Business Fundamentals

This writing course challenges students to explore diverse opinions and articulate their own perspectives clearly and persuasively. Through critical reading, students will develop skills in synthesis, analysis, comparison, and response, striving for clarity and diplomatic expression of their opinions based on factual evidence. Students will practice various rhetorical strategies of persuasion and hone their writing to ensure precision and accuracy in their messages. This course lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course, equipping students with essential skills for academic success.

Specific focus is on the factors that affect the overall atmosphere in the workplace and that which contributes to an environment conducive to maximum productivity. Students will be introduced to effective strategies for hiring, motivating, managing, training, and retaining staff. Students will study the following topics: the strategic importance of Human Resources and the role of the HR Manager; competitive challenges facing Human Resources; job analysis and design; Human Resources planning; recruitment and selection; orientation and training; employee relations; performance management; compensation; employee benefits and services; labour relations; health and safety; equity and diversity; and international human resources management. Significant emphasis will be placed on the team approach to creative problem-solving techniques and heir application to selected case studies and a project that replicates actual on-the-job activities. Successful completion of this course, with a minimum final grade of 65%, will qualify as an approved credit towards the academic component of either the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations granted by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).

Marketing 1 is the first course of a two course Introduction to Marketing designed to provide students with a sound grounding in the field of marketing. Emphasis is placed on the formulation of integrated marketing strategies that play a role in achieving organizational objectives. The course is divided into four segments: marketing process and marketing environments; marketing planning and information collection processes; buyer behaviour and targeting strategies; and marketing mix (two components of the mix are discussed: product and price).

This course is an introduction to the theory of accounting and the standard methods of record-keeping. Accounting principles and concepts are emphasized in the preparation of financial statements for both service and merchandising organizations. Topics include preparing and posting journal entries, adjusting and closing accounts, introductory financial statements, bank reconciliation and basic payroll transactions.

This course will familiarize students with the digital world by exploring the hardware and software of their computer system. Graduates will be able to use the most common functions of the Windows operating system including File Explorer for file management, utility programs, various web browsers for social media while observing and identifying security and privacy concerns and issues. Graduates will be able to build properly formatted documents using Microsoft Word and spreadsheets including correctly functioning formulas using Microsoft Excel and create commanding presentations with Microsoft PowerPoint while using the cloud to store and access their files.

This online competency-based course is designed to teach learners how to create cover letters, resumes and portfolios, to employ job search strategies and to complete job interviews. Learners will engage with various types of resumes and the "do's and "don'ts" for writing successful cover letters and resumes. Learners will complete a Workplace Training Certificate and a Job Search and Workplace Skills Certificate in preparation for entering the workforce. Learners will apply their knowledge by creating a cover letter, resume and portfolio.

This course provides students with the skills required for professional, written, and oral communications essential to business success and subsequent courses. Students will develop database and internet research skills; prepare professional written business communication; and create, practice and deliver professional oral presentations. Students will research and document borrowed information in a business report and will demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills.

Prerequisite(s):

• COM-1013 Critical Thinking and Writing

This course provides an understanding of how society chooses what goods and services to produce through an examination of the laws of supply and demand as well as how and for whom they are produced, by examining the behaviour of firms, market structures and the distribution of income.

This course introduces the concept of sustainable development to a broad audience. Students are presented with the factors that affect the environmental, economic and social sustainability of our communities. The course investigates the development of human populations and how their need for resources (e.g. energy, food, water) has compromised the natural ecosystems. Social and economic factors are explored in the context of social equality and sustainability in the local and global economy. The effects of individual lifestyle changes on the sustainability of communities are also examined.

Students can select a General Education Elective from the Course List to fullfill this requirement.

Operations and supply chain management have evolved into one of today's most important business disciplines. In the dynamic world of manufacturing and service delivery, designing systems more effectively and efficiently is a key source of competitive advantage. This course introduces business students to foundational concepts and practical methods used in the design and operations of manufacturing and service firms. Students explore strategic decisions related to how firms compete including operations strategy, supply chain design, process and facility design, and capacity planning. Students also learn tactical and day-to-day strategies for inventory management, forecasting, resource scheduling, quality control, project management, and lean operating systems.

A basic study is undertaken of the principles, issues, trends, and legislative requirements affecting recruitment and selection. Human Resources professionals need an understanding of how recruitment and selection fits into the broader organizational structure, processes, and goals of an organization and how this function is related to the other functions of Human Resources management. Students will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to successfully identify human resource requirements and attract and retain an effective workforce for an organization. The changing legal environment and the impact of laws on recruitment and selection are an important component of this course.

This subject involves the study of research techniques as they pertain to the measurement and conditioning of workforce behaviour. The subject provides knowledge related to the introduction of electronic human resources information systems (HRIS) into an organization by discovering project management, planning and implementation models. The value of HRIS to effective human resources (HR) research activities will be explored by looking at actual practices of HR professionals.

