Diploma in Business

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

The food sector is always changing, particularly when it comes to hospitality and culinary arts. This constant change has reinforced the need for a more holistic approach to culinary education – one that allows students to examine the food system while mastering a variety of culinary techniques.

The Honours Bachelor of Food Studies program provides the food leaders of tomorrow with the skills, insights and knowledge to succeed in this rapidly changing field. It offers extensive career pathways for foodservice professionals, while providing the food sector with leaders who can thrive in both for-profit and non-profit organizations.

Graduates will be positioned to succeed in a wide range of food-related occupations including roles in culinary, education, tourism, recreation, health, food security, sustainability, economic development, agriculture, public policy and research. There are growing opportunities for careers informed by both culinary experience and versatile critical thinking.

Toronto provides a unique setting for this program because of its wealth of multicultural and Indigenous food traditions. In the classroom and beyond, students will be introduced to the vibrant world of food in a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Students will participate in a paid co-op placement focused on the application of culinary and food animation skills. In addition, throughout the program, selected courses will include community-engaged learning opportunities. 

Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Articulate the interconnected structures and functions of food systems at the local, national and international levels.
• Analyze social, cultural, political and environmental influences on current and emerging food-related theory, policy and practice.
• Recommend informed responses to both practical and scholarly issues and challenges using insights from food systems theory and the study of global cuisine.
• Acquire foundational culinary skill proficiency and operational knowledge appropriate to entry into the culinary industry.
• Integrate a healthy, equitable, and sustainable food systems perspective into culinary theory and practice.
• Construct coherent arguments to address debates within the broad field of food studies.
• Appraise research methodologies used across disciplines related to food studies.
• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats appropriate to academic, government, non-profit, business and media environments.
• Articulate how uncertainty, ambiguity and limits to knowledge influence perception and interpretation of debates in food studies and consider issues from multiple perspectives.
• Demonstrate curiosity, initiative, integrity, collaboration, and social responsibility in personal and professional settings related to food.

For over 25 years, the Sport and Event Marketing graduate certificate program at George Brown College in Toronto has been equipping students with the core skills to succeed in the integrated work of sport, arts and entertainment, and not for profit enterprises.

Hands-on from the first day, this 12-month program provides students with a foundation in consumer marketing. It focuses on the examination and application of Sport and Event Marketing best practices, strategies, tactics, tools and techniques. Students develop and learn to apply creativity and critical thinking skills that will take them from the classroom to the boardroom. Assignments and projects can involve industry partners, especially in the final semester when students plan and execute a charitable event.

Key disciplines covered include sport, arts and entertainment marketing, sponsorship activation, event planning and management, integrated marketing communications (IMC), digital media, not for profit and cause-related marketing and financial metrics.

This learning experience will enable you to:

• Develop integrated marketing and media plans for arts, entertainment, cause-related marketing, and the sports industry
• Plan, execute and evaluate comprehensive events utilizing project management and team-building skills
• Develop and evaluate sponsorship activation opportunities from the value perspective of the consumer, property, and buyer

Extracurricular opportunities may include:

• Speed Mentoring
• 5 to Watch Canada’s Sports Business Awards
• Primetime Sports Case Competition

This Centre for Business program is part of our School of Marketing.

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). Either one will give you the practical experience employers value. The work term occurs after the end of the second academic semester.

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students then apply for these opportunities and go through a competitive interview process. 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.

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

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Apply marketing concepts to industries directly associated with sports, arts, entertainment or causes.
  • Develop integrated marketing and media plans featuring consumer-oriented objectives, strategies, tactics, budgetary considerations and return on investment (ROI) metrics.
  • Plan, execute and evaluate comprehensive events utilizing project management and team building skills as required.
  • Develop and evaluate sponsorship activation opportunities from the value perspective of the consumer, property and buyer.
  • Create professional and persuasive written, digital and other presentation formats using industry standard software.
  • Analyze and interpret marketing activities using criteria related to sales forecasting, budgeting, financial health and performance metrics.

The Business Administration – Accounting three-year advanced diploma provides you with the knowledge and skills required to perform a range of complex accounting functions including financial analysis, planning and control as well as using analytical and evaluation skills to support management functions, and collaborating in the design of an organization's internal control systems. The program includes auditing, corporate taxation, law and strategic management.

