CAS Business Transformation & Strategy
In a world of constant transformation, standing still means falling behind. As a successful executive, you need oversight, a bold vision, strategic clarity, and the ability to drive innovation and change. Moreover, impact is based on a thorough understanding of financial policies, efficient structures and open-minded leadership, all key to shaping the future.
The CAS Business Transformation & Strategy gives you a solid understanding of above mentioned topics and encourages immediate application in your own context as well as active exchange with faculty and peers from other industries.
This CAS forms an integral part of our International Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) program and can be credited toward the full degree.
Overview of the CAS
Degree
Program Start
Venue
Duration
Application Deadline
ECTS
Program Language
Program Fees
Program Details
Structure
The CAS Business Transformation & Strategy consists of five Master Classes of 2.5 days each.
Preparation starts 10 days before each class. The purpose of the preparations is to ensure that all participants have a certain level and understanding of the basic concepts of the class. Moreover, preparation gives you time to pre-read materials (e.g. cases) that will be used for discussion in class.
Classes take place from Thursday morning to Saturday lunchtime. Their focus lies on interaction with faculty and peers as well as on application of the prepared concepts to real-life cases. They are set up for on-site participation but will be recorded for later reference and occasional online participation. Group work will not be recorded.
After class, participants have 14 days to complete an exam or applied transfer task (paper).
Goals & Benefits
After the program, you will understand how to develop, sustain, and capture the value of a superior strategic position based on a solid overview of the global economic environment. Moreover, you will know how to master technological change and implement innovation. To finance your plans and mitigate risk, you will get to know useful financial instruments. In the elective modules, you can (a) develop practical tools for successful leadership in a transformational environment, or (b) deepen your knowledge of organizational transformation, or (c) understand how to use financial data internally as a basis for sound business decisions.
You will benefit from renowned academics from different business schools, as well as exchanges with a group of established business leaders in your class. The knowledge you gain can be applied immediately in your professional environment. If desired, you may complete additional CAS programs after the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy to obtain a DAS in General Management or the International Executive MBA.
Modules, Dates & Professors
Please note that courses and dates can be subject to change.
Applied Assignments
Each of the five courses will be assessed through applied assignments that incorporate your own work-related projects, delivering immediate added value for you and your company.
Upon successful completion of all assignments, you will be awarded the degree CAS Business Transformation & Strategy from the University of Bern.
Target Audience/Requirements
We appreciate diversity and welcome executives and project managers from all industries and roles into our programs.
To qualify for the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy, you should meet the following criteria:
- Over 5 years of experience in a responsible position and a university degree (or equivalent),
or
over 10 years of management experience and an alternative education (admission sur dossier) - Potential to take on further responsibilities
- Alignment with the values of Rochester-Bern: respect and fairness, trust and loyalty, curiosity and openness
- Fluency in English and strong time management skills
Program Fees
The CAS program consists of a total of 5 Master Classes. The participation fee is CHF 14,800.
This includes tuition fees, all required preparatory materials, coffee breaks and water on regular course days, as well as registration and examination fees. The invoice will be issued at least 6 weeks before the start of the program.
Your Study Journey
Global Economic Environment
–
Aymo Brunetti
This Master Class aims to provide the main tools for understanding the macroeconomic environment in which a company operates. It covers the key concepts for addressing a wide range of macroeconomic questions. We emphasize intuition and application of the concepts. Furthermore, we try to give an overview that covers the most important macroeconomic areas and topics such as growth, business cycles, monetary policy, exchange rates, and financial crises.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Corporate Financial Policy
–
Urs Wälchli
In this course, you learn how firms interact with capital markets and why that is relevant. At the core of our considerations are three financial policies:
- Financing policy: How should firms finance their business activities?
- Investment policy: Which factors should guide a firm’s investment activities?
- Payout policy: How much and how should firms return capital to their investors?