Conflict is inevitable, but how we respond makes all the difference. This interactive course explores practical methods for resolving workplace disputes through effective communication, negotiation and mediation. Students gain hands-on experience with proven ADR techniques, build confidence in managing difficult conversations, and learn how to foster collaboration in diverse professional settings.

This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of the diverse and evolving field of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), with a focus on the Ontario context. Students will explore the key technical, legal, political, and personal factors that influence workplace health and safety. Core topics include the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) processes, WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, accident prevention and investigation, physical and biological hazards, and the principles of managing OHS programs. This course equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to support safe work environments and prepare for further study or entry-level roles in the field.

This subject is an examination of the contemporary Canadian business environment including the organization, leadership and management decision process which influences the behaviour of individuals and groups. Increased global competition, technological change and the rising expectations of both employees and employers have underlined the need for improved and more effective leadership. This subject provides a better understanding of this process.

This course provides the student with an introduction to the design, administration and significance of an organization's compensation and rewards system. An effective system enables an organization to attract, retain and motivate the workforce required in order to achieve strategic goals. Students will gain an understanding of the components of a total rewards system, environmental influences, various models and approaches, regulatory requirements and emerging trends and issues.

This scenario/case-based course will provide students with insight into the legal aspects of human resources management through the entire employment relationship. The focus of this course will be on current federal and provincial employment related legislation. Students will become familiar with specific areas of law and will apply learned concepts and terminology to address issues related to effective human resource management. Students will be introduced to content specific to workplace complaints and workplace investigations as this is an expanding area of responsibility for human resource professionals.

The subject will explore the nature of the industrial relations process. Considerable emphasis will be placed on negotiating and administering the collective agreement through to grievance arbitration.

The purpose of the Training and Development course is to provide students with an understanding of both the role of training and development in human resources management, and the procedures associated with the training and development function. The course will include the four key elements of the training and development function: needs analysis procedures, program design and development, facilitation and program administration, and evaluation. Students will be introduced to the psychology of the learning process on which training and development is based and will gain an understanding of the design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs within organizations. Topics to be covered include adult learning theory, establishing learning objectives, the role of the training and development practitioner, needs analysis procedures, training and non-training solution strategies, effective facilitation, strategies for transferring the learning back to the work environment, and evaluation methods. 11/

Successful organizations maintain a strong link between their organizational strategy and structure. Human Resources (HR) Planning uses tools and data to inform choices related to organizational structure, job design, HR forecasting and succession planning. In this case-based course, students will examine and evaluate the effectiveness of selected models and approaches to HR Planning. Successful completion of this course, with a minimum final grade of 65%, will qualify as an approved credit towards the academic component of either the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations granted by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).

This course introduces the use of financial management and managerial accounting principles for planning, decision making, control, and cost management for a business enterprise. Topics covered in this course include the following: financial analysis for decision making, cost-volume-profit analysis, organizational costing techniques, and budgetary planning and control. Successful completion of this course, with a minimum final grade of 65%, will qualify as an approved credit towards the academic component of either the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) or the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations granted by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).

Students are introduced to business ethics, applied ethics, and social psychology. They will assess today's most important ethical dilemmas and the human behaviours that drive them. Students will recommend how to best navigate corporate landscapes, political influencers, and social contexts to ensure ethical decision-making.

Empowering a variety of ideas, perspectives and talents are paramount in the continued evolution of a more inclusive Canada. It is essential for individuals, communities, businesses, industries and government to advocate for inclusion and to reduce barriers for the greater good of our society. As we live and work in an increasingly global world, this overview course is designed to provide learners with the tools to develop cultural competencies and inclusive practices so that they can recognize the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (EDI) as in integral part of a more socially inclusive Canada. Through activities and self-reflection, learners may explore a variety of relevant topics including intercultural awareness, gender identity, sexual orientation, unconscious bias, ageism, disabilities, mental health and indigenous ways of knowing.

This interdisciplinary capstone course brings together students from marketing and human resources to collaborate on a real-world business challenge. Working in cross-functional teams, students will partner with a local organization to develop and implement strategic solutions that address key operational, financial, and sustainability goals. Through hands-on engagement, students will analyze market trends, create HR strategies, integrate sustainable business practices, and ensure financial viability while refining their problem-solving and leadership skills. Throughout the course, students will apply their specialized knowledge to develop a comprehensive business proposal, culminating in a final presentation to stakeholders. Emphasizing experiential learning, this course prepares students for the complexities of modern business environments by fostering collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking. By the end of the capstone experience, students will have gained practical insights into cross-disciplinary decision-making within the business world.

Students can select a General Education Elective from the Course List to fullfill this requirement.