This learning experience will enable you to build and demonstrate:

• Proficiency in spreadsheets, databases and accounting software programs
• Essential communication skills for advising business owners and managers on business decisions
• Ability to perform accounting transactions in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)

Note:-This program (B107) is offered without work experience. Students wishing to apply for Business Administration – Accounting with work experience should apply to B157.

This Centre for Business program is part of our School of Accounting and Finance.

Program 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 strategic decision-making by applying advanced management accounting concepts.
  • Prepare individuals' and Canadian-controlled private corporations’ income tax returns and individuals’ basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
  • Analyze and evaluate organizational structures and the interdependence of functional areas, and contribute to the development of strategies which positively impact financial performance.
  • Analyze and evaluate, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization’s operations.
  • Analyze and evaluate an organization's internal control system, taking risk management into account.
  • Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced financial management concepts.
  • Co-ordinate the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.

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, food development, or entrepreneur positions. Through our culinary management courses, 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 in turn be added to your resumé.

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

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate must maintain good standing with a minimum 2.3 program GPA (67% or above). Graduates will have reliably demonstrated 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.

The George Brown College Financial Planning graduate certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of financial services.

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

• Help clients take steps to achieve their life goals through an integrated approach to the management of all their financial affairs, including such areas as:
• Financial Management – assess the client’s current and future financial position, based upon their cash flow, budget and net worth.
• Investment Management – assess the nature of the client’s assets based on their risk tolerance, time horizon and expected rates of return
• Retirement Planning – compare the client’s expected lifestyle in retirement to their current retirement assets and planned savings
• Tax Planning – assess the client’s current and future tax obligations and strategies employed to minimize or defer taxation
• Insurance and Risk Management – manage the client's exposure to an unexpected financial loss due to death, health issues, property damage and other risks
• Estate Planning – assess how the client can meet their objectives upon death in the most efficient and cost-effective manner
• Prepare a comprehensive financial plan for a complex client situation, integrating and prioritizing the activities listed above

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Integrate ethical decision-making processes into all aspects of the financial planning profession.
  • Apply recognized financial planning principles and industry standards to the systematic analysis of financial position and requirements.
  • Prepare accurate and relevant financial plans manually and electronically.
  • Integrate economic and personal information necessary for effective financial planning decisions.
  • Compare, contrast, and select, from appropriate financial products and services, investment planning and counselling services for the public according to industry standards, including taxation counselling.
  • Effectively market financial products through the development of an inventory of prospective clients, following up with individual sales strategies in pursuit of new and renewal business.
  • Recognize potential tax and legal implications within a financial planning situation.
  • Identify and apply written and verbal client-focused communication styles and strategies.
  • Research market opportunities and implement a business plan in support of client needs, as well as student career choices.
  • Qualify to challenge the Certified Financial Planner (CFP™) and to be fully licensed with the IIROC/MFDA.
  • Provide recommendations and options to the public for managing risk involving life and health insurance products.

The Business Administration – Finance advanced diploma program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the financial services sector. The financial services sector continues to grow and adapt to the needs of clients through the use of technology. People with customer service skills and knowledge of financial planning, call centre operations, investments and risk management are needed in this fast-paced environment.

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

• Help clients take steps to achieve their life goals through an integrated approach to the management of all their financial affairs, including such areas as:
  • Financial Management – assess the client’s current and future financial position, based upon their cash flow, budget and net worth.
  • Investment Management – assess the nature of the client’s assets based on their risk tolerance, time horizon and expected rates of return
  • Retirement Planning – compare the client’s expected lifestyle in retirement to their current retirement assets and planned savings
  • Tax Planning – assess the client’s current and future tax obligations and strategies employed to minimize or defer taxation
  • Insurance and Risk Management – manage the client’s exposure to an unexpected financial loss due to death, health issues, property damage and other risks.
  • Estate Planning – assess how the client can meet their objectives upon death in the most efficient and cost-effective manner
• Prepare a comprehensive financial plan for a client situation, integrating and prioritizing the activities listed above

This program (B130) is also offered with work experience. Students who wish to apply for Business Administration – Finance with Work Experience should apply to B150. Find out more about Field Education at the Centre for Business.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Co-ordinate the processing and maintaining of financial records in compliance with relevant policies, procedures and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
  • Co-ordinate the preparation and the presentation of financial information in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
  • Analyze financial reports for individuals and/or organizations by applying financial mathematics and statistics.
  • Develop and evaluate a financial plan to meet individuals’ and/or organizations’ needs and objectives.
  • Develop, implement, evaluate and co-ordinate marketing strategies to promote financial products and services and to enhance customer service.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate strategies to establish and maintain professional networking and business relationships in the finance sector.
  • Analyze and evaluate, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technology and the environment on individuals’ and/or organizations’ operations.
  • Develop, implement and evaluate ongoing strategies for personal and professional development, highlighting ethics, values and standards in the finance sector.
  • Co-ordinate the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.

