Business Administration - Certificate Courses

Business Administration

This course introduces you to the nature and scope of decision making in business, and provides an overview of the functional areas of management, finance, marketing, and organizational behaviour. Using a business case approach, you will develop a personal framework for defining and analyzing business problems and developing solutions and plans of action.

It is strongly recommended you take this course first in the Certificate in Business Administration Program.

Applied Communications Concepts

Utilizing basic interpersonal communication skills as a foundation, this course delves into developing a deeper understanding of more complex communication issues in business settings and enhancing communication skills. The course will focus on applying effective communication and conflict resolution skills through a discussion format.

Business Ethics

The objective of this course is to explore, from an ethical point of view, the relations of a corporation with its stakeholders. It examines important areas such as corporate governance and social responsibilities from both a pragmatic business and ethical point of view. Additionally, a corporation's ethical responsibilities to its employees, customers and the global marketplace are examined.

Business Intelligence and Data Analytics Fundamentals

Become proficient in fundamentals of Business Intelligence and Data Analytics. This course will provide the framework for you to understand, use and evaluate a variety of techniques and skills in analyzing data sets and making appropriate interpretations of the data.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the fundamentals of business intelligence and data analytics
• Describe the abilities and limitations of Excel in Data Analytics
• Evaluate different techniques and tools that can be used in Business Intelligence and Data Analytic activities
• Describe the differences and applications of descriptive and inferential statistics
• Appropriately apply fundamental statistical logic to data interpretation
• Apply fundamental data analytic heuristics
• Effectively make insights from data

Business Law

It is essential for business people to acquire a general understanding of the law as it affects businesses in the conduct of their operation and the legal framework within which management decisions take place. Topics include:

• the Canadian legal system
• law of contracts
• law of agency
• employment and insurance
• business structures
• real property
• negotiable instruments
• commercial financing
• personal property security
• creditors rights

Business Writing and Presentation Skills

Those wishing to assess and add to their business writing skills will find this course a confidence builder. Developing the self-assurance to communicate effectively in the workplace will be the main objective, and students will benefit from the practical approach to building these skills. They will identify the characteristics of effective communication and learn how to successfully critique business documents.

A repeatable writing process and strategic planning guides for specific applications will be introduced and practised through learning activities. Peer support and feedback will be emphasized.

Business communication formats covered will include letters, memos, business proposals and email.

Communicating effectively in the workplace requires specific skills and the self-confidence to apply them effectively. Accordingly, the course is designed to improve writing and speaking skills by providing practical processes and easily applied strategies for achieving success. Class discussions—as well as individual and group exercises—will be designed to encourage active participation; emphasis will be placed on peer support and feedback.

Change Management

Change management is all about executing strategies to achieve goals and objectives. This course focuses on managing the motivation, behaviours, business controls and work environment in order to introduce, stabilize and normalize changes that are necessary to implement new strategies. Topics include the types of change, change planning, organizational readiness, pacing, prioritizing objectives, monitoring progress and business controls, behavioural vs. non-behavioural considerations, leading change and change execution.

This course addresses managing change from three perspectives:

1. The type of change and the situational context in which it is intended
2. The change continuum and its effect on people, and execution of change strategies
3. The planning and implementation of a change management program; the triggers and tools to manage the transition

Data Analytics Coding Fundamentals

This course will explore the fundamentals of coding and scripting for Data Analytics. You will develop the ability to script and code for basic tasks in Data Analytics in common data analytic tools such as R, Python, and Excel. This will allow you to import and export data appropriately and perform fundamental data manipulations and to automate basic analysis elements.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to perform the following basic tasks in R, Python, and Excel:

• Perform basic data manipulations
• Create variables
• Apply key concepts of variables, constants and functions
• Calculate descriptive statistics
• Perform basic logical formula functions
• Group and ungroup data
• Data Importing
• Data Exporting
• Extract and combine data
• Create what-if scenarios

Data Analytics Provisioning, Importing, Extracting and Manipulation

Learn how to import, extract, scrape, clean, compile, manipulate and export data in common industry tools such as R, Python and JavaScript. Learn how to construct scripts to solve problems and also apply safeguards to data for privacy and security in a data analytics framework.

Data Visualization and Reporting

Develop your skills in Data Visualization and Reporting. Learn how to use common industry reporting and visualization tools such as Excel, Tableau, PowerBi and Shiny. You will also learn how to evaluate strengths and weaknesses of various data representation techniques and the fundamentals of dashboard design for various types of monitoring, analyzing and reporting.

