Advanced Diploma in Business Administration - Finance

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

Explosive growth in the hospitality industry has led to larger and more complex hospitality enterprises and increased demand for well-educated professionals with analytical skills capable of leading them. That’s where George Brown’s Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) comes in.

The program is designed to teach you how to plan and manage complex integrated hospitality operations so that you can become one of the skilled, knowledgeable leaders in the hospitality sector. The employment prospects in this sector are outstanding. In Canada, the hospitality industry employs more than 1.2 million people, representing over 7 per cent of all employment[i]. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, the hospitality sector accounts for almost 329,000 jobs[ii].

A Comprehensive Curriculum:-
The curriculum has been developed to prepare students for management, supervisory and administrative careers through training in analysis and problem-solving, critical thinking, integrated operations, customer management and international applications. Students will become technically proficient in the major components of a hospitality business, including operational processes, finance, human resources, marketing, facilities, risk management, corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

In addition, the curriculum is designed to:-

• Provide flexible student learning- Courses are offered in online and in-class hybrid format throughout the program to accommodate the paid work placements. Semester 7 is delivered completely online.
• Integrate knowledge and practical applications developed through projects and experiential learning in two paid work placements.
• Build strong management and leadership abilities, with every student working on projects individually and with team members.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Assess the impact and implications of external environmental factors on the hospitality industry, its sectors, organizations and stakeholders.
• Explain the results of original research that has been conducted using social science research principles and methods.
• Apply management knowledge and technical ability for effective operation and organization of a variety of hospitality enterprises.
• Justify ideas generated, decisions made and actions taken to address business opportunities, challenges, risks and crises.
• Interpret quantitative and qualitative data to support business decisions, operations, and strategic initiatives.
• Present information clearly, concisely, persuasively, professionally and respectfully using appropriate and alternative modes/means of communication in a variety of hospitality contexts and situations.
• Display ethical behaviour and social responsibility in personal and professional pursuits.
• Design creative marketing, sales and customer service strategies for chosen market segments.
• Apply strategies to keep current in the field, respond effectively to change, and support personal and professional development.

George Brown College offers the only four-year Culinary Management bachelor's degree in Canada. With the continuing growth of the culinary and food industry, there is a need for professionals who can marry detailed gastronomic knowledge, advanced management skills and the level of business acumen required to work in modern Canadian kitchens and food companies.

H316 is a bridge pathway into the H315 Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) program, specifically designed for graduates of Culinary Management diploma programs. Graduates of these diploma programs may be eligible to enter the third year of the degree upon successful completion of six bridge courses.

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Culinary Management) meets industry demand by preparing students with the depth and breadth of knowledge commensurate with an honours level, undergraduate commerce degree specializing in culinary management. Combining commerce, culinary, food studies and externship experiences, this degree program prepares graduates for kitchen, operations management or food development positions. Throughout our culinary management degree, students will gain an understanding of eight key areas:

• Culinary Proficiency.
• Culinary Theory.
• Accounting and Finance.
• Marketing and Communications.
• Human Resources and Risk Management.
• Specialized Business.
• Research.
• General Knowledge (Liberal Studies).

Your Field Education Options
Take part in a unique and robust externship. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the program's learning outcomes. This valuable work experience can be added to your resume.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide learning opportunities with real-world challenges and customers. 

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Distinguish among and apply current practices from industry and scholarship relating to accounting, marketing, customer service, human resources, supply chain management, health and safety, costing and pricing, hospitality and risk management.
• Identify, appraise and/or apply various methods, skills, tools and systems used in a variety of disciplines related to culinary practice and study.
• Research and analyze societal, environmental, cultural, economic, culinary and/or market demands at local, regional and international levels.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a diverse culinary management team in order to develop strategies to realize organizational objectives in a variety of food service environments.
• Drawing on fields of study and practice, develop and manage strategic partnerships, customer service and relationships.
• Plan and execute fundamental contemporary cooking techniques that reflect an advanced knowledge of food theory and practice, nutrition and professional systems used in the culinary industry.
• Use management theories and methodologies in order to provide recommendations for realizing organizational objectives specific to different kinds of culinary operations.
• Develop a new food product, business and/or event, in order to facilitate market realization.
• Apply advanced management techniques and theories to support large-scale, multi-unit culinary operations.
• Monitor changing practices and evolving knowledge related to culinary management to select strategies for lifelong learning and professional advancement in the field of study.
• Examine personal strengths, weaknesses and knowledge limitations in order to develop strategies that promote growth and build leadership potential.
• Communicate information and concepts using advanced verbal and written skills that reflect disciplinary norms.
• Use qualitative and/or quantitative information to develop cogent arguments, make sound judgments and apply concepts, principles and techniques that inform or enhance diverse types of culinary operations.