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.

Do you want to learn French patisserie? Join this specialized French pastry and culture program, learn from the experts here in Canada and then live, learn and get work experience in France!

Through this program, you will:

• Experience hands-on learning in both Canada and France with the pre-eminent French chef professors in the country.
• Build your knowledge of French pastry and culinary traditions and embrace emerging trends in French pastry.
• Benefit from our partnership with Ecole National Superieure de la Patisserie (ENSP), the world-famous Ducasse school, one of France’s finest pastry chef schools.
• Experience the vineyards, cheese producers and local markets of France as your open-air classroom.
• Study in some of the best patisseries, bakeries, restaurants and hotels, where you will get attention, training and an inspiring experience.
• After your experiences in France, demonstrate what you’ve learned through events, placements and showcasing your newly acquired skills back at George Brown College. Our faculty already have a reputation for excellence among French patisseries in Toronto and globally and this program and its unique opportunities will make you a sought-after employee when you graduate. "A bientot!"

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Apply techniques such as reconstituting, revising, laminating and assembling to traditional French pastry and baking, using emerging trends in the French patisserie.
• Converse in basic French and use correct terminology within a food service operation.
• Identify the holistic practices in French gastronomy through field education and/or gastronomic theory.
• Prepare French pastries and baked goods within Canadian and EU Health, Safety and Nutrition regulations, standards, guidelines, and processes.
• Develop unique baking, pastry or confectionary product and manage the commercialization and marketing of that product.
• Manage the production, sales and business aspects of a personally created line of French pastries and baked goods.
• Work collaboratively as part of a culinary team, and conduct oneself in a professional manner.

The need for graduates with skills in the area of business analytics is growing rapidly across all industry sectors. Harnessing the power of big data analytics, the Analytics for Business Decision-Making graduate certificate program prepares students to do data analysis specific to multifaceted business decision-making needs. It is about developing information into knowledge and converting that intelligence into action. The goal is to prepare the student to engage and to be competitive across various business divisions with the ability to “tell stories” about data, which assist decision-makers in their own activities. Through in-depth data analytics courses and business analytics courses, graduates will be prepared to work in the high demand area of business intelligence in Toronto, in Canada and beyond, and learn the knowledge and skills needed to support real-world business decision-making and planning through data insights, data management and data science.

In this business analytics program, the focus will be on skills development, technical and otherwise, including analytic understanding and dissemination for various business uses. A bold mix of skills, including some programming, applied statistical comprehension and database understanding, will be explored in the context of organizational Big Data (Operational) requirements.

This program was developed to enable integrated learning involving you, the college and our industry partners. It was created to meet the immediate industry need for highly skilled Culinary Management graduates with real-world kitchen experience and chef training.

In this program, you will work toward a Culinary Management diploma in four consecutive semesters. While this program is designed to deliver the same learning outcomes as Culinary Management (H100), you will also benefit from semesters 3 and 4, which are integrated directly with industry.

In the first semester, you will learn the fundamental culinary skills and theories required to work in a modern kitchen, as well as essential industry employability skills such as communications and mathematics for hospitality. In the second semester, you will develop more advanced culinary skills and broaden your food, wine, and culinary culture knowledge as you prepare to enter your field placements.

In the third semester, you will experience the culinary industry first-hand during your residency at our state-of-the-art learning facilities, The Chefs’ House and The Café, where you will work alongside emerging top talent while serving a public of discerning urban diners. This experience is concurrent with in-class and online theory-based Chef School courses to support your learning and development.

In the fourth semester, you will complete your studies with an integrated 14-week industry residency at one of our leading culinary and hospitality industry partners, concurrent with online theory-based courses. The online asynchronous learning forum affords the opportunity for either local or international placements.

This integrated program is ideal for self-motivated individuals who want to increase their culinary industry employability prospects upon graduation.