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Course Description

This online course is 18 learning hours over six weeks, including 4.5 hours of live online sessions. It is recommended that students spend a minimum of 3 hours each week on coursework. Students may choose to complete more hours of work on the course in order to explore the content in more depth.


This course focuses on measuring organizational performance and strengthening accountability within municipal government. Learners will examine performance measurement, program evaluation, auditing principles, risk management, governance responsibilities, and data-informed decision-making. Emphasis is placed on using performance information to improve service delivery, inform strategic decision-making, and foster a culture of continuous improvement and organizational excellence.

Course Outline

Module 1: Performance measurement

Module 2: Using data to make better decisions

Module 3: Evaluating programs and services

Module 4: Managing risk and accountability

Module 5: Auditing municipal operations

Module 6: Building a culture of continuous improvement

What You Will Learn

Upon successful completion of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Develop and use performance measures to evaluate municipal services and support organizational decision-making;
  • Analyze data and assess municipal programs to identify opportunities for improved service delivery and organizational effectiveness;
  • Apply principles of risk management, accountability, and operational auditing to strengthen governance and organizational performance;
  • Recommend evidence-based strategies that foster continuous improvement and enhance the effectiveness of municipal operations.

Notes

The Faculty of Open Learning and Career Development recommends an intermediate level of English language proficiency for the most effective learning and participation in our online and face-to-face courses. A list of minimum recommended scores on some common English tests can be found on our website. If you have questions about your English language proficiency and ability to succeed in this course, please contact openlearning@dal.ca.

Recommended For

  • Current or aspiring municipal managers, supervisors, and department heads seeking to strengthen their leadership and decision-making skills.
  • Municipal employees responsible for planning, delivering, evaluating, or improving municipal programs and services.
  • CAOs, directors, and senior leaders looking to build a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement.
  • Professionals transitioning into leadership roles who want practical tools to measure organizational performance and support evidence-based decisions.
  • Anyone interested in understanding how municipalities can use performance measurement, risk management, and operational reviews to improve services and organizational effectiveness.

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enrol Now - Select a section to enrol in

Section Title
Performance and Auditing
Type
Online - Self-Paced
Dates
Apr 09, 2027 to May 21, 2027
Type
Online - Scheduled
Days
Tuesday
Time
6:30PM to 8:00PM
Dates
Apr 20, 2027 to May 18, 2027
Schedule and Location
Total Learning Hours
18.0
Location
  • Online Campus - Atlantic Time
Instruction Delivery Method(s)
Course Fee(s)
Fee non-credit $675.00
Instructors
Required Software
A webcam and microphone will be required for the live sessions. This course requires a Dalhousie NetID. If you do not currently have a NetID, a NetID will be assigned to you, and—after registration—you will receive an email on how to claim your account. Once you have claimed your account, you will login to the Student Portal under the heading "I have a NetID Username and Password" on the far left of the login screen.

Section Notes

This course has scheduled written assignments and discussions within the term time frame. There will also be three (3) facilitated online sessions - click on View Details for dates. *Please note: live session dates and times may change, and will be finalized six (6) weeks prior to course start date.* 

The course site will be open at 4:00 PM Atlantic Time on the course start date.

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