Do you love the excitement of travelling and learning about fascinating world cultures? Do you want to be a leader in the tourism and hospitality industry? If your passion is to create memorable experiences and use your creativity to become part of the largest industry worldwide, then join the Tourism and Hospitality Management program at George Brown College!

Through this two-year tourism diploma program, you will learn about the exciting and diverse tourism industry with courses in culinary tourism, heritage tourism, sustainable tourism, hotel operations and event planning. Graduates gain the skills required to be progressive leaders within the industry, enriching the experience of tourists. You will receive industry certifications in food safety, responsible alcohol beverage service, TICO Travel Counsellor Certification and first aid (CPR).

As part of your fourth semester, you will complete a 14-week industry externship with your choice of a nationwide or international placement. This opportunity will enhance your knowledge with real-world experience and help you start building your network of contacts. Completing the Tourism and Hospitality Management program will make you the kind of multi-talented graduate the local and international tourism industry is seeking in today’s competitive environment.

To better hone your international tourism and hospitality management skills you have the option of participating in an exclusive Experiential Study Tour.

Your Field Education Options
As part of your fourth semester, you will complete a 14-week industry externship with your choice of a nationwide or international placement. This opportunity will enhance your knowledge with real-world experience and help you start building your network of contacts. This valuable work experience can be added to your resume.

In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide learning opportunities with real world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:-

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Provide professional guest services to enhance customer satisfaction by anticipating, meeting and/or exceeding individual and organizational standards and objectives.
  • Create marketing plans informed and supported by market research, social networks, product knowledge and sales strategies.
  • Contribute to effective management in hospitality, tourism and leisure settings by implementing leadership skills and strategies.
  • Evaluate and apply effective financial management and accounting practices to support operations in the tourism industry.
  • Comply with relevant organizational and workplace systems, processes, policies, standards, legal obligations and regulations, and use knowledge of risk management principles, to support and maintain efficient, productive, safe, secure, accessible and healthy tourism operations.
  • Apply principles of teamwork and constructive relationship management to support positive workplace culture.
  • Integrate hospitality skills and knowledge to promote ongoing personal and professional development.
  • Design and deliver inclusive tourism and hospitality programs, products and services that comply with all relevant legislation, conform to relevant ethical guidelines and promote best practices of corporate social responsibility.
  • Analyze and implement sustainability practices in the tourism and hospitality industry by adapting to environmental, social, cultural, political and economic trends and issues.

The Advanced Butchery and Charcuterie postgraduate certificate will provide students with strong foundational knowledge in the theory of butchery and the science of raw, cured and fermented, and cooked charcuterie. In your classes and out on externship, students will butcher, prepare and taste Indigenous, local and international fresh, cooked and cured fish and meat products.

The curriculum will consist of two semesters of classes and one semester of externship. Weekly classes will be divided into three days of two-hour theory classes followed by four hours of lab practice. Students will focus on sustainability, team building and communication skills to create such products as wild game sausages, Genoa salami and pâté en croûte. Students will develop a portfolio that documents carcass and recipe yields and monitors cured and fermented production.

After successful completion of this program, graduates will have Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) related to inventory control, sanitation, health and safety, and be able to practice within the regulatory framework of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). As a final skills demonstration, students will present a capstone project to industry partners for feedback and assessment.  

This program draws on the expertise of industry leaders and sector employers, drawing on partners such as Meat and Poultry Ontario, Sanagan's Meat Locker, La Cultura Salumi, grocery partners, meat and charcuterie based restaurants and many others.

Your Field Education Options
As part of the program, you will complete a 14-week industry externship. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities within Culinary Management that align with their personal career goals and that meet the program's learning outcomes. This practical work experience will enhance your resumé and your value to employers.