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Recognize the difference in purpose between real-time reporting, scheduled reporting and on-demand reporting
• Evaluate different strengths and weaknesses of various data representation techniques and demonstrate how these representations assist with decision making
• Apply heuristics to ‘report design’ based on need.
• Apply BI fundamentals of goals, objectives, measures, metrics, KPIs, performance statistics
• Apply judgement to data visualization regarding ethical concerns and practices
• Perform the following basic tasks in Excel, PowerBI, Shiny, Tableau and Python:

• Import cleaned and compiled data
• Perform conditional formatting functions
• Present data in usable charts, graphs and tables to enable effective interpretation
• Create dashboards and reports to meet specific user needs

Economics

This course provides an overview of Canadian micro- and macroeconomics. Topics include:

• the theory of supply and demand
• competitive markets
• costs curves
• production choices and costs
• characteristics of monopolies and oligopolies
• economic efficiency in the allocation of resources and markets
• national output and determinants of gross national product
• investment, money, prices and inflation
• goals of economic policy
• international trade

Employment Law and Labour Relations

This course will examine some of the legal principles that, to an ever-increasing extent, govern the employer-employee relationship. In the non-union sector, the common law of contract and several employment related statutes—such as the Employment Standards Act and the Human Rights Code—are of principal concern. Course components may include reviewing relevant statutes, analyzing judicial decisions, class presentations and discussion.

Finance

This course is designed to follow the introduction to finance and continues using material presented in Financial Accounting. You will be introduced to:

• basic financial management theory
• financial and operating leverage
• project planning
• financial statement analysis
• capital structure
• capital investment decisions
• forecasting
• sources of financing

Financial Accounting

This course is an introduction to financial accounting. You will be introduced to the accounting cycle as well as the preparation of journal entries and financial statements. Other topics covered include the accounting for:

• cash
• accounts receivable
• inventory
• capital assets
• current liabilities
• owner’s equity

A strong knowledge of the principles of accounting gives you the power to make sound business decisions.

Human Resource Management

This course focuses on the management of human resources (HRM) in a Canadian context. The topics to be covered in the course include:

• a strategic view of the role HR plays in today’s organizations
• HRM planning and staffing, recruitment and selection
• employee training and development
• performance management
• compensation and reward systems
• employment contracts
• managing the HRM process in a unionized environment

Human Side of Information Systems

How is information technology changing our workplaces, homes and society as a whole?

Complement your technical knowledge by examining how computing and communication technologies are transforming business, education, health care, government and everyday life. Engage with your instructor and fellow learners in discussing current topics in privacy, security, intellectual property, global development and community management.

The online format of the course lets you study from anywhere, anytime.

The course is 13 weeks in duration. Students login to the course and communicate with the instructor and fellow students via the course management system, Moodle. View our page about online learning for further information.

Text: Web-based readings only.

International Business

This course examines the global environment in which firms operate and how that environment affects the strategies and choices the companies make. We will examine how businesses are managed across different countries, considering factors both external and internal to the company. For example, while considering international expansion, a firm needs to take into account exchange rates, international taxation, free trade agreements, market conditions, culture, language, politics and many other factors which will affect its operations, but over which it has little control. In the context of these external factors, a firm must then make internal decisions to devise a strategy effective for operations in the global environment. Does the firm choose to export its products or invest in production facilities in a new country? Should the company buy production facilities or businesses already present or build its own? What about a joint venture with a local entrepreneur? How do local culture and language influence domestic and international operations of the firm?  

This course will investigate these and other questions as part of an exploration into how international corporate strategy is shaped and what are the economic factors that influence it. More broadly, the course will offer insights into major topics as well as emerging themes in international business.

Interpersonal Business Communications

The primary goal of this course is to assist in improving the effectiveness of your interpersonal communication in a workplace and personal setting. As a participant, you will be challenged to examine the way you communicate, the effect that your communication has on others and the application of the course material in a workplace settings. This is a dynamic course structure, one that will require introspection and involvement.

This course examines communication from many perspectives and explores the skills that improve interpersonal communication, the communication between two people. The course will help to develop effective communication approaches for personal and workplace relationships through a thorough study of communication concepts.

IT Security and Privacy

Concerned about IT security issues? Want to understand how your privacy may be at risk? Assess the risks and understand the available tools to provide a secure environment in the office and on your personal devices. An industry expert will lead you through this course, employing a variety of activities including news stories to inform and illustrate how IT security and privacy can be managed – with a plan.

Complete case studies and self-assessment exercises for reinforcement and self-evaluation of the concepts presented in the course.

The online format of the course lets you study from anywhere, anytime.

