Advanced Diploma in Interaction Design

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

Welcome to Canada's centre for education in Food and Restaurant Management.
Take your career to the next level with an education that combines hands-on, experiential learning with exposure to today’s Food & Restaurant Management leaders.

In this four-semester diploma program, you will build knowledge in the areas of wine, beer, cocktails and the art of eating and dining. You will expand on these fundamentals with an understanding of food and beverage cost control, financial success, service leadership and human resources management – all the areas of successful restaurant management.

During your studies, you will apply your understanding of theory through unique learning techniques and invaluable practical experience. You will have the opportunity to:

• Take over The Chefs’ House, our state-of-the-art restaurant and learning facility, where you will manage all aspects of operations including designing and selling tickets, working with industry partners, performing cost analysis and designing the food and beverage menu in partnership with our culinary students.
• Embark on an educational, virtual adventure via our Restaurant Simulation, where you will revitalize and transform a failing restaurant into a profitable enterprise by using decision making, management and financial planning skills.
• Brew your own beer and learn about the brewing process through our hands-on Beer Tasting, Brewing and Theory course.
• Join a European Travel Tour (optional) with your peers and experience unique cultures, cuisine, languages and history while learning from our international industry partners.
• Gain real-world food and restaurant management experience through a 14-week, local or international field placement in your final semester.

To further develop your network and connection to the industry, you will have the opportunity to interact with industry leaders from the Hospitality and Culinary sectors via our:

• Annual Student/Industry Networking Events.
• Annual Career Fair for both permanent and temporary career opportunities.
• Local tours of Food & Restaurant Management leaders in the heart of downtown Toronto.

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 Consulting postgraduate program prepares students for a career in consulting that could include working for a consulting firm, independently creating their own employment, or securing a business development role within an organization. Digital Transformation and the theories behind Digital Transformation are core frameworks for the first academic semester of the program. The second semester is a mix of client consulting project work and workshops further exploring consulting in a world continuously undergoing digital transformation. Students develop knowledge and skills by working individually and/or in teams, doing research, analyzing client problems and providing recommendations to real clients through our Consulting Hub.

Your Field Education Options

• Students will engage in various consulting projects in their second semester to gain experience and demonstrate:
  • Development of parameters of a consulting project and building a client/consultant relationship
  • Creation and implementation of a project plan for the term of a consulting engagement
  • Preparation and implementation of the terms of reference and contracts for the term of the consulting engagement, including billing and payment schedules
  • Performing an environmental audit (external and internal) and conducting market research to diagnose the client problem(s)
  • Use of a range of consulting tools and techniques including: interviewing, research, and collaborative problem solving during the consulting process
  • Development and modelling of soft skills such as teamwork, customer service, communications and problem solving during the consulting process
  • Assessing the change readiness of the client’s organization through the use of change management skills and processes
  • Completing a client consulting project including contracting, data collection and analysis, recommendations and, as appropriate, implementation to the satisfaction of the client

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:
  • Establish the parameters of a consulting project and build a client/consultant relationship.
  • Create and implement a project plan for the term of a consulting engagement.
  • Prepare and implement terms of reference and contracts for the term of the consulting engagement, including billing and payment schedules.
  • Perform an environmental audit (internal and external) and conduct market research to diagnose the client problem(s)
  • Use a range of consulting tools and techniques including: interviewing, research, collaborative problem solving during the consulting process.
  • Develop and model soft skills such as teamwork, customer service, communications and problem solving during the consulting process.
  • Assess the change readiness of the client’s organization through the use of change management skills and processes.
  • Complete a client consulting project including contracting, data collection and analysis and recommendations and as appropriate implementation to the satisfaction of the client.

The Business – Human Resources program at George Brown College in Toronto provides students with a practical approach to human resources management that prepares them for a variety of careers within this growing field. They will learn 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 Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

• Participate in the recruitment, selection, and retention of employees.
• Participate in performance management processes.
• Participate in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of employee orientation, training, and development programs.
• Contribute to an organization’s success through effective employee relations.
• Assist with the administration and communication of the organization’s total compensation plan.
• Participate in organizational health and safety policies and practices.
• Apply current and emerging information technologies to support the human resources function.
• Implement organizational development strategies aimed at promoting organizational effectiveness.
• Communicate human resources information accurately and credibly in oral, written, and graphic form.
• Plan and act on personal professional development plans to achieve ongoing competence in human resources professional practice.
• Identify the human resources component of a business plan.
• Assist in the collection and analysis of human resources data.

The Pre-Health Sciences Pathway to Advanced Diplomas and Degrees (A108) program prepares you to gain entry to health science programs at a college or university. You will develop your knowledge and skills in communication, mathematics, human anatomy, biology, physics, and organic/inorganic chemistry so that you are well-prepared for the rigours of a degree or advanced diploma program. This program contains advanced level English and elective courses that may be eligible for transfer credits in other programs where applicable.

As a graduate from this program, you are eligible to apply to the following advanced diploma programs at George Brown College:

• Dental Hygiene
• Denturism
• Dental Technology
• Hearing Instrument Specialist

Our Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management program exposes you to current and best practices in:

• Front office
• Food and beverage
• Marketing and sales
• Conferences and catering

You will receive industry certification in food safety, responsible alcohol beverage service and first aid (CPR).
As part of your fourth semester, you will complete a 14-week industry externship. George Brown College 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 that they believe would provide the learning experiences they value, and that meet the learning outcomes of the program. This opportunity will enhance your knowledge with real-world experience and help you start building your network of industry contacts. In addition, you will participate in a hotel operations management simulation as part of your final capstone project, which will allow you to apply your newly acquired skills and learning.

To better hone your international hotel management skills you have the option of participating in an exclusive European Study Tour visiting some of the top hotels in Europe.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Support an industry and workplace service culture by adopting a positive attitude and professional decorum, accommodating diverse and special needs and contributing as a team member.
• Deliver customer service and solutions that anticipate, meet and/or exceed individual expectations, as well as organizational expectations, standards and objectives.
• Use marketing concepts, market research, social networks, sales and revenue management strategies, relationship management skills and product knowledge to promote and sell hospitality services, products and guest experiences.
• Apply business and revenue models as well as basic accounting, budgeting, financial and administration skills to support the effective management and operation of a variety of organizations delivering hospitality services and products.
• Comply with relevant organization and workplace systems, processes, policies, standards, legal obligations and regulations, and apply risk management principles, to support and maintain efficient, safe, secure, accessible and healthy hospitality operations.
• Use appropriate technologies to enhance the quality and delivery of hospitality services, products and guest experiences and to measure the effectiveness of hospitality operations.
• Keep current with hospitality trends and issues, and interdependent relationships in the broader tourism industry sectors to improve work performance and guide career development.
• Use leadership, teamwork, conflict and relationship management skills and tools, as well as knowledge of organizational behaviour, labour relations, employment standards and human rights to contribute to a positive work environment.
• Respond to issues and dilemmas arising in the delivery of hospitality services, products and guest experiences by using and promoting ethical behaviour and best practices of corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

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.

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 Honours Bachelor of Digital Experience Design Degree is a four-year program that produces designers who can solve problems using human-centred, socially conscious, and economically viable digital solutions.

Digital experience design includes related fields such as service design, user experience design and interaction design. It involves understanding human behaviour and human computer interaction, conducting research and usability studies, managing projects and working in teams, applying business skills, working with existing and emerging digital technologies, prototyping new ideas and anticipating future trends.

In this program, students will develop the ability to critically analyze and adapt to ever-changing conditions of technology and culture. Foundational courses build students’ analytical, technical and business skills. In upper-year courses and capstone projects, students collaborate on digital interfaces and applications, as well as interactive environments and objects.

This design degree curriculum focuses on three areas of learning based on the digital experience design process:

• Think: design thinking, theory, culture and research
• Make: designing, building and testing digital experiences
• Ship: entrepreneurship and the commercialization of digital products

Interactive Digital Media is a growing industry that is quickly changing, driven by shifts in consumer behaviour and technology. Graduates of this program will be able to contribute to and eventually lead interdisciplinary teams to solve problems across a variety of fields such as security, transportation, education and manufacturing. The degree also prepares students to pursue graduate studies in a wide range of academic disciplines.

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

• Integrate digital experience design theories and methodologies to solve real-life problems and address societal issues.
• Explain the relationships between digital interactive experiences and products and other fields of practice and study.
• Provide human-centred and research-based solutions and design opportunities across sectors.
• Determine the usability of interactive systems to optimize the performance of a product or service.
• Incorporate key theoretical concepts of design to inform the planning, production and critique of interactive digital experiences.
• Develop applications based on trends in digital experience design.
• Incorporate relevant technological systems in the process of developing digital experiences.
• Use human-centred design principles to develop and test digital products, systems and services to enhance the aesthetic and functional experience.
• Select the appropriate tools that allow for designing, building, visualizing and programming digital interactive experiences.
• Create interactive products, systems and services using appropriate technologies, materials and manufacturing methods.
• Collaborate with and lead interdisciplinary design teams and stakeholders in the process of designing a product or service.
• Manage a design project by applying business, legal and ethical principles.
• Conceive of economically viable projects with accompanying business models

The Media Foundation program offers students the chance to explore a variety of media career options while developing the skills necessary to succeed in diploma and advanced diploma media programs. It includes courses in game design and development, photography and image manipulation, storytelling, audio production, interactive media and visual storytelling techniques.

The Portfolio class offered in semester two will help students create a portfolio, which can be used to submit for further studies in Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Game - Art and Video Design & Production and other college and university programs requiring a portfolio for admission.

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

• Develop creative concepts and ideas through a variety of techniques and in a range of formats.
• Choose appropriate tools, techniques and applications to create media assets and presentations.
• Incorporate researched opinions expressed in mainstream and social media technologies into presentations and reports.
• Utilize current and relevant search strategies and techniques for information fact-finding.
• Apply industry practices to written proposals and print documents, visual storyboards, and interactive presentations.
• Choose visual strategies, historical concepts and precedents in the analysis of past and present trends.
• Create original photographs and videos through a variety of techniques and processes.
• Choose appropriate narrative structures and vocabularies to analyze media and evaluate meaning, coherence, connections and effectiveness.
• Utilize a variety of industry standard audio/video software applications and techniques in the creation of media for a wide range of platforms.
• Use a variety of current industry-standard media tools and techniques to develop self-promotional materials.