Online Short Course in Sustainable Business Management

The online short course in Sustainable Business Management is particularly valuable for Milpark School of Professional Accounting students and graduates seeking to enhance their entry point into CIMA’s Professional Qualification; as well as students and graduates seeking to complement technical accounting, finance or business expertise with management competencies associated with management accounting and organisational leadership.

This short course is designed for students, graduates and working professionals who wish to broaden their understanding of organisational management, sustainability, ethical leadership and project management within a modern business environment. The key concepts covered and competencies developed in this Short Course are aligned with the E2 (Managing Performance) syllabus in CIMA’s Professional Qualification. It therefore assists students in preparing for success with CIMA at the Management level, while also enhancing the entry point into CIMA’s Professional Qualification for Milpark’s accounting graduates.

Upon successful completion of the Short Course, students will have developed competencies in organisational management, sustainable and ethical decision-making, project management and organisational leadership in contemporary business environments.

Accreditations

Programme Structure

Modules

Strategic Management for Sustainable Organisations (SMSO01-OS)

This module provides students with an in-depth understanding of the strategic dimensions and operational structure of modern organisations. Students acquire knowledge of organisational management, sustainability and ethical leadership principles required for effective decision-making within contemporary business environments. The module explores entrepreneurship, organisational structures and management approaches that support organisational effectiveness, performance and sustainable value creation. It also examines sustainability reporting frameworks and their role in corporate governance and stakeholder reporting.

The module also develops students’ knowledge and application of project management and project leadership principles, concepts and tools required to plan, implement, manage and evaluate projects within a business context. Students also gain an understanding of stakeholder engagement, communication, risk management and project leadership practices that contribute to successful project delivery and organisational performance.

Note: The content covered in the compulsory module aligns with key concepts and competencies assessed in CIMA's E2 (Managing Performance) objective test and may assist students in preparing for success at this level.

Available learning modes

How Does the Short Course in Sustainable Business Management Work?

This Short Course consists of one compulsory module called Strategic Management for Sustainable Organisations (SMSO01-OS), which is centred on the same module that forms part of Milpark Education’s Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting specialising in Management Accountancy which is recognised by CIMA for entry into the CIMA Professional Qualification at the Management Level Case Study.
The duration of this Short Course is two months and it is offered via Milpark Education’s Immersive Online (IO) Learning study mode. On successful completion of the Short Course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Immersive Online Learning

IO Learning is a guided, flexible digital experience designed to foster deeper learning and meaningful connection. Through scheduled sessions, interactive content, and collaborative activities, students engage in a human-centred environment that blends structure with flexibility. Advanced online tools, small-group collaboration, and personalised feedback create a rich, engaging, and connected learning journey.

Minimum Admission Requirements

To enrol in this short course, applicants must meet one of the admission criteria below and submit the required supporting documentation.

Completion of an appropriate Diploma or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 6, or higher. For a qualification to be considered “appropriate”, it would usually include the study of financial accounting, management accounting, finance, commerce, business management, project management or a related field. Where the qualification obtained does not include these areas of study, applicants may be required to demonstrate that they possess the prerequisite competencies required to complete the Short Course.

Current enrolment in an appropriate Bachelor of Commerce Degree or equivalent qualification at NQF Level 7, or higher. Applicants should have successfully completed all relevant first- and second-year modules (or equivalent NQF Level 5 and NQF Level 6 studies) and be progressing towards completion of the qualification.

Current enrolment in the Management Level of the CIMA Professional Qualification, or successful completion of the CIMA Operational Level Case Study.

At least five years of relevant management experience, supported by a detailed curriculum vitae and any additional documentation that may be required by Milpark Education to demonstrate that the applicant possesses the prerequisite competencies required to complete the Short Course.

Applicants must, at a minimum, submit the following documents with their application:

Copy of South African 13-digit identity document or valid passport.
Copy of Senior Certificate with matriculation endorsement/exemption for degree studies; or
Copy of National Senior Certificate with a Bachelor’s Degree Pass; or
Copy of Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate plus a qualification at NQF Level 5 or above (120 credits or more), supported by a copy of the certificate or letter of completion.

Please refer to the Programme Fact Sheet for detailed admission requirements and supporting documentation requirements.

What We Offer

Flexible learning that fits around your work and life.
A structured weekly journey with easy-to-follow schedules.
Lecturers available for guidance during the day and after hours.
An engaging and supportive community walking the learning journey with you.

Resources & Support

A series of bite-sized videos covering all key concepts.
Quizzes to test your knowledge.
Comprehensive and flexible academic and non-academic (psychosocial) support.
One-on-one live online consultations with lecturers.
Weekly live online group discussions.
Mentorship from lecturers and past students.

Online Short Course in Sustainable Business Management

Next start date: 2027

Duration:
2 Months

Online Short Course in Sustainable Business Management

Programme Downloads

Professional Accounting

Frequently Asked Questions

What resources can I expect from Milpark’s online learning?

The resource benefits of our online learning are as follows:

Enjoy a series of bite-sized video lectures covering every concept;
Test your knowledge with quizzes and practice questions;
Review past tests and exams with comprehensive feedback videos;
Participate in one-on-one live online discussions;
Join weekly live group sessions for each subject;
Benefit from mentorship from lecturers and past students; and
Limited spaces ensure we provide excellent support.

How does the online PGDA/CTA work?

A one-year programme (full workload), with the option to complete over two years (half workload).
If you can’t dedicate to a full workload, you have the option to complete the programme over two years on a half workload.

How does it work if I choose to do the PGDA/CTA over two years?

Year One (HWL1)

During HWL1, you register (and pay) for Management Accounting & Finance, and Corporate Governance & Auditing. Upon successful completion of both of those modules, you progress to year two.

(If you do not pass both modules in year one, in the next year you either repeat HWL1 or may elect to register for the full workload.)

Year Two (HWL2)

During HWL2, you register for all four modules, but only pay for Financial Reporting and Taxation. You will engage fully with Financial Reporting and Taxation during HWL2.

For Management Accounting & Finance and Corporate Governance & Auditing:

you’ll have access to material and support to stay up to date with them; and
it is recommended, but not required, that you write tests in these modules during the year.

At the end of the year, you’ll write final exams for all four modules, and you will need to pass all four modules in a single academic period to qualify for SAICA’s IAC.

Is the BCom Accounting right for me?

It’s ideal if you want to:

Qualify as a CA(SA) with SAICA;
Enter the accounting industry with professional accreditations like ACCA, CIMA or SAIPA; and
Start your own business with strong financial and business skills.

It prepares you for various business roles:

Operational
Strategic
Future executive

It’s perfect for those who:

Have a strong inclination for numbers;
Are interested in the accounting world; and
Want to be part of a supportive online community committed to your success.

Get in Contact

We would like to help, select the option that suits your needs and we will get back within 24 hours.