WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Uncertain which course is best for you? Do this quick quiz.

Which statement best describes your current needs and
aspirations?

a. I need a basic knowledge of a director’s responsibilities.
b. I have some knowledge of a director’s duties and am considering
a director role but want to ensure I am ready for it.
c. I need a comprehensive understanding of a director’s duties and how
to be effective in the role.
d. I want to move into a non-executive director role.
e. I have already completed the Company Directors Course but need to
update my knowledge.
f. I want to improve my effectiveness as a director.

Which statement best describes your level of director
experience?

a. I am not on a board though I am a director of my own business.
b. I am not a director but my work brings me into contact with boards
and directors.
c. I am an executive director/CEO.
d. I am a director but have limited experience.
e. I have a number of years of director experience.
f. I have a number of years experience across a number of different
industries.

Which statement best describes your needs in
understanding how a board can improve a company’s
financial performance?

a. I feel inadequate in dealing with the financial issues and need
training on the basics.
b. I can read the figures but have some difficulty understanding the
relationship between the three common reports and making financial
judgements.
c. I need to better understand the indicators of performance so I can feel comfortable about issues such as solvency.
d. I am comfortable reading and understanding financial statements,
but need to know how best to use them as a director to make
appropriate decisions.
e. I would like to extend my strategic financial skills so I can better drive organisational performance.
f. I have a lot of experience, but I like to test my skills from time to time
to ensure I am at the top of my game.

Which statement best describes your understanding of
governance issues?

a. My only knowledge of directors’ duties and liabilities is what I have
read in the press.
b. I have some knowledge, but do not feel entirely comfortable.
c. I have a broad, but fairly general knowledge and wonder if this is
enough.
d. I am relatively comfortable, but understand the expectations of
directors are changing.
e. I feel competent about governance issues, but would like a better
understanding of specific areas such as the role of the
chairman/committees/international context.
f. I know what I need to know about my duties, but I’d like to gain
a better appreciation of how to improve a board’s performance.

How comfortable are you with the board’s role in risk
management?

a. I feel anxious that I don’t know what I need to know.
b. I have done some study of risk management but still find it confusing and hope the management team have it under control.
c. I understand the operational side of risk management, but I am not
sure what the board needs to do.
d. I understand the process and structure but, like most directors,
I struggle with the complexity.
e. Boards seem to be more accountable than ever and I want to know how a board can better balance its focus on risk versus
performance/risks in the global context.
f. I am comfortable our board does a fairly good job in risk governance, but I am wary of becoming complacent.

Which statement best describes your grasp of strategy?
a. Most of my work has been at the operational level and I need to
know how strategy is developed and who is responsible for what.
b. I’ve done a bit of work in strategy but would like to know more.
c. I have developed strategy in my role as a manager and would like
to better understand the board’s responsibilities.
d. I am fine on strategy development and assessment, but I need to know more about how a board ensures successful implementation.
e. I think I know what I need to know, but since this is the key to superior company performance, I want to sharpen my performance.
f. I want to develop a deeper understanding of strategic thinking.

SELF ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST
Check your answers

• Mostly As: AICD Directors Essentials is the suite of programs for you.

• Mostly B’s: You might want to check the various modules available in AICD Directors Essentials before tackling the Company Directors Course.

• Mostly Cs: You are ready for the Company Directors Course.

• Mostly D's: The Company Directors Course will give you most of what you need. You might also like to check out some of the associated short courses.

• Mostly E’s: You may want to check out the International Company
Directors Course if your work crosses regulatory frameworks. There are also a number of associated short courses that cover specific issues like committees. Also check out the CDC Update.

• Mostly f’s: You may be eligible for AICD’s Mastering the Boardroom
program. Check this with the program manager/state office.