Participants of the Modular DAS/MAS programs

CAS Business Resilience

former CAS Challenge & Opportunity Management

Change as a constant: global trends and uncertainties shape the economy. Those who recognize risks and opportunities early on, develop scenarios, and align strategies with foresight will remain fit for the future. This continuing education program provides knowledge and tools for evidence-based development forecasts, professional handling of global drivers of transformation, and targeted development of crisis resilience and renewal skills.

Overview CAS Challenge & Opportunity Management →

Study Modules and Dates of the CAS →

Overview CAS Business Resilience

Icon of a Clock – Course Start
Course Start
Kick-Off in July
Modules starting in September
Icon of a Location Pin – Venue
Venue
University of Bern
Icon of a Stopwatch – Duration
Duration
6 months
Icon of a Clock in front of a Schedule – Application Deadline
Application Deadline
Ongoing
(As long as places are available)
Icon von drei Sternen – ECTS Punkte
ECTS
12
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Program Language
German

Program Details

Goals & Benefits

Participants

  • identify key global macro influences and drivers of transformation and systematically classify their risks and strategic opportunities for their own company
  • interpret economic trends, market changes, and uncertainties in order to identify new business potential, derive areas for innovation, and align their organization with a view to the future
  • develop plausible future scenarios under dynamic and complex conditions in order to shape strategic options and secure business decisions for the future
  • apply key risk and opportunity management methods to identify threats and growth opportunities and integrate them into strategic corporate planning in a targeted manner
  • design robust prevention strategies and contingency plans to safeguard critical business processes while strengthening the adaptability and future viability of their organization
  • implement effective crisis and resilience strategies to respond professionally to unexpected events and use crises as an impetus for organizational renewal and further development
  1.  
Modules, Dates & Professors
Kick-Off
02.07.2026
Module 1a: Crisis and Opportunity Management
03.09. – 04.09.2026
Module 1b: Organizational Resilience and Renewal
22.10. – 23.10.2026
Module 2a: Forecasting and Scenarios
19.11. – 20.11.2026
Modul 2b: Prevention and Viability
10.12. – 11.12.2026
Module 3a: Geopolitics and Sustainability
21.01. – 22.01.2027
Module 3b: Technology and Regulation
25.02. – 26.02.2027
Wrap-up and Graduation
10.06.2027

Please note that courses and dates can be subjects to change.

Target Audience/Requirements

The composition of the class is very important, as participants also benefit from each other’s best practices from a wide range of industries and perspectives. The program is aimed at the following target group:

  • Department heads, C-level executives, and board representatives
  • University graduates (exceptions regarding admission requirements may be approved by the program management sur dossier)
Program Fees

The regular program fee is CHF 12,900, which covers program participation, electronic course materials, refreshments during coffee breaks, examination fees, and the certificate from the University of Bern. Course materials are provided electronically, and participants use their own laptop (or tablet) in.

Individual modules can also be booked if desired. The program management will be happy to discuss details with potential participants.

DAS/MAS Upgrade

It is possible to combine this degree program in a modular way with other Rochester-Bern programs. In this way, a "DAS (Diploma of Advanced Studies) in General Management" can for example be acquired with another CAS degree program and/or individual modules (as well as a final thesis) or a "MAS (Master of Advanced Studies) in General Management" or with two further CAS programs and individual modules (as well as a final thesis). The program management will be happy to discuss the details with potential participants.

Application

The registration window for the CAS Change & Opportunity Management will open shortly.

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Step 1
Online Application

Send us the completed application form via email to: recruiting@rochester-bern.ch.

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Step 2
Admission Interview

A personal interview will be conducted to determine if your qualifications and specific needs match the program.

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Step 3
Admissions Decision

The admissions decision is made after the interview.

Study Modules

Module 1 Crisis Resilience and Innovation Expertise

In an environment characterized by uncertainty and complexity, organizations are increasingly faced with the challenge of not only overcoming crises, but also tapping into their potential for renewal. This module teaches practical skills for remaining capable of acting in critical situations, initiating transformation, and building long-term resilience.

