FCPA for Academic and Research Settings

Learn about the FCPA, violations, mitigation, and monitoring best practices for your university or research organization.

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About this Course

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), a U.S. federal law known primarily for two of its main provisions–accounting transparency and bribery of foreign officials. As institutions widen their global work and participate in international partnerships and payments, understanding the FCPA becomes especially important. The course provides learners with an introduction to the FCPA, understanding FCPA violations, and mitigation and monitoring best practices. Additionally, the course discusses significant overseas activities that can affect organizations, particularly universities and research organizations. It includes a digestible outline of the act, strategies to avoid violations, case studies, quizzes, and additional resources.

Personnel at all levels of an institution, especially those directly or indirectly involved in international financial transactions or contracts on behalf of their organization, can benefit from this course. Additionally, individuals in administrative, leadership, general counsel, finance, and other operational departments may find the course helpful.

This course was authored by Wendy Epley, MCc-RTC, ECoP-EAR & ITAR, Epley Consulting. It was peer-reviewed by experts.

Language Availability: English

Suggested Audiences: Administrators, Compliance Professionals, Faculty, Finance Professionals, General Counsel, Graduate Students, International Affairs Staff, Lawyers, Post-Doctoral Fellows, Research Administrators, Researchers, University Accountants, University Leadership, University Legal Teams

Organizational Subscription Price: Included in the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) series, which is available as part of an organizational subscription package or for $675 per year/per site as a subscription add-on for government and non-profit organizations; $750 per year/per site as a subscription add-on for for-profit organizations
Independent Learner Price: $99 per person

Demo Instructions


Course Content

Introduction to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA)

This module introduces the FCPA, defines some common terminology used in the FCPA, identifies the provisions within the Act, and identifies when it may arise or be applicable in a given situation.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20349 (English)
Author(s): Wendy Epley, MSc (RTC), ECoP (EAR & ITAR) - Epley Consulting

Understanding FCPA Violations

FCPA violations can have significant consequences on individuals and organizations. Criminal and civil enforcement actions can result in large fines, suspension, debarment from federal contracting, and imprisonment. This module explores the consequences for violating the FCPA, including examples of various situations that could result in violations of the Act, and identifies mitigation and monitoring best practices to remain compliant with it and prevent improper and corrupt payments.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20350 (English)
Author(s): Wendy Epley, MSc (RTC), ECoP (EAR & ITAR) - Epley Consulting

Mitigating and Monitoring

Organizations need to be vigilant in their various business activities that could potentially be at risk for FCPA violations. Some activities may not have obvious implications to FCPA, but, as organizations expand their global activities their risk for FCPA violations increase. Thus, it is essential for an organization to have internal controls implemented to mitigate and continuously monitor for potential risks. This module identifies the elements of an effective FCPA compliance program, provides mitigation practices to remain compliant with the Act, and recognizes activites where monitoring controls can be effective for compliance.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20351 (English)
Author(s): Wendy Epley, MSc (RTC), ECoP (EAR & ITAR) - Epley Consulting

The FCPA and Research

When it comes to research there are unique challenges associated with anti-corruption compliance. When research is conducted outside of the United States, organizations and researchers must be cognizant of where a foreign official may be present. Some organizations are operated by or are a division of a foreign government. Individuals working for such organizations could be considered a “foreign official” under the FCPA. Therefore, organizations need to monitor closely any payments to individuals or organizations involved in the research.  It would not be unusual to find where there is a interrelationship between the foreign research organization and secondary services.

This module focuses specifically on organizations involved in international research and development. It highlights specific risks pertaining to researchers and administrators, identifies actions or behaviors in global research that could potentially violate anti-corruption laws, and recognizes mitigation strategies to prevent potential anti-corruption violations.

Recommended Use: Required
ID (Language): 20352 (English)
Author(s): Wendy Epley, MSc (RTC), ECoP (EAR & ITAR) - Epley Consulting


FAQs

Who should take the FCPA for Academic and Research Settings course?

This course is designed for those within institutions who are involved with global transactions on behalf of their organization.  It is particularly useful for those engaging in international research, or parterning with international organizations.  It is also useful for administrators, institutional leadership, general counsel, finance, international affairs, and other operational departments.

How long does it take to complete the FCPA for Academic and Research Settings course?

This course consists of four modules. Each module contains detailed content and a quiz as well as images, supplemental materials, and case studies (when appropriate).

Modules vary in length, and learners may require different amounts of time to complete them based on their familiarity and knowledge of the topic. However, modules are each designed to take about 25 to 45 minutes to complete, which means the entire course could take around 2 or 3 hours to complete.

Is this course eligible for continuing medical education credits?

This course does not currently have CE/CME credits available.

What are the standard recommendations for learner groups?

This course is designed to be completed in its entirety and sequentially. A recommendation is to set all modules as “Required” for initial completion.


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