Program Learning Outcomes

• Butcher a variety of animals using artisanal, local and international techniques for different applications.
• Execute federal Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in the production of butchery and charcuterie.
• Create a variety of international raw, cooked and cured meats and fish products in accordance with restaurant and wholesale regulations.
• Communicate the scientific processes, using the appropriate terminology, throughout the production stages of charcuterie.
• Integrate social, environmental, and economic sustainability into planning, preparation and sale of charcuterie.
• Determine the profitability of charcuterie in terms of labour, product control, packaging and shelf life.
• Differentiate among raw, cured and cooked products using sensory analysis.

Organizations today require engaged, motivated employees who understand how to effectively support organizational goals while enhancing their own skills and knowledge. Becoming a valued advisor to the business is a Human Resources (HR) imperative, and understanding how to effectively demonstrate a set of key behaviours is of utmost importance.

George Brown’s Human Resources Management graduate certificate program comprehensively covers the key HR functions in this exciting field. Taught by seasoned HR professionals with industry experience, the program blends business-related theory and practical application to highlight how HR functions as a strategic partner to business units. Students explore the role of the HR department and the key accountability requirements to demonstrate a high level of professionalism in a work-related setting.

Upon completion of the program, you will be able to:

• Describe how employment legislation impacts human resources
• Design human resources policies and programs
• Facilitate employee training and development
• Ensure health and safety in the workplace
• Recruit and select employees
• Promote diversity
• Manage performance
• Recommend strategic change initiatives
• Develop a total rewards system
• Manage employee/labour relations
• Create a comprehensive human resources plan

Your Field Education Options
WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP WORK TERM)
This program requires the successful completion of one semester of work experience to graduate. This work experience is either co-op (paid) or internship (unpaid). Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.

Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of employee recruitment, selection, and retention plans and processes.
  • Administer and contribute to the design and evaluation of the performance management program.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate employee orientation, training, and development programs.
  • Facilitate and support effective employee and labour relations in both non-union and union environments.
  • Research and support the development and communication of the organization’s total compensation plan.
  • Collaborate with others in the development, implementation, and evaluation of organizational health and safety policies and practices.
  • Research and analyze information needs and apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate organizational development strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
  • Present and evaluate communication messages and processes related to the human resources function of the organization.
  • Manage own professional development and provide leadership to others in the achievement of ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
  • Facilitate and communicate the human resources component of the organization’s business plan.
  • Conduct research, produce reports, and recommend changes in human resources practices.

The Business – Accounting two-year diploma provides you with a solid background in basic accounting concepts and practices, as well as broad-based business skills related to accounting application software, spreadsheets and databases, economics, communications, law and taxation. This rigorous learning experience will enable you to build and demonstrate the skills you need to work in the field of accounting.

These industry-ready skills include:-

• Processing common business transactions
• Preparing reports on an organization's financial performance
• Preparing financial budgets and plans to support management decisions
• Analyzing operating performance

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
• Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
• Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental management accounting concepts.
• Prepare individuals’ income tax returns and basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
• Analyze organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact those relationships can have on financial performance.
• Analyze, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization’s operations.
• Outline the elements of an organization’s internal control system and risk management.
• Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental financial management concepts.

In this Marketing Management – Financial Services graduate certificate program in Toronto, students will develop the marketing skills that employers value in the area of Financial Services Marketing. This particular area of marketing combines an understanding of the special needs of financial services customers with strong marketing acumen. Students will develop skills to successfully market to different customers and build long-term profitable relationships with them.

The Video Design & Production program will prepare future professionals with the skills required in this emerging field by merging traditional filmmaking techniques with new mediums and distributive methodologies. Graduates will be armed with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills that will enable them to decide which path (employment or self-employment) is best for them. Students will be exposed to elements of both video design and video production including photography, immersive environments and auteurship, as well as the necessary video editing and post-production skills to create video for entertainment, marketing, advertising, education and social network strategies.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Create independent digital film projects according to project specifications using various production techniques.
  • Work effectively as a member of a digital film production team in various capacities and roles.
  • Manage scheduling and budget for digital film productions.
  • Capture quality moving images using appropriate camera/lighting equipment and techniques.
  • Develop a short film and television portfolio to showcase digital filmmaking skills.
  • Write story-driven, visual and cinematic scripts focused on effective dialogue, structure and character development.
  • Record and mix multi-track sound in a digital format using industry standard equipment and software.
  • Market and distribute digital film projects using industry and new media outlets.
  • Edit digital video on non-linear, industry standard software and equipment.

