Embedding ESG through regular program review and defined graduate competencies

Business school graduates are expected to respond credibly to environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges. At WBS, the challenge was to ensure that ESG capabilities were developed and assessed consistently across all programmes. WBS embedded ESG within its formal programme review and competency framework. Through programme reviews, a foundational course on ethics, sustainability and governance was introduced, beginning with the MBA and extending to other academic and executive programmes. In parallel, the School defined mission-driven, school-wide graduate competencies, explicitly incorporating ethical leadership, sustainability, responsible decision-making and societal impact. These competencies are mandatory for all master’s programmes and are embedded into curriculum mapping, learning outcomes and assessment design.

Key outputs have included the requirement for a mandatory ESG foundational course across all programmes; clearly articulated ESG-aligned graduate competencies; revised curricula and assessments mapped to those competencies; and completed cyclical testing of ESG-related learning outcomes.

Graduate competencies now serve as the primary mechanism through which ESG is embedded, taught and assessed. Data on achievement of competencies is used to refine learning outcomes and curricula and to close the loop on continuous improvement. This competency-led approach ensures that all graduates demonstrate ethical judgement and sustainability awareness, regardless of programme. For example, in 2025, 89% of students demonstrated competency in managing sustainability trade-offs, and 91% reported that their studies prepared them to leverage business to address societal needs.

“Our defined graduate competencies ensure that all graduates demonstrate ethical judgement and sustainability awareness regardless of program.” Prof Jones Odei-Mensah, Academic Director, Wits Business School