Graduate Certificate in Food Tourism Entrepreneurship

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

Each September, a small group of students begin a nine-month graduate certificate program in Interdisciplinary Design Strategy at the Institute without Boundaries (IwB), where they work as a team to research, design and realize a real-world project. Initiated in 2003, this program delves into the methods and practices of design research, strategy and social innovation. It is a unique educational experience offered by George Brown College in partnership with leading designers and industry.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Apply universal and sustainable design principles to complex global problems in order to create intelligent solutions that address environmental, social and economic challenges.
  • Manage an Integrated Design Process to deliver human-centred design strategy projects for government, corporations and non-profit organizations.
  • Design collaboratively in an interdisciplinary studio environment to complete environmental, communication, product, service and system design projects.
  • Apply primary and secondary research methodologies to the design process using a think/make practice model to achieve project outcomes that meet user needs.
  • Adhere to the professional practices of a design studio in order to facilitate the success of design teams in achieving project results.
  • Participate in a multi-phase design process in order to create a holistic, integrated, and realistic design project.
  • Liaise and manage the design process to provide solutions for clients including design, documentation, tendering, fabrication and delivery.
  • Present research results and design solutions to a diverse audience utilizing effective communication strategies.

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.

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.

Social Service Worker (Accelerated) is an innovative one-year program (three semesters) designed to guide you in developing the knowledge, values and skills to work directly with a wide range of people in need.

This program stream is available to college and university graduates with a diploma or degree related to the field of social or community work. In this program, you’ll learn to identify and act upon the systemic barriers that can impede access to social and economic justice in today’s society.

Students will examine the expanding professional roles and responsibilities of social service workers in large urban centres and within a rapidly changing society.

In addition to the theoretical models, methods and skills of social service work practice, you will learn about:

• Group facilitation
• Allyship and anti-oppressive practice
• Counselling skills
• Social change and proposal development
• Social innovation
• Mental health
• Substance use and addiction

Many of the Social Service Worker faculty have professional experience with:

• Marginalized communities
• Institutional health and social service organizations
• Federal, provincial and municipal governments
• Research and initiatives in social innovation
• A range of not-for-profit organizations and agencies
• Direct practice with individuals, families, groups and communities

The Supply Chain Management graduate certificate program prepares you for careers in a variety of sectors by familiarizing you with the concepts and systems used in supply chain design and performance.

Supply chain management is the backbone of organizations in industries as diverse as transportation, pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and retail. It ensures the efficient flow of products and services from the sourcing of materials to final use. With the increasing complexity and uncertainty of local and global economies, the need for skilled professionals in this field has never been greater. This program will help you launch a career that combines technical expertise with innovative thinking and relationship-building.

Courses are provided through varied modes of delivery, with a focus on applied and experiential learning. You will learn not only the foundational knowledge, but also the leading methods in supply chain optimization, risk management and sustainable sourcing. As a graduate of this program, you will have the skills needed to deliver value and competitive advantage for organizations.

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

• Examine the connections between strategic objectives, stakeholder expectations, and supply chain design, functions, processes and roles, to guide decision-making, problem-solving and coordination of tasks.
• Determine the value added and financial implications of supply chain decisions and design on overall business profitability, efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Ensure supply chain activities and transactions are compliant with relevant legal, regulatory and contractual obligations, and industry and organization standards and policies for quality, health, safety, accountability, social and environmental responsibility.
• Use risk mitigation tools and strategies to inform supply chain management decisions.
• Contribute to the acquisition and sale of goods, services and materials in accordance with best practices and public and private sector stakeholder expectations across a variety of industries.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and scheduling of material requirements, resource allocation and inventory for efficient production and fulfillment of customer orders and returns.
• Coordinate the efficient handling and movement of goods, services, materials and related information within and between supply chains.
• Contribute to the identification and management of continuous improvements to functions and processes within and between supply chains.
• Use available technologies to enhance work performance and support supply chain functions, processes, transactions and communications.
• Monitor relevant trends, emerging technologies, and local and global economic, political and environmental issues to enhance work performance and guide management decisions.
• Use leadership and communication skills to establish and manage strategic relationships with a diversity of stakeholders and support the achievement of business goals.
• Develop and apply ongoing strategies for personal, career and professional development.

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.

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.

In today’s rapidly changing business world, organizations are realizing that their greatest asset is their employees and that effective people management is a key factor in their overall success. The Business Administration – Human Resources (with work experience) program will provide you with a practical approach to human resources management, preparing you for a variety of careers within this exciting and growing field. You will learn how to:

• Design human resources policies and programs that adhere to employment legislation
• Attract, retain and develop a productive workforce
• Manage employee diversity
• Ensure health and safety at the workplace
• Advise on employee/labour relations

Our program enables you to work towards obtaining the professional designations offered through the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario (HRPA). For information about obtaining professional designations in HR, please contact the Human Resources Professional Association of Ontario.