The course is 13 weeks in duration. Students login to the course and communicate with the instructor and fellow students via the course management system, Moodle. View our page about online learning for further information.

Text: Web-based readings only.

Making Sense of Management

This course deals with management thought and practice. You will be provided with some “how-tos” relating to various management imperatives, e.g. strategy development, motivating and managing individuals and teams, managing customers, operating efficiently and effectively and, managing yourself.

The course asks you to critically think about what management really means in your own day-to-day work. The intent is to provide you with the knowledge to be comfortable and confident in tackling real-life management challenges.
If you are a student, a first-time supervisor, a recently appointed project manager, a professional who manages more than yourself, or someone simply interested in the evolution of management then Making Sense of Management  is for you.

Management Accounting

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts of management accounting. It complements concepts covered in Financial Accounting by focusing on the accounting functions internal to the organization.

Management Accounting is concerned with the data and techniques used in the decision-making process. This includes:

• analysis and accounting for costs
• exposure to cost behaviour (cost-volume-profit)
• the contribution approach
• variance analysis
• differential cash flows
• budgeting

The course will also discuss recent developments such as activity-based costing.

Management Communication

The course is an introduction to business communication from a management perspective. Our studies will include:

• developing communication strategies
• enhancing written and oral messages
• writing reports, proposals and executive summaries
• diagnosing and addressing some of the more challenging management communication issues such as crisis management and media relations

Also covered will be managing communications in related professional settings including meetings, oral presentations and media interviews.

Management Computing

This course provides a brief introduction to the historical development of computers, the fundamentals of using a PC using the Windows desktop operating system, and hands-on training in the use of office automation applications. Specifically, the course will offer instruction on the use of:

• Windows 7 pro
• Word 2010
• Excel 2010
• PowerPoint 2010

We will also discuss Web browsers (specifically Microsoft Internet Explorer) and learn more about surfing the Internet. The course will also spend time on using these applications together, linking information from one application to another. The emphasis of the learning outcomes will be on practical business management applications.

Management Consulting

This course serves as a foundation course for those of you intending to enter into the management consulting field on a full- or part-time basis. During this course you should expect to research and develop a business plan for a consulting practice in a field of your own choosing. Topics include:

• professional management consulting in Canada
• the management consulting process
• organization and management of a consulting practice
• legal issues
• professional ethics
• business planning
• marketing
• networking
• client service
• quality control
• personal career development and management

Management Practices

This course provides managers and students who aspire to management positions with an opportunity to assess and enhance their own use of contemporary management techniques and practices.

Based on the extensive use of simulations in a workshop setting, the course focuses on:

• strategic management
• decision-making
• leadership and supervision
• group process
• conflict resolution
• employee development
• performance planning and review

Managing in the Digital Economy

The business environment is rapidly changing as a result of the evolution of information technology and systems. It does not matter whether you work in a large company or small, for yourself or for others, for profit or public service – technology affects your business decisions.

This course will demystify the opportunities and challenges created by technology and provide guidance on how to successfully leverage technology for business success while mitigating risk. This is not an IT course; it is a business course for Business Leaders/Managers/decision-makers (current or aspiring) in any industry.

Marketing

This course has been designed to introduce the student to the fundamentals of marketing. The modules are intended to provide an introductory level of understanding of each topic, how that topic relates to the marketing function, and to encourage further studies in each specific area. The course outline will define the specific areas to be covered.

Marketing Communications

This course will build on skills and knowledge introduced in your introduction to marketing course. In marketing communications, you will develop communication planning strategies which will support your organization. 

This overview will work to enhance the development of integrated marketing communication strategies, including planning, development of key messages, the use of the appropriate marketing communication tools and development of key audience segments.

Through project, individual and group work, you will build practical skills in developing a marketing communication plan.

Negotiation Skills

Taught by best-selling author and international negotiator Peter Johnston, this course is highly interactive, entertaining and practical. As participants, you will negotiate and debrief wide-ranging cases involving everything from pricing oil and playing professional soccer to developing a new port and influencing jurors at a murder trial. Lessons can be applied to all aspects of your life, both personally and professionally. We’ll start with the basics and quickly move on to explore the toughest negotiations imaginable.

Operations Management

This course will introduce the basic concepts involved in the design and management of the core function of any business: the transformation process that produces the good or service delivered to the customer.

Despite the wide diversity of firms and industries, firms generally select from a limited set of transformation processes. Each of these processes has its own set of strengths and limiting characteristics. This course focuses on understanding these process tradeoffs as they support the firm's strategic objectives as well as the resulting implications for efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, the course will explore the appropriate "best practice" to ensure that customer value is maximized once a particular transformation process has been chosen.

