Competence for the Board Presidency
As Chairperson of the Board of Directors, you pull all the strings: you manage the Board of Directors and the CEO, monitor liquidity and raise capital, set the course for a successful future, set the tone in dealing with special situations and position the company in discussions with the relevant stakeholders in business and politics. You therefore have a major influence on the present and future of the company.
The first university-level continuing education program in Switzerland, led by Prof. Dr. Petra Joerg, CEO of Rochester-Bern, and Heinz Karrer, multiple board member, provides board presidents with important tools and enables an exchange of ideas at eye level.
Overview of the Seminar "Competence for the Board Presidency" →
Overview
Degree
Course Start
Venue
Duration
Application Deadline
ECTS
Program Language
Program Fees
Heinz Karrer, multiple board member, leads the new seminar “Competence on the Board of Directors” together with RoBe CEO Petra Joerg. In the video, they give a brief insight into the topics covered by the seminar and show why further training is relevant in today's fast-paced world.
Program Details
Goals & Benefits
The seminar “Competence for the Board Presidency” addresses typical board presidency topics and provides practical solutions. You will benefit from a cross-industry exchange and deepen your practical and theoretical know-how.
The university-based continuing education program focuses on board members in SMEs and supports them in creating sustainable success for their companies.
Modules, Dates & Professors
Please note that courses and dates can be subjects to change.
Applied Assignments
Following the seminar, participants can independently solve a practice-relevant knowledge transfer task with which they can earn 3 ECTS credits and receive the “Competence for the Board Presidency” certification from Rochester-Bern Executive Programs. The certification of achievement is voluntary. Participants who complete the seminar without a certification of achievement will receive a confirmation of attendance.
Target Audience/Requirements
The seminar is aimed at:
- Current and future (sur dossier*) BoD chairpersons
- Current and future (sur dossier*) Vice-Chairmen/ Chairwomen of the BoD
Sur dossier candidates: future (sur dossier*) BoD vice presidents with a suitable background and a letter of recommendation from a BoD president.
Degree
After successful completion of the seminar “Competence for the Board Presidency” and the practice-relevant examination task, all participants receive a course confirmation of their “BoD Expertise” from Rochester-Bern.
Alumni/ae of the CAS Board of Directors receive an updated grade sheet as well as a new certificate “Certified Board Member” from Rochester-Bern with the addition: The services were rendered within the framework of the CAS in General Management Board of Directors study program conducted by Rochester-Bern Executive Programs and the seminar “Competence for the Board Presidency”.
Program Fees
The fee for the three-day specialization seminar is CHF 3,500.
The fee includes seminar participation, electronic teaching materials, lunch on course days, a dinner on the first evening, refreshments during breaks, and confirmation of participation with recognition of ECTS credits. Participants must cover their accommodation expenses.
Discounts
Members of the Leaders Circle or the VR-Circle benefit from 10% off the program.
Application
Personal Interview
A personal interview will be conducted to determine if your qualifications and specific needs match the program.
Admission Decision
The admission decision is made after the interview.
Seminar Modules
The seminar encourages existing and prospective board chairpersons of SMEs to reflect on their role. You will receive up-to-date knowledge, exchange ideas with peers, contribute your own case studies and apply what you have learned in practice. The tools and checklists will help you to successfully master future challenges.
Day 1
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Chairperson Role and Future Viability of the Company
The first day of the seminar deals with the major influence of the CEO on the future viability of the company. Strategic and financial management as well as innovation and transformation play an important role here. The first day also serves as a refresher on legal aspects. Particular topics:
- We fill the legal chairperson backpack
- We manage strategic processes
- We ensure that the company remains innovative and does not miss out on disruptive opportunities
- We ensure the financial survival of the company
- We know the key KPIs and instruments
- We know what to do in the worst-case scenario
- Practical exchange: SME case studies from the class
Day 2
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Leadership Culturen & Stakeholder Management
The second day of the seminar will focus on the management tasks of the chairperson. Dynamics and competence in the Board of Directors, the formation of meaningful committees, the interface with the CEO or the Executive Board, the care of important stakeholders and the management of the agenda, pending items list and minutes play an important role here. Particular topics:
- We guarantee “good governance” and manage the agenda, pending list and minutes
- We promote a fruitful board culture with constructive and critical discussions
- We build a trusting management relationship with the CEO
- We create transparency and manage the flow of information
- We manage complex management situations and prepare succession issues at an early stage
- We recognize and maintain important stakeholders
- Practical exchange: SME case studies from the class
Day 3
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Risk Management & Dealing with Special Situations
The third day of the seminar focuses on the role of the BoD in establishing a functioning risk management system and dealing with special situations (crisis management and communication). The focus will be on the class’s own cases, for which targeted solutions will be developed together with experts.
- We define indicators for the early detection of risks
- We develop a customized crisis sensor for the company
- We know where to find risk capital
- We prepare for the unforeseeable and find support
- We consciously approach special situations
- We communicate competently internally/externally and avoid typical communication pitfalls
- Practical exchange: SME case studies from the class
Your Benefits
Combination of theory and practice for professionalization
Experienced chairmen and topic experts impart relevant theoretical and practical chairmen's tools for direct application in the SME environment.
Success factors and instruments in an interactive format
The current challenges of SME chairmen and the corresponding solution approaches will be highlighted in workshops, panels and plenary discussions.
Network expansion during/after the seminar
Exchange with participants from various industries in the seminar and, in combination with the CAS Board of Directors, also in the exclusive VR Circle for CAS VR alumni/ae.
Get in touch with us!
Do you have questions about the program? Our team is happy to answer them.