 

Module 1a: Crisis and Opportunity Management

  • Analysis and management of acute crisis situations
  • Development and implementation of effective crisis communication
  • Use of crises as a catalyst for innovation and transformation
  • Ensuring decision-making and action capabilities in uncertain situations

Module 1b: Organizational Resilience and Renewal

  • Resilience factors at the individual, team, and organizational levels
  • Promoting learning ability, error culture, and psychological safety
  • Strategies for cultural and structural renewal in organizations
  • Creating a balance between stability and the ability to change

Learning objectives

  • Analyze acute crisis situations and manage them effectively.
  • Design targeted and credible crisis communication.
  • Use crises as an impetus for innovation and transformation.
  • Ensuring decision-making and action capabilities in uncertain situations
  • Identifying and strengthening resilience factors at the individual, team, and organizational levels
  • Promoting a culture of learning from mistakes and creating psychological safety in the work context
  • Strategically driving cultural and structural renewal in organizations
  • Balancing stability and changeability in the organizational context
Module 12 Forecasting and Viability

In light of increasing volatility and complex market interdependencies, organizations are required to recognize change early on and actively shape it. The module teaches methods of systematic forecasting and scenario planning in order to provide orientation, develop strategic options for action, and promote confident handling of ambiguity, dependencies, and disruptions.

 

Module 2a: Forecasting and Scenarios

  • Volatility and systemic complexity in markets and environmental conditions
  • Strategic foresight for orientation in times of change
  • Development and application of scenarios to support strategic decisions
  • Dealing with uncertainty and ambiguity in planning and decision-making processes

Module 2b: Prevention and Viability

  • Identification of critical processes and systemic dependencies
  • Development of robust prevention strategies and emergency plans
  • Early warning systems and monitoring of risk indicators
  • Building adaptability in dynamic environments

Learning Objectives

  • Recognize volatility and systemic complexity in markets and environmental conditions, as well as their impact on companies
  • Apply strategic forecasting methodically to anticipate future developments at an early stage and create strategic orientation
  • Develop and use scenarios to map different visions of the future and make informed strategic decisions
  • Constructively manage uncertainty and ambiguity in planning and decision-making processes.
  • Identify critical processes and systemic dependencies within the company in order to reveal potential weaknesses at an early stage.
  • Design robust prevention and contingency strategies that minimize risks while systematically exploiting opportunities.
  • Develop early warning systems and continuously monitor risk indicators in order to be able to react to emerging developments in a timely manner.
  • Promote adaptability as a strategic resource in order to align organizations in a sustainable and future-proof manner.
Module 3 Global Drivers of Transformation

Global uncertainties, technological disruption, regulatory change, and pressure to develop sustainably present companies with complex challenges—but at the same time offer significant opportunities for differentiation, resilience, and innovation. This module teaches students how to identify and classify key drivers of change in the international, environmental, legal, and technological environment and how to leverage them as opportunities.

 

Module 3a: Geopolitics and Sustainability

  • Global power shifts and geopolitical tensions
  • Global market trends and uncertainties Perspective on Switzerland/Europe
  • Strategic conflicts of interest and potential for transformation
  • Best practice in geopolitics and corporate sustainability

Module 3b: Technology and Regulation

  • Disruptive technologies and digital transformation in a regulatory context
  • Dynamics of regulatory fields of action
  • Compliance as a strategic management tool
  • Best practice technology and regulation/compliance

Learning objectives

  • Recognize global power shifts and geopolitical changes as strategic challenges and opportunities.
  • Identify regional uncertainties and derive opportunities for stability and positioning from them.
  • Develop sustainable corporate management strategies that take into account conflicting goals and opportunities for transformation.
  • Understand regulatory pressure as a framework condition and strategic reality, and use it proactively.
  • Using compliance as a management tool for trust and controllability
  • Identifying disruptive technologies as a challenge for existing business models and using them strategically

Your Benefits

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Best Practices

The program focuses on teaching sound concepts and models for immediate implementation in professional practice. The practical orientation is reinforced by examples, guest lectures, and group work. This allows the class to benefit from the experience of their fellow students.

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Expertise

Main professor Dr. Albena Björck researches and leads international and interdisciplinary future projects, including in collaboration with Stanford University. She is also an expert at Innosuisse, Chair of Strategic Management Division at the European Management Academy, and a board member of the Go Circular in Life Science initiative. Alongside her, other experienced experts from various fields share their specialist knowledge and ensure exciting dialogues based on tried-and-tested concepts.

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Network

In addition to the experienced lecturers and guest speakers, the participants from various organizations and industries guarantee a stimulating exchange in and outside the classroom. After graduation, the valuable network lives on through regular meetings within the alumni/ae organization.

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