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

• Contribute to the planning and implementation of employee recruitment, selection, and retention strategies.
• Administer and facilitate the performance management program.
• Coordinate and support the development, implementation, and evaluation of employee orientation, training, and development programs.
• Implement and support effective employee and labour relations strategies in both non-union and union environments.
• Administer and communicate the organization’s total compensation plan.
• Collaborate with others in the implementation and monitoring of organizational health and safety policies and practices.
• Contribute to the identification of information needs and apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
• Contribute to organizational development strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
• Present and evaluate communication messages and processes related to the human resources function of the organization.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate personal professional development plans to achieve ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
• Identify and communicate the human resources component of the organization’s business plan.
• Contribute to the collection, analysis, and utilization of human resources data.

YOUR FIELD STUDY OPTIONS
WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP WORK TERM)
This program requires the successful completion of two semesters of work term experience to graduate. This work experience is either Co-op (paid) or Internship (unpaid). Either one will give you the practical experience employers value.
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 would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program.

Are you a dynamic person who loves events? Are you looking for an exciting career in a fast-paced industry where every day brings something new?

Our Event Planning program will teach you event project management fundamentals through a variety of event types including hospitality events, weddings and other social events, fundraising events, meetings, conferences and trade shows. You will take part in event management opportunities each semester, culminating in a final capstone event and a 14-week externship placement. This experiential approach to learning and the course mix, including event-specific courses, business foundations and hospitality, will provide you with the skills to jumpstart your career in event management.

Students are exposed to industry tactics used in designing, planning, marketing, budgeting, execution and evaluation of events. Management skills, small business development and state of the art technology for the current marketplace is explored. The program is taught online and in class lectures. Group work and individual assignments are highlighted by a capstone project and externship.

Your Field Education Options
This program provides a final capstone event and a mandatory 14-week externship placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed event management 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 be added to your resumé.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and implement revenue initiatives based on event objectives through methods such as sponsorship programs, grant applications and fundraising initiatives.
  • Plan, design and coordinate effective site and facility operations.
  • Select and use current and relevant principles of marketing to increase the likelihood of success of events.
  • Implement strategies for effective human resource management in the planning and operating of a variety of events.
  • Create, plan and implement effective programming for events.
  • Select and use accounting and financial knowledge and skills to increase the successful operation of events.
  • Identify, select and use appropriate business administration skills in the operation of events.
  • Manage a variety of events using principles of professionalism and ethics in such a manner as to bring about success of the events.
  • Coordinate food and beverage services appropriate to the event.
  • Use principles of sustainability in the management of events.

Looking to launch your own small business or grow your current one? In just eight months, our Entrepreneurship Management program will provide you with the skills, knowledge and support to design a full business plan that includes business research, marketing, financing and web strategy.

Bring your business idea, develop your business plan and get feedback from faculty, entrepreneurs and fellow students, so at the end of the program, you are ready to launch your business. Students may also have the option of presenting their finished business plan to Futurepreneur to be considered for a loan of up to $15,000 and a mentor for two years. George Brown College supports entrepreneurial spirit and offers resources to help you start your own business. Find out more about opportunities offered through startGBC.

Upon successful completion of this program, you will have:

• Completed a full business plan for your proposed business
• Completed a financial plan including forecasting and cash flow
• Identified sources of funding
• Completed a marketing plan
• Prepared a website

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop, present, and analyze a comprehensive business plan adapted to the enterprise that adheres to professional standards and practices.
  • Assess and use current concepts/systems and technologies to support business initiatives.
  • Develop strategies for implementing effective marketing plans that reflect an analysis of relevant resources and practices of an enterprise.
  • Use accounting and financial principles to support the management and operations of an enterprise.
  • Select sales and customer service strategies and apply them to the needs of an enterprise.
  • Apply a range of human resource practices that support and promote small business objectives and goals and optimize all functional areas of a small business operation.
  • Implement principles of supply chain management and operations management and analyze their impact on the operations of a small business.
  • Conduct small business activities and transactions in compliance with pertinent legislation, policies, health and safety and other regulations, professional and business standards, as well as tax, insurance and other fiscal requirements.
  • Promote principles of sustainability and corporate social responsibility that apply to small business initiatives.
  • Prepare and follow a plan for ongoing personal and professional development to establish and maintain entrepreneurial networking and business relationships and opportunities.
  • Plan, implement, and evaluate projects by applying project management principles to support the operation and management of a small business.
  • Use market research to optimize the operation of a small business.
  • Select and implement risk management strategies to support all aspects of the operation of a small business.