The table illustrates how relevant standards can be linked to different themes, sectors, or fields. Universities have the option to offer these courses to students as either required or optional.

The top five reasons for adopting certification to international standards are building trust, improving products and services, complying with regulations, reducing mistakes, and increasing competitive edge.

The Consumer Good Forum (CGF) is an organization of 400 retailers, manufacturers, and stakeholders across 70 countries with combined sales of 4.6 trillion euros. The members embrace the principals of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to ensure better lives through better business. The diagram below shows the key business priorities for the forum’s membership which are Product Data, Healthier Lives, Food Waste, Plastic Waste, Forest Positive, Net Zero, Human Rights, Sustainable Supply Chains, and Food Safety.

By equipping students with knowledge and skills related to standards in their respective disciplines, universities can promote best practices in quality, sustainability, and compliance with industry standards.

Practical considerations for students

In preparing students for the real world, universities should address the following key considerations:

Relevance: Ensure that the curriculum includes standards relevant to specific disciplines and industries.
Supplier requirements: Understand the standards applicable to Tier 1, 2, and 3 suppliers in supply chains to effectively mitigate risks.
Vulnerability assessment: Identify weak links in supply chains vulnerable to risks such as cybersecurity threats, regulatory non-compliance, and ethical lapses.