GENERAL
What are the BEI OnDemand modules?
BEI OnDemand modules are self-paced, asynchronous executive learning, which allows you to access course materials, complete activities, and engage with discussions at your own pace, without requiring real-time attendance. This makes it ideal for busy professionals, global cohorts, and learners balancing multiple commitments.
What is the Digital Policy Innovation suite of modules and who is the audience?
This executive program offers eight self-guided modules aimed at equipping current and future leaders alike with the critical knowledge and practical skills required to lead digital transformation and effectively manage this era’s risks and opportunities. They are designed for professionals at all levels—including policymakers, civil servants, industry leaders, civil society practitioners, scholars, and graduate students—who are navigating digital transformation, governance challenges, and innovation strategy.
What will I learn in these modules?
The Digital Policy Innovation suite of modules equips learners with:
- Knowledge of the Age of Intangibles and its implications for governance and innovation
- Skills to lead digital transformation initiatives
- Tools to evaluate risks and opportunities presented by digital assets and technologies
Each module blends expert-led pre-recorded sessions with readings, quizzes, discussion boards, and applied case studies.
How many OnDemand modules are there and what do they cover?
Currently, there are eight self-guided modules covering key topics within digital policy innovation. Modules can be taken individually for targeted knowledge, or as a group of five (two mandatory and three electives) to earn the Executive Certificate.
What are the learning pathways offered?
There are three engagement pathways:
- Executive Certificate – Comprehensive pathway featuring five modules (two core + three electives), assessment of each, and attainment of a micro-credential certificate in Digital Policy Innovation upon successful completion
- Executive Module – Includes the same learning content plus a case study submission and instructor feedback, culminating in a Certificate of Completion (badge).
- Audit Only – Access one module with videos, readings, quizzes, and forums (no assessments or certificate).
Are there admission requirements for the modules?
We welcome professionals from diverse backgrounds with a range of experiences, however as all our modules are geared toward executive development for early, mid-, or senior careerists, an undergraduate degree is desirable.
What languages are the courses offered in?
All Balsillie Executive Institute courses are offered in English.
Will the OnDemand modules cover other topics?
The BEI continues to expand its roster, so stay tuned for updates!
CONTENT
How is the learning delivered?
All modules are delivered in a self-paced, asynchronous format, with:
- Up to three hours of pre-recorded content per module
- Recommended readings and exercises
- Discussion forums for peer and instructor engagement
- An applied case study, accompanied by a pre-recorded introduction from the instructor and feedback on the assignment. (not available in the Audit Only option)
This structure allows busy professionals to learn at their own pace.
Are there assessments or requirements to complete a module?
- The Audit Only pathway has no required assessment.
- The Executive Module and Executive Certificate pathways require a case study response for each module to demonstrate applied understanding and earn the corresponding certificate or micro-credential.
How long will I have access to the course content?
Participants have access to all course materials for 365 days (one year) from the date of purchase. This allows you to complete the modules at your own pace within that period.
For participants who require additional time due to professional or personal constraints, extended access may be available on a case-by-case basis—please contact us at info@balsillieinstitute.ca to discuss accommodations.
Which modules are best suited for me?
The BEI OnDemand modules in Digital Policy Innovation cover a broad spectrum of topics—from foundational digital technologies and governance frameworks to digital auditing and policy management.
Each module is tailored to support specific professional needs and career paths. For example:
- Modules such as Productivity and Prosperity in the Age of Intangibles and Leadership in Digital Governance provide foundational knowledge for evaluating the economic impact of intangible assets and leading effectively in digital governance.
- Modules such as Building Digital Foundations, Digital Risk and Cybersecurity, and Digital Auditing and Accountability are ideal for professionals driving innovation and transformation across public, private, or non profit sectors, as they foster effective digital leadership. If you are a professional leading digital transformation—particularly in innovation, systems design, or operational implementation these modules may better complement your current skills.
- Modules such as Digital Governance Frameworks, Policy Development in a Digital Era, and Organizational Innovation and the Future of Work are designed for leaders in governance. These modules aim to equip participants to craft impactful, ethical, and future oriented digital policy solutions. If your focus is on digital public policy and governance, these modules may better suit your skillset.
If I complete an Executive Module first, can it count toward the Executive Certificate later?
Yes. If you complete an Executive Module and later decide to pursue the full Executive Certificate, the completed module may be credited toward the certificate requirements, subject to program rules and administrative confirmation.
In some cases, adjusted pricing or a promotional code may be available to reflect prior completion. Please contact info@balsillieinstitute.ca before registering for the Executive Certificate to discuss available options.
How are discussion boards moderated?
Discussion boards are moderated to support a respectful, inclusive, and constructive learning environment for all participants. The BEI team reviews contributions and may remove comments that:
- Are offensive, abusive, or harassing toward individuals or groups
- Contain hate speech, discriminatory language, or threats
- Include personally identifiable information about others without consent
- Are clearly irrelevant to the topic or intended to disrupt learning
- Violate platform rules or professional conduct standards
Participants are expected to engage professionally and respectfully, share insights relevant to the topic, and avoid content that could harm or intimidate others. Repeated violations may result in restricted access to discussion features or further action from the BEI team.
Do I have to complete the pre-recorded sessions and proposed activities before the case study exercise, or can it be done after?
