Safeguarding and securing business processes is no longer a supporting activity; it has become a strategic prerequisite for continuity and long-term value creation. Across both core and supporting processes, high-impact risks such as cyber incidents, operational disruptions, supply chain interruptions, compliance challenges and reputational damage are increasing in scale and complexity. Managing these high-impact risks requires more than technical expertise. It demands the ability to position security and business continuity strategically, embed them organizationally and implement them effectively in practice. The Security and Business Continuity Management program provides you with the knowledge, tools and capabilities to take on this responsibility professionally and independently.
Key topics
Throughout the program, the following themes are addressed:
- Developments in Security and Business Continuity Management, including emerging risks and strategic implications
- Formulating a BCM strategy aligned with overall corporate strategy
- Designing and positioning Business Continuity Management within the organization
- Integrating and implementing BCM into processes, structures and governance
- The role of governance, leadership, change management and organizational culture in embedding BCM sustainably
- The competencies required to lead BCM transformation initiatives
- Measuring preparedness, resilience and the effectiveness of a BCM strategy
- Developing, testing and optimizing business continuity plans
Program outcome
Upon completion of the program, you will be able to independently execute and manage a BCM strategy within your organization. You will have the expertise to initiate and structure an effective security and continuity process, contributing directly to the organization’s resilience and long-term continuity. You will be capable of assessing qualitative control measures, determining the current level of continuity preparedness and formulating well-founded improvement initiatives. In addition, you will be able to design a realistic and actionable BCM plan and systematically analyze and measure continuity-related issues. You will understand the opportunities and limitations associated with various security scenarios and know how to respond appropriately. You will also be equipped to manage internal resistance, structural changes and organizational dynamics. Finally, you will be up to date with the latest developments and insights in the field of Business Continuity Management.
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Program structure
The Postgraduate Security and Business Continuity Management program has a duration of approximately three months and consists of ten sessions, delivered over five full-day modules. The program is conducted on location in a group of 10 to 15 participants. In addition to interactive lectures, you will work on applied assignments and complete the program with a final paper in which you apply the acquired knowledge to a concrete BCM-related challenge.
Day 1: Strategy and Business Continuity Management (Sessions 1 and 2)
The first day focuses on strategic positioning. You will learn how to establish the strategic foundations for an effective BCM strategy and how to position business continuity at executive and board level. Topics include strategic management in relation to continuity challenges, the core principles of Business Continuity Management, relevant security trends and emerging developments, and strategic risk identification and prioritization. You will also learn which steps are required for successful strategy deployment, how to achieve strategic alignment between BCM and corporate objectives and how to maintain structural control over security and continuity processes.
Day 2: Process Design and BCM Alignment (Sessions 3 and 4)
The second day translates strategy into organizational design. You will learn how to structure, operationalize and embed your BCM strategy within the organization. Key topics include alignment of BCM with primary and supporting processes, integration of BCM with IT management, design and optimization of business continuity processes, governance structures and accountability frameworks and implementation and integration challenges. You will gain practical tools and methodologies to improve the effectiveness of continuity processes. You will understand how robust process design enhances security, resilience and organizational survivability.
Day 3: Organizational Culture and Change Management (Sessions 5 and 6)
A strong strategy and well-designed processes are insufficient without organizational commitment. This day therefore focuses on culture, behavior and change. You will explore the influence of organizational culture on BCM implementation, values and informal power structures, internal resistance and defensive behaviors, stakeholder engagement and change management in security and continuity initiatives. You will be introduced to practical instruments and methods to effectively implement your BCM strategy. You will gain insight into organizational dynamics and learn how to leverage them to achieve sustainable transformation.
Day 4: Leadership in BCM Projects (Sessions 7 and 8)
Leadership is a decisive factor in the success of BCM initiatives. This day focuses on the leadership dimension of continuity and change projects. Topics include critical success factors of BCM and business process leaders, characteristics of organizations that excel in security and continuity strategy, effective leadership styles in different business environments and personal leadership within complex and risk-intensive contexts. You will gain insight into your own leadership capabilities and development areas. Through best practices and case analyses, you will examine successful BCM alignment projects and identify the factors that distinguish impactful implementation from purely theoretical strategy.
Day 5: Implementation of BCM Policy (Sessions 9 and 10)
The final day centers on practical implementation and governance. You will learn how to prepare the organization for the introduction of a new BCM strategy and how to maintain control over the entire implementation trajectory. You will work on defining clear objectives, assembling and preparing an effective BCM team, managing the alignment process, controlling implementation risks and structuring monitoring and evaluation. Special attention is given to performance measurement and monitoring. You will learn which KPIs and metrics are relevant, how to interpret performance indicators, when corrective action is required, how analytical and monitoring tools can be applied and how interim results contribute to overall continuity objectives. Upon completion, you will have an integrated understanding of strategy, implementation and performance management within Business Continuity Management.
More information
This program is offered in the Netherlands and is also available across ASEAN, allowing participants to attend in a regional context that aligns with their professional environment. For detailed information regarding program dates, locations, tuition fees, admission requirements and registration procedures, please consult the website of Utrecht Business School.
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