You learn how financing instruments can be used to bridge disagreements, make deals more valuable, set the right incentives, and even serve as a “truth serum”. You discover the power of these tools in financing decisions throughout the lifecycle of a firm, including seed financing, venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and initial public offerings. Finally, we extend this logic to financial risk management and learn how different financial instruments can be used to mitigate risk.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship
–
Marc Gruber
More than ever before, technological innovation and disruption affect the way business is conducted and new wealth is created. How to master technological change and profit from innovation are therefore key questions for business leaders. They are essential for developing a competitive advantage and boosting performance in all company types – new and old, large and small – across all industries. In this course, you will not only be exposed to the latest thinking about entrepreneurship, technological change and innovation but also apply new business tools that allow you to master technological disruption. Furthermore, you will develop an individual strategic innovation project for your company.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Corporate Strategy
–
Filip Caeldries
Strategic management takes the perspective of the general manager involved with managing a business unit in its totality. The Corporate Strategy Master Class focuses on the underlying conditions that permit a firm to develop, sustain, and capture the value of a superior strategic position. At the end of the course, you will have gained an actionable understanding of the strategy concept, enabling you to participate confidently in the strategic dialogue within your organization.
This Master Class is a core module of the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy and part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Organizational Transformation
–
Katharina Lange
This Master Class prepares you to manage organizational transformation across structural, cultural, and technological dimensions. You will explore the key drivers and success factors of change management and examine the roles and dynamics that drive transformation. Drawing on organizational design frameworks, you will develop effective structures and processes that support lasting change. With a strong focus on practical application, you will evaluate how emerging technologies such as AI can enable innovation and generate value.
This Master Class is part of the Executive Master of Business Administration.
Application
Online Application
We accept applications exclusively through this form. You will need the following documents:
- Portrait photo (.jpg, .jpeg, or .png, highest resolution possible)
- Current resume (.pdf)
- Transcripts/diplomas of your highest degree (.pdf)
- Copy of passport or ID for university registration (front and back)
- Completed motivational letter (download template here)
- Two completed recommendation forms (download template here)
Please note that the application form cannot be saved temporarily.
Admissions Interview
We will contact you to schedule an interview with a member of the RoBe management team. A decision regarding your admission will be made within one week of the interview.
Confirmation and Preparation
Along with the written confirmation of admission – at the latest 6 weeks before the start of the program – you will receive the invoice for the program fee. Once payment has been received, we will send you the preparatory materials for the first Master Class.
Class Statistics
In our classes, we seek to combine a diversity of profiles to provide you with the most beneficial classroom experience and professional network possible. Here you can find the statistics of a typical class.
Origin
Functional Background
Industry Background
| Percentage of Female Students | Average Age |
Average Work Experience |
Average Management Experience |
| 26% | 39 | 16 | 9 |
Your Benefits
Well-Aligned Curriculum
Strengthen your transformation and strategy skills with courses in Strategy, Innovation, Leadership and Organization as well as an elective and participate actively in the development of your organization.
Individuality and Flexibility
Add additional CAS Programs to your CAS Business Transformation & Strategy and achieve a Diploma of Advanced Studies or International EMBA degree within five years.
International Excellence
Bloomberg Businessweek 2025
(Simon Business School) since 1996
Financial Times 2026
What Our Clients Say
“At Rochester-Bern I gained valuable insights in how to advance companies effectively by balancing today’s business needs with tomorrow’s transformation needs, strengthening strategy with network effects, and by applying convincing leadership based on my individuality. The lessons in Business Transformation were a significant contribution to my life-long learning process.”
Next Information Sessions and Open Days
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does the CAS Business Transformation & Strategy cost?
CHF 14,800. The program fee includes tuition fees, all required preparatory materials, coffee breaks and water on regular course days, as well as registration and examination fees.
Can I complete the CAS while working?
Yes, the program is specifically designed for working professionals. The course days take place Thursday to Saturday and are spread over a period of 4 months.
Is the attendance in the courses mandatory?
The modules are successfully completed if at least 80 percent of them have been attended. Absences exceeding 20 percent of the module times must be compensated so that the corresponding ECTS points can be recognized.
What are the alternatives in the event of a conflict of dates?
Students who unfortunately cannot attend class due to illness or an important date conflict have the option of completing their module block with the next class. The final diploma will then be issued accordingly only after completion of this module block.
Can I apply without a university degree?
Rochester-Bern’s continuing education programs are generally aimed at individuals with a university degree and professional experience. In exceptional cases, professionals with equivalent degrees or several years of professional experience may be admitted (admission sur dossier). The decision is made in consultation with the program management.
How does the registration process work?
1) Online registration with application dossier, 2) One admission interview, 3) Registration and preparation after confirmation of admission.
What degree do I receive?
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in General Management from the University of Bern.
Get in touch with us!
Do you have questions about the program? Our team is happy to answer them.