strategies that reduce environmental and social impacts. They measure and manage the progress of these strategies in line with the SDGs. This course may be useful for Sustainability Analysts as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which are the only management standards that embed sustainability at the core of an organization in the holistic way intended by the creators of the SDGs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sustainability Analyst

Impact Investor

Impact Investors seek to make investments that generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. They use a variety of tools to measure and manage the impact of their investments, including the SDG Impact Standards. This course may be useful for Impact Investors as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards and how to use them to measure and manage impact.

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Philanthropy Advisor

Philanthropy Advisors help individuals and organizations to make effective charitable donations. They research and evaluate different charities and advise their clients on which charities to support. This course may be useful for Philanthropy Advisors as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards, which can be used to measure and manage the impact of charitable giving.

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ESG Investment Manager

ESG Investment Managers are responsible for managing investment portfolios that consider environmental, social, and governance factors. They use a variety of tools to measure and manage the ESG performance of their portfolios, including the SDG Impact Standards. This course may be useful for ESG Investment Managers as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards and how to use them to measure and manage ESG impact.

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Impact Measurement and Management Specialist

Impact Measurement and Management Specialists are responsible for developing and implementing impact measurement and management systems for their organizations. They use a variety of tools to measure and manage impact, including the SDG Impact Standards. This course may be useful for Impact Measurement and Management Specialists as it provides a comprehensive understanding of the SDG Impact Standards and how to use them to measure and manage impact.

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