Do I have to complete the pre-recorded sessions and proposed activities before the case study exercise, or can it be done after?
CERTIFICATIONS
How and when will I receive my certificate?
Certificates are issued after you have successfully completed all required course components, including any assessments. Certificates and badges are delivered digitally through MyCreds™, and you will receive an email notification when your credential is available.
What are the types of certificates issued?
- A Certificate of Completion (badge) is issued to participants who successfully complete an individual Executive Module with required assessment.
- An Executive Certificate (micro-credential in Digital Policy Innovation) is issued to participants who complete all five selected modules and corresponding assessments on the Executive Certificate pathway.
What is a micro-credential?
A micro-credential is an official recognition of your achievement of a defined set of skills, knowledge, and competencies.
They are a fast, flexible, and reputable series of modules/courses that focus on enhancing or updating a particular skill set or subject area. When you complete a micro-credential, you receive a digital certification that you can attach to your resume, LinkedIn profile, or include in your portfolio.
Please note that BEI micro-credentials are non-academic, meaning all modules/course you take are non-credit courses that can be completed within your 12 months of access to the BEI-net.
How will I receive my badge or certificate?
All badges and certificates are issued through MyCreds™, a secure digital credential platform developed in collaboration with ARUCC (the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada) and widely used by Canadian universities.
When your badge or certificate is issued, you will receive an email prompting you to log in to the MyCreds™ portal, where you can view and securely share your credential with third parties. Credentials issued through MyCreds™ include digital signatures, ensuring their authenticity and verification as an official credential.
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT
What is the cost to take OnDemand modules?
The cost depends on the learning option you choose:
- Audit Only: $199 — access to one module without assessment and no certificate.
- Executive Module: $299 — includes assessment and, upon successful completion, a Certificate of Completion.
- Executive Certificate: $1,299 — includes five modules with assessments and leads to a micro-credential in Digital Policy Innovation.
Will I receive a tax receipt for the cost of the course?
Under the provisions of the Canadian Income Tax Act, course fees paid for professional development are not tax deductible.
Will I receive a receipt for my payment so I can submit it to my organization for reimbursement?
Yes, a BEI receipt for the full cost of the module/pathway is issued upon completion of the registration and payment process. Please check your email for an email from postmaster@beinet.ca.
I didn’t receive my confirmation email. What should I do?
After registering, you should receive a confirmation email within a few minutes from postmaster@beinet.ca. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder, as automated emails may sometimes be filtered.
If the email is not in your spam folder or has not arrived in 24 hours, please contact our support team at info@balsillieinstitute.ca for assistance. In some cases, institutional email systems may require this sender to be whitelisted by your IT department.
Which methods of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards on the registration page of our website, using a service called Stripe. The charge on your credit card will say “BALSILLIE SCHOOL”.
Are there any discounts available?
Discounts are available to alumni from the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as members of the Canadian Association of Professional Intelligence Analysts (CAPIA). Please contact info@balsillieinstitute.ca for more details.
What is your refund policy?
All course purchases are non-refundable once access to the course content has been granted. If you experience technical issues that prevent you from accessing the platform, please contact the support team as soon as possible so we can assist.
Why has my receipt been issued by the Balsillie School of International Affairs?
The Balsillie Executive Institute operates under the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), which administers course registration and payment processing. As a result, receipts are issued by the BSIA.
TECHNICAL
What is the BEI-net?
The BEI-net is the platform in which you will have access to all content related to the OnDemand modules. Once you register for OnDemand modules, you can access it through this link using your login information.
How do I log into the BEI-net?
After you have completed a purchase, you can log into the BEI Intranet at beinet.ca using your BEI-issued credentials.
- Your username will be sent to your email account after you register and pay for the chosen module(s). Please check your spam or junk folder for an email from postmaster@beinet.ca.
- After you have a username, you can set your password on the Set Password page. A link will be sent to your email address that will allow you to choose a password.
- To log in, visit beinet.ca, enter your username and password, and you will be directed to the main dashboard.
- If you have any questions, please contact us at info@balsillieinstitute.ca
What if I forgot my username or password?
If you cannot remember your username, try the email address you used to make a purchase on the BEI-Net.
To reset your password, visit our Set Password page
If you need any further assistance, please contact us at info@balsillieinstitute.ca.
What equipment will I need to take the modules?
The OnDemand modules are delivered in a self-paced, online format and can be accessed from any standard device. You will need:
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access
- A reliable high-speed internet and modern web browser to stream video lectures and access readings and exercises
No additional software or specialized equipment is required to participate.
I have a technical issue. Who do I contact?
For technical issues related to platform access, login, or course materials, please contact the BEI-net support team at info@balsillieinstitute.ca. Please include a description of the issue and any relevant screenshots to help troubleshoot. We recommend reaching out as soon as possible so issues can be resolved quickly.
How is my personal data collected, used, and protected?
We collect only the personal information necessary to register you for the course and manage your participation. Your information is used solely for administrative and communication purposes related to the course and is not used for marketing or shared with third parties, except where required by law or to deliver the course.
We protect your personal information using appropriate security measures and limit access to authorized personnel only. Your data is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill its intended purpose.
Platform partners such as ARUCC/MyCreds act only as data processors and use information solely to deliver learning services and credentials.