Organizational Behaviour

This course will look at the impact that individuals, groups and structures have on human behavior within any modern organization, from nonprofit to public sector to private sector. Organizations are made up of people who behave and act within certain constructs, and learning about these processes is important to understanding how to make organizations effective and productive.

Predictive Data Analytics and Modelling

Using standard, industry-accepted informatics tools, you will design and create descriptive, diagnostic and predictive models. Learn how to translate stakeholder needs into model designs and understand the ethical implications of the analytical models you use.

Professional Sales Skills

Based on the consultative sales approach, this course focuses on the self-management, business development and selling techniques that facilitate a successful career in modern professional sales. Lectures, discussions, group learning activities, hand-in assignments and simulated sales presentations provide you with a step-by-step approach to building relationships and servicing customer needs. Topics include:

• selling as a profession
• social and ethical issues
• buyer behaviour
• preparation for relationship selling
• the Relationship Selling process
• time management
• negotiation skills and other keys to a successful sales career

Project Management

Get a handle on your project. Whatever your area of expertise, learn and apply the fundamental concepts of effective project management. A seasoned PMP designated professional will work with you throughout a project management cycle: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling and closing. You will learn how to maximize the use of MS Project software throughout this project cycle.

You will learn:

• how to maximize the use of MS Project software
• the concepts and methodologies needed to plan, manage and track performance over a complete project life cycle
• cost–benefit analysis
• change control management
• quality control
• risk management
• performance tracking and corrective action

The online format of the course lets you study from anywhere, anytime.

The course is 13 weeks in duration. Students login to the course and communicate with the instructor and fellow students via the course management system, Moodle. For more information, visit our page on online learning.

Text: No textbook required.

Software Requirements

It is a requirement of this course that you have Microsoft Project 2013 or Microsoft Project 2016. Students are responsible for obtaining their own software.

Students must use Microsoft Windows as MS Project is not compatible with the Mac OS.

Note: Microsoft software is hosted on servers outside of Canada, thus information you may provide in subscribing for this software is not governed by Canadian privacy legislation.

Selected Management Topics

2019 Topic: Leadership Skill Development

 

"I’ve talked to him three times already, and he’s still coming to work late!"

"They’ve made an effort to improve, but the results haven’t changed!"

"There’s nothing I can do. He’s a member of the union!"

It’s all about keeping employees engaged and motivated and about getting results! This activity rich course provides students opportunities to learn about and Practice effective and targeted management techniques to bring out the best in their work teams. It also addresses methods to address issues and to manage challenges in the workplace that require coaching or correction. Focused on applying situational management concepts to real life situations, this program will help students to grow confident in their supervisory abilities, and to be better prepared for management opportunities or roles.

Small Business Management

This course provides a systematic framework for recognizing the commercial potential of a product or service and for creating and managing a small business to bring that product or service to market.

The characteristics of entrepreneurial activity and small business management will be explained and illustrated through lectures and related case studies. You will be expected to develop your ideas for a small business into a well-conceived and researched feasibility study and a management plan to implement your product or service. Topics covered include:

• strategic planning
• venture development
• market research
• business plans
• finance
• production management
• legal issues
• organizational structures
• management systems

Social Marketing and E-Commerce

This course introduces you to the e-commerce marketplace, consumer behaviour, and social media marketing. Combining lectures and seminars, the course explores the framework for conducting business over the internet. We will cover topics such as:

• web-based business models
• social media technologies
• social media marketing strategies
• privacy and security considerations

Strategic Leadership

The objective of this course is to create an awareness of what constitutes the process of leadership, and the skills needed to effectively lead in a complex and constantly changing environment. This course is competency based, and emphasizes five essential elements:

• taking charge
• strategic visioning
• communications
• teamwork
• integrity

A variety of approaches are used in the delivery of the course. Selected movies bring to life in the classroom different leaders from a variety of backgrounds. In addition to discussing these leaders, short lectures develop in more depth the elements of leadership. Role-playing and other experiential exercises demonstrate some of the skills that are required to lead effectively.

Strategic Management

This course uses a strategic management approach to provide you with a systematic framework for evaluating the strategies, policies, design, productivity and performance of organizations.

Strategy Execution

Using an intensive workshop format, this course explores the art of executing strategy in organizational settings. Topics include:

• strategy identification and risk assessment
• strategy mapping
• stakeholder identification and management
• management and control frameworks
• resource identification, acquisition, and management
• change management
• adapting and refining strategy execution in dynamic environments