This postgraduate program in Design Management builds the skills needed to lead a multidisciplinary design team. Students will learn how to develop design strategies for products and services based on business objectives. This program teaches practical tools and interpersonal facilitative skills, as well as the business knowledge required to manage a consultancy or corporate design division.

Who should take this program:

• Design professionals with a global perspective who want to become active partners in helping firms develop and grow through expanded participation in strategic management.
• Designers looking to enhance their career opportunities in supervisory or management positions.
• Designers seeking to integrate strategic design into the workplace.
• Designers with an entrepreneurial spirit looking to start their own company.

Courses in design process and strategy, project management, finance, team management, design research, contracts, business planning, communications and intellectual property protection complement a major studio course featuring real-world design projects. The courses cover the essential elements of a business strategy and how design contributes to the definition and realization of the strategy.

Your Field Education Options

• A mandatory Design Management Internship (DESN1031) course is taken in Semester 2. An external field placement role is not guaranteed in this course; students who are not placed externally will be given a design management role within the School of Design or as part of George Brown College.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Manage multi-disciplinary design groups using practical working models of management systems.
  • Analyze evolving market needs to identify design strategies required for the development of new products and services.
  • Plan, implement and control project plans that are flexible and reflect the evolutionary environment of the design process.
  • Enhance leadership skills, management skills and design expertise through the development of personal professional development strategies and plans.
  • Establish working relationships with clients, customers, and designers which maintain and strengthen their loyalty to their organization, as well as recognize design discipline protocols.
  • Develop and implement business strategies to recruit clients and new business opportunities.
  • Design and deliver sales presentations persuasively and accurately in oral, written, graphic and digital form.
  • Formulate and present comprehensive business plans for design projects.
  • Develop design strategies based on perceived value, competitive pressures and corporate objectives.
  • Evaluate results of design activities using criteria relating to application of best practices, costs, and profits.

The Assaulted Women's and Children's Counsellor/Advocate program provides students with a feminist analysis of the political and counselling issues related to gender-based violence experienced primarily by self-identified women, children, trans and non-binary survivors. It trains students to be agents for change in their work of community education, political action and law reform. It prepares students to provide anti-oppressive counselling for survivors who have experienced or are experiencing gender-based violence.

Note: Some of our student placement partners require students in this program to have a police reference check completed before their field placement. These reference checks, which can take up to four months, are done to protect the clientele of these agencies, who are considered “vulnerable persons” under the law. The fees for the reference checks vary and must be paid by the student. Students are responsible for ensuring that the check covers appropriateness for “individuals being employed and/or volunteering who will be working with vulnerable person(s).” Students who are unable to provide a clear police reference check may find that their choice of placements is limited.

Field education plays an important role in this program by preparing students to work with those affected by gender-based violence including not only those directly impacted, but the communities within which they live and work. This often includes those who identify as trans and non-binary, and other disenfranchised populations.

In year one, students will spend 250 hours with a non-profit community partner (Mondays and Tuesdays, January – April) and will typically engage in introductory activities, such as shadowing staff, conducting outreach, fundraising and special events, and learning about how programs and services are developed. First-year placements vary and can include sites that focus on public education, food banks, drop-ins and political action work, but are generally not frontline positions.

In second year, students will build on that experience by engaging in more direct 1-to-1 survivor counselling, group facilitation, case management, and advocacy. Placements begin in September and continue through to the end of April for a minimum of 500 hours. Students will often do this placement at emergency shelters, rape crisis centres, youth services, health providers and other agencies who provide frontline support.

The agencies used by the program for field placements are very similar to those employing our graduates. In many instances, employers hire graduates because of contact and experience with them through the fieldwork placement. Most agencies are within Toronto, while some agencies, located in other communities such as Brampton, St. Catherines, London, Hamilton, Barrie, Pickering and Oshawa, provide students who live in those communities with placement opportunities.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Apply a feminist analysis in all areas of their work in the field of violence against women and children.
  • Provide ongoing supportive counselling.
  • Provide individual advocacy and political advocacy services
  • Facilitate groups for women and children.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of existing services for women.
  • Cope with high stress work demands and develop strategies for personal survival on the job.
  • Develop and deliver prevention programs.
  • Organize fundraising and write applications and proposals for grants.
  • Utilize the media and organize community response to violence against women and children.
  • Become familiar with pertinent legislation and understand the process of formulating social policy.