Course Overview

Course Overview

The Delegation of Authority (DoA) Management Course is designed to help organizations and professionals establish, implement, and manage robust frameworks for effective delegation and accountability. Delegation of authority is a critical governance function that enables operational efficiency, controls risks, and ensures transparent decision-making in both public and private sector organizations.

This course equips participants with the tools to design and manage DoA frameworks that clarify responsibilities, support compliance, and align decision rights with organizational strategy.

Duration: 2 Days

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles, purpose, and value of Delegation of Authority.
• Differentiate between authority, responsibility, and accountability.
• Design and apply effective Delegation of Authority matrices and governance frameworks.
• Align delegation structures with business functions, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
• Mitigate risks of unauthorized or misaligned decision-making.
• Monitor and update Delegation of Authority frameworks to reflect organizational changes.
• Promote ethical and transparent leadership through responsible delegation.

Course Content

Day 1: Foundations of Delegation of Authority and Governance Structures

• Module 1: Introduction to Delegation of Authority
  • What is Delegation of Authority (DoA)?
  • Why It Matters: Governance, Risk, and Operational Efficiency
  • Key Concepts: Power vs. Authority vs. Responsibility vs. Accountability
• Module 2: Legal and Governance Context
  • Internal Policies, Legal Frameworks (e.g., Companies Act, PFMA, King IV)
  • Internal Controls and Lines of Defense
  • DoA in Public Sector vs Private Sector Environments
• Module 3: Designing a Delegation of Authority Framework
  • Levels of Authority (Strategic, Operational, Transactional)
  • Structuring a DoA Matrix
  • Roles of the Board, Executives, and Management
  • Case Study: Mapping an Authority Chain for Procurement and Finance

Day 2: Implementation, Risk Controls, and Monitoring

• Module 4: Implementing and Communicating Delegation Structures
  • Embedding DoA in Organizational Policies
  • Training and Awareness for Effective Delegation
  • Tools and Templates for DoA Registers and Sign-Offs
• Module 5: Risks and Controls in Delegation
  • Identifying Risk Exposure Due to Poor Delegation
  • Segregation of Duties and Audit Trails
  • Breach Scenarios and Escalation Protocols
• Module 6: Monitoring and Updating the DoA Framework
  • Triggers for Review (Restructuring, Mergers, Strategy Changes)
  • Reporting, Internal Audits, and Governance Oversight
  • Integration with Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance
• Practical Group Exercise:
  • Build a Delegation of Authority Matrix for a Simulated Organization
  • Identify Gaps, Risks, and Control Enhancements

Course Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate