Graduate Certificate in Construction Management

at George Brown College - Casa Loma Campus Canada

The International Fashion Management program is a one-year graduate certificate program* designed for the student or industry professional with a serious interest in the international apparel business.

The program provides you with the skills essential to succeed in the global apparel market. As new communication technologies make the world a smaller place, more possibilities for the fashion industry emerge on an international scale, along with many related career opportunities.

You are exposed to world trade through the study of economic, legal and cultural factors that affect international trade policies. Specifically, the focus of study is on the understanding of business practices, global marketing, logistics and supply chain management as they relate to the fashion industry worldwide. The program content combines analytical and management skills, along with knowledge of world culture and understanding of the global economy, to enable success in the international apparel industry.

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

• Manage processes relating to the international movement of apparel goods according to supply chain and logistics principles.
• Identify the knowledge of international trade and licensing agreements required to perform import, export and source functions in an apparel business operation.
• Analyze global economics and geopolitics to inform selection of international apparel business partners.
• Research and create a global marketing plan to support international apparel business strategies.
• Develop culturally appropriate strategies and techniques to communicate successfully in a global apparel business environment.
• Select current business practices, research methods, analytic techniques and tools required to conduct apparel business operations in a global context.
• Practise business ethically by applying principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability to domestic and international apparel operations.

The three-year Interior Design Technology advanced diploma program prepares you to be an Interior Design Technologist. You will be a valuable member of the design team for building retrofits, renovations and new construction, contributing to the technical design of building interiors by design development of plans, elevations, renderings and 3D models.

Learning in state-of-the-art interior design studios with the most up-to-date equipment and software, you will develop a thorough knowledge of interior design and technical design skills.

Through the application of interior design theory, you will learn how to effectively communicate the applied and technical principles of interior design. As a graduate, your area of specialization might include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Bathroom and kitchen design/build
• Commercial, retail or manufacturing technical sales
• Fitments, colour or texture finishes selection and consultations
• 2D and 3D computer drawing, design, rendering and modeling
• Sustainable interior design practices for commercial, retail and residential

Note: If you enrol in the program in January, you are required to complete semester 2 in the summer (May to August) of the same year in order to continue into semester 3 in the fall.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Analyze a client's needs and goals by using research methodology and techniques.
  • Prepare a design proposal.
  • Analyze design components by using the creative process.
  • Prepare an appropriate design concept of three-dimensional form which meets the criteria of a given design project by using the creative process.
  • Execute appropriate presentation techniques to communicate the design concept.
  • Prepare a design which reflects the concept by using current and relevant information.
  • Communicate to the client the proposed design solution for approval.
  • Prepare documentation needed for the implementation of the design.
  • Collaborate as part of the management team, as the client's agent, in the implementation of a design project to ensure that the project reflects the design solution.
  • Evaluate completed design solutions.

The Fashion Management program prepares you with essential knowledge and skills required to meet the Canadian fashion industry's core business needs. You will gain a deep understanding of textiles, manufacturing inputs and processes, and movement in the supply chain, as well as management of the value, costing and quality of apparel. You will also be able to apply the tools of marketing and merchandising to maximize product success in the market. This program is designed to meet the needs of today's Canadian market, which has shifted to product development, niche markets and omni-channel retail.

The Fashion Management program is the only academic program curriculum in Canada identified by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) as an affiliate school. Benefits to you include an up-to-date curriculum, connection with the industry and access to industry research materials exclusively available to members.

The concepts of developing, sourcing and marketing a product from initial idea to retail sale are introduced. You will test and problem-solve for quality assurance; develop buying, merchandising and marketing plans; examine logistics processes; and work as a team to manage a retail store.

The structure of this program gives you flexibility in the choice of a career path. You will also gain relevant industry knowledge through field education experience after the first year of study. The Field Experience may be in fashion buying, production, distribution, retailing, wholesale, or a related marketing area. Students have the opportunity to network with potential employers at our FashionWorks industry event.

Note: Students starting in January will have an alternate order of courses, and will not graduate until their field education component has been completed. January intake students will complete semester two from May to August, and continue into semester three in September of the same academic year.

The School of Fashion offers a diverse, hands-on learning environment, including many extracurricular activities for students.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Identify textile materials, assess their suitability and compatibility, and select for end use.
  • Use basic accounting concepts and financial analysis in order to interpret reports and make business decisions.
  • Make optimal sourcing decisions based on research and analysis of domestic and global sources.
  • Use merchandising concepts and retail math to develop merchandise, assortment and buying plans.
  • Communicate visually by using appropriate tools and practices to create product development packages, sales materials, and merchandising displays.
  • Apply the principles of logistics and supply chain management to operate a successful fashion business.
  • Use effective interpersonal and team skills to enhance leadership, management and sales expertise in a fashion business environment.
  • Evaluate product by applying the principles of quality control to meet appropriate standards.
  • Explain the organization and operation of the Canadian fashion industry, its role within the global economy, and identify the forces that affect it.
  • Distinguish the processes and systems used in garment manufacturing to make production decisions.
  • Apply the product development process by preparing visual materials, technical specifications, and cost analysis for a product(s) aimed at a specific target market.
  • Develop, communicate, and apply a marketing plan by combining marketing research, strategies and tactics.
  • Analyze ethics, corporate social responsibility and sustainability principles to develop best practices in the fashion industry.
  • Develop professional goals through industry exposure with an emphasis on life-long learning and personal growth.

Looking to transition careers or fill in the gaps to gain advanced blockchain development skills?

This unique Blockchain Development program at George Brown College in Toronto focuses on designing and implementing decentralized applications by leveraging blockchain technology. The three-semester program is designed to also thoroughly cover full stack development to give potential students all the tools they need to succeed in this emerging and exciting field.

This program has been developed with the support of blockchain industry professionals and is taught in a full-time executive format of approximately 20 hours per week of study over a 26-week time period. Co-op and work integrated learning opportunities are available during the third semester of the program. It is the first certificate in blockchain offered by a Canadian college.

The skills you’ll learn include:

• Smart contracts
• Design patterns for blockchain
• Distributed applications (dApps)
• Full stack development
• Blockchain architecture, security practices, laws and regulations, and more

Your Field Education Options
During the third semester of the program, students may choose whether to apply for a Co-op position or take a Work Integrated Learning course which includes an industry-sponsored project.

To be eligible for co-op, a student must complete all Semester 1 and Semester 2 courses. As well, an overall GPA of 3.0 must be achieved.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Communicate essential concepts related to blockchain technology and its industry applications.
  • Implement best security practices for blockchain solutions.
  • Design cryptoeconomic models to solve business problems.
  • Design the architecture of decentralized applications and systems.
  • Develop decentralized applications leveraging blockchain technology.
  • Explain the legal implications, regulations, and industry standards that are relevant to blockchain technology.
  • Apply IT project management principles and best practices.
  • Contribute to the field and blockchain community through various open source projects, partnerships, and community involvement.

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

As the Information Technology (IT) sector continues to grow in Toronto and our industry partners report skills shortages, George Brown College is helping to meet employer demand by educating IT professionals who understand all aspects of computer systems. Our two-year Computer Systems Technician program provides students with a broad and in-depth technical base, through courses in the high-demand areas of system support, network administration and web technologies. The curriculum prepares graduates with the strong administration, troubleshooting and design skills they need for careers in IT.

George Brown continues to invest in up-to-date networking, wireless and security lab equipment to help students develop hands-on installation, configuration and troubleshooting skills. Students use the NetLab platform, which enables them with 24/7 remote access to Cisco Systems physical equipment. This investment, along with our hands-on teaching environment, was recognized by Cisco when the college was designated an Area Support Centre and Instructor Training Centre.

Graduates of the Computer Systems Technician program are prepared to write several industry certification exams that are in demand by employers.

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

• Identify, analyze, develop, implement, verify and document the requirements for a computing environment.
• Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
• Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
• Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
• Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
• Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
• Adhere to ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
• Assist with the implementation of computer systems.
• Install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, upgrade and decommission computing system infrastructures.
• Automate routine tasks using scripting tools and programming languages.
• Provide technical support for computing system infrastructures that aligns with industry best practice.
• Implement the basic concept, principles, and scope of DevOps.
• Apply task automation using configuration management and the Cloud.
• Automate network administrative tasks across distributed clients.

Apparel Technical Designers are the link between design and production as they transform a sketch into a full technical package ready for manufacturing a product in quantity. This one-year Apparel Technical Design graduate certificate program in Toronto prepares fashion designers with apparel technical design skills for positions in the apparel industry.

Graduates will have the skills to design and complete a collection using market research, trend analysis, and computer-aided drafting and product lifecycle management technology. Quality and costing analysis will inform design choices as the full product specification package is completed and collection projects are manufactured using appropriate and efficient manufacturing techniques.

Designers with solid patternmaking, grading, textile, illustration and construction skills will advance their knowledge to manage the complexity of writing detailed technical specifications, refining garment fit and sourcing components in pre-production, to achieve production-ready samples and technical packages. Graduates will attain the expertise required to anticipate and solve manufacturing issues, be able to maximize quality and minimize cost, consider sustainable options and be more prepared to launch future collections through experiencing the full cycle of designing and manufacturing a collection.

This program is part of our School of Fashion and Jewellery.

