Change is the new normal. Here’s how to manage it.

Accelerated certificate in change management teaches strategies to survive and thrive in a rapidly-shifting environment.

In business and life, nothing ever stays the same. Change can be small or large, sometimes straightforward, dynamic or complex, but constant and faster than ever before. As the pace of change increases, companies realize the need to be agile and responsive.

Western Continuing Studies accelerated certificate in Managing Change is designed to help business leaders, managers, and individuals support their organizations and discover new ways to plan, implement and sustain change.

“The idea for the program was developed pre-pandemic,” says Western Continuing Studies communications manager Alison Adair. “But the global change brought about by COVID-19 is something we have never experienced. Business models have been upended, and entire industries have pivoted – almost overnight – into a new way of working. Managing Change is now incredibly vital.”

While change management is a theme that runs through all Western Continuing Studies management, leadership, and communications programs, the focus tends to be on the successful implementation of a specific project or change initiative.
In contrast, the new certificate in Managing Change takes a more holistic approach.

“It’s about learning to embrace change as part of organizational culture,” Adair says.

Growing Demand

96% of organizations are currently undergoing some form of business transformation. The pandemic has shown us that change can come suddenly and rapidly, and to be successful, businesses need to be able to adapt quickly and continuously.

Leading change is no longer reserved for dedicated change managers, change agents or the management team. The ability and skills to lead change, regardless of your official role or title, is fast becoming an in-demand competency. The role of change managers is also changing. The traditional approach to change management is shifting to a more human-centric modern approach.

The accelerated certificate is offered online and can be completed in less than seven weeks. “It is a combination of self-directed learning and learning facilitated by the instructor,” explains Adair, who holds an MBA and teaches the required class in Managing Change.

Electives in Design Thinking, Advanced Strategies in Business Communications, and Business Strategy, provide students with complementary skills needed to create an organizational culture that thinks differently, communicates effectively and incorporates ongoing change into the strategic plan.

Adair says the certificate will benefit anyone tasked with keeping their organization on track in a rapidly-evolving business environment.

“Change is no longer seen as something you put a team together for and then go back to normal,” she says. “Today, everything is in constant change. For organizations to be successful, they need to build the capacity to embrace change and commit to continuous improvement.”