Your Field Education Options

• Field education is embedded in the program. Students will be required to connect with an industry employer where they can complete 160 hours of field education in semester three.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
• Conceptualize and design apparel collections using target market research to prepare for product development aimed at a target consumer.
• Develop production-ready patterns using computer software and grade, alter and create markers to prepare for manufacture of collection samples.
• Manage the steps of a product development process using product lifecycle management tools and software.
• Select source materials and manufacturing techniques to align with collection quality and cost requirements.
• Develop and communicate product specifications to minimize production time, cost and errors.
• Estimate manufacturing resources (e.g., labour, time and materials) to inform design decisions and schedule production timelines.
• Review and correct garment fit and apply adjustments to production patterns to ensure garment appearance and comfort ease allowances are appropriate to target market sizing specifications while maintaining design integrity.

The Information Systems Business Analysis graduate certificate program at George Brown College is designed to meet the urgent need for professionals who can be the key liaison between business and information technology functions within an organization. Further, George Brown is recognized by the International Institute of Business Analysis as an Academic Member, and is proud to offer the IIBA® Academic Diploma.

This intensive program is designed for IT or business professionals who aspire to enter into a business analyst role, or practitioners who wish to enhance their experience with formal education. A deeper level of understanding of the business analyst role will be developed through unique learning techniques and invaluable practical experience. Participants will be engaged and supported by a team of business analyst consultants and faculty in developing critical skills and competencies in the areas of:

• Problem identification
• Documenting and analyzing user requirements
• Process and workflow modelling
• Communication and facilitation
• Project management
• Technical writing
• Leadership and management
• Decision-making

A key characteristic of this program is the applied nature of the curriculum. Students are immersed in the process of business analysis through case histories of real-world business issues, and are responsible for developing solutions. The uniqueness of this program is in creating a practicing business analyst rather than creating someone who knows how to do it. This program creates work-ready graduates who can do, and have done, the business analysis process through applied, hands-on experience.

Building automation systems don't just control the basics: they regulate airflow, monitor energy use and are integrated with security, lighting and other building systems to deliver comfort, safety and energy efficiency. Today’s buildings are increasingly complex, and they differ in use and size, but also in operating hours, comfort levels and environmental conditions. Offices, residences, hotels, schools and administrative buildings all have different requirements. Optimal building services technology is the result of appropriate systems design and integration during planning, construction, commissioning and operation.

This advanced diploma program in Building Automation provides students the technical skills they need for success in the job market. Students learn to:

• Install, program, adjust and maintain building automation systems
• Program and install sensors, actuators and controllers
• Collect data for use in real-time or for archiving in a central server
• Work with building software platforms that interconnect different systems

Graduates will have a diverse set of skills and abilities that will also prepare them for "green" careers focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy and the environment. This program provides a skill set that is in high demand in both the construction industry and the controls and automation industry.

Industry Skills

• Safety practices in the installation and troubleshooting of HVAC/R systems, including applicable codes and standards of the NEC, ASHRAE, OSHA, EPA and other regulatory bodies.
• Basic HVAC/R processes and the function, layout and operation of commercial HVAC/R systems.
• Functions, operating characteristics and applications of the control loops and control modes in digital, analog and pneumatic commercial control systems.
• Blueprints and manufacturer’s technical instructions for installing or servicing a sensor, controller, actuator and related relays and power supplies.
• General-purpose software and specific building automation software that monitors and controls HVAC/R and electrical systems.
• Various BAS controls and systems, including DCS, PLC, PAC and SCADA.
• Functions of network devices and protocols, such as a bridge, router, gateway, hub, firewall, twisted pair, Ethernet, TCP/IP, Zigbee, WiFi, BAS/IP and BacNet.
• Emerging green technologies, such as solar, wind and hydronic, and how they can be integrated into building systems and residential applications.

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

• Fabricate and build electrical, electronic, and mechanical components and assemblies in accordance with operating standards, job requirements, and specifications.
• Analyze, interpret, and produce electrical, electronic, and mechanical drawings and other related technical documents and graphics necessary for electromechanical design in compliance with industry standards.
• Select and use a variety of troubleshooting techniques and equipment to assess, modify, maintain, and repair electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems, and subsystems.
• Modify, maintain, and repair electrical, electronic, and mechanical components, equipment, and systems to ensure that they function according to specifications and to optimize production.
• Design and analyze mechanical components, processes, and systems by applying engineering principles and practices.
• Design, analyze, build, select, commission, integrate, and troubleshoot a variety of industrial motor controls and data acquisition devices and systems, digital circuits, passive AC and DC circuits, active circuits and microprocessor-based systems.
• Install and troubleshoot computer hardware and programming to support the electromechanical engineering environment.
• Analyze, program, install, integrate, troubleshoot and diagnose automated systems including robotic systems.
• Establish and maintain inventory, records, and documentation systems to meet organizational and industry standards and requirements.
• Select and purchase electromechanical equipment, components, and systems that fulfill job requirements and functional specifications.
• Specify, coordinate, and apply quality-control and quality-assurance programs and procedures to meet organizational standards and requirements.
• Work in compliance with relevant industry standards, laws and regulations, codes, policies, and procedures.
• Develop strategies for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance and to remain current in the field and responsive to emergent technologies and national and international standards.
• Contribute as an individual and a member of an electromechanical engineering team to the effective completion of tasks and projects.
• Design and analyze electromechanical systems by interpreting fluid mechanics and the attributes and dynamics of fluid flow used in hydraulic and fluid power systems
• Contribute to project management through planning, implementation and evaluation of projects, and monitoring of resources, timelines, and expenditures as required.

The Construction Engineering Technician program studies the characteristics of various building types with an appreciation for the latest energy and environmental technologies. The program also focuses on areas that include:

• Interpretation of construction documents
• On-site building engineering and safety
• Quantity surveying (estimating labour, materials, and equipment required for a project)
• Building codes and construction contracts
• Site management practices

Laboratory courses provide practical building layout surveys and quality control testing of various building materials. You will also gain extensive computer experience, working with general business and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and specialized construction management and estimating software.

Your Field Education Options

• Purpose and Definition of Field Experience
  • Field experience combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience structured to meet specific curricular outcomes. This approach to education relies upon a three-way partnership: the student, the institution and industry. Success depends upon the co-operative efforts of each party. It forms the basis for students’ experiential learning which is achieved when the cycle of experience, reflection, and learning is completed. It is a mandatory component of the T161 Construction Engineering Technician program. Field experience positions can be paid or unpaid. Both fulfill the academic requirement as well as strengthen students’ resumes, positioning them more effectively for future employment.
  • The field experience requires students to accumulate 100 hours of construction industry-related experience over the course of their third and fourth semesters. The field experience is facilitated through the Angelo DelZotto (ADZ) School of Construction Management, via collaborative efforts from the academic supervisors, program coordinators, and the chair.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Develop and use strategies to enhance professional growth and ongoing learning in the construction engineering field.
  • Comply with workplace health and safety practices and procedures in accordance with current legislation and regulations.
  • Complete duties in compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the construction engineering field.
  • Carry out sustainability practices in accordance with contract documents, industry standards, and environmental legislative requirements.
  • Collaborate with and facilitate communication among project stakeholders to support construction projects.
  • Collect, process and interpret technical data to produce written and graphical project-related documents.
  • Contribute to the collecting, interpreting and applying of survey/geomatics and layout information to implement construction projects.
  • Identify and use industry-specific electronic and digital technologies to support the design and construction of projects.
  • Contribute to the resolution of technical problems related to the design and implementation of construction projects by applying engineering concepts, basic technical mathematics, and building science.
  • Assist in the scheduling and monitoring of the progression of construction projects by applying principles of construction project management.
  • Assist in the preparation of accurate estimates of time, cost, quality and quantity, tenders and bids.
  • Perform quality control testing and monitoring of equipment, materials, and methods involved in the implementation and completion of construction projects.
  • Apply teamwork, leadership and interpersonal skills when working individually or within multidisciplinary teams to complete work on construction projects

This three-semester graduate certificate program provides applied education for construction management positions in the construction sector. Candidates will receive graduate-level training that builds on their internationally acquired education and experience to enable them to successfully enter the Canadian construction workforce.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Develop and use strategies to promote continuous professional learning in the construction industry.
• Monitor and support workplace health and safety practices and procedures that are compliant with current legislation and regulations.
• Assess construction project operations for compliance with contractual obligations, applicable laws, standards, bylaws, codes and ethical practices in the construction industry.
• Analyze and monitor construction processes to ensure that sustainability practices are implemented in accordance with contract documents, industry standards and environmental legislative requirements.
• Establish and manage relationships among diverse project stakeholders to achieve construction project goals.
• Manage the production, storage, retrieval and communication of project-related digital documents according to best practices, to meet construction project deadlines and goals.
• Perform a feasibility study to inform decisions in the planning phase of a construction project.
• Schedule, manage and evaluate the progression of construction projects by applying the principles, practices and tools of construction project management to complete projects on time and within budget.
• Prepare estimates and manage procurement processes to control costs in accordance with best practices in construction project management.
• Develop and oversee quality assurance and control processes involved in the completion of construction projects to meet project specifications and industry quality standards.
• Analyze and manage project risks to mitigate their impact throughout the construction project lifecycle.
• Formulate human resource management strategies to optimize personnel requirements for construction project completion.
• Build and lead multidisciplinary teams throughout the construction project lifecycle to accomplish construction project goals.