Bachelor of Food Studies (Honours)

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) is a four-year business degree that was developed with employers to create graduates who can thrive in today's financial services industry. After the first year of studies, students can choose from either the Accounting or Financial Planning specialization.
Whether you are seeking a career as a professional accountant or a financial planner, this program provides the skills, knowledge and real-world experience to help you succeed.

The program includes:

• Work integrated learning experiences that amount to no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to achieving the program learning outcomes
• Accounting, banking management, administration and financial planning theory, as well as the practice of applying concepts in the real word
• A state-of-the-art facility that includes network-ready wireless classrooms and study areas
• Curriculum that is current and has been developed with input from our industry partners, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and the Financial Planners Standards Council.

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

• Communicate information and concepts clearly and concisely using the most appropriate methods for the message, its purpose and its audience.
• Work effectively in teams to achieve desired goals and outcomes by managing projects, resolving conflicts, addressing differing points of view and demonstrating self-awareness, self-confidence and self-management.
• Solve business problems by interpreting data from primary and secondary sources in qualitative and quantitative analyses.
• Evaluate risk, economics, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological and technical factors to support strategic decisions.
• Formulate and communicate sound arguments using critical evaluation of research, personal and societal contexts.
• Develop solutions to financial problems using relevant business and statistical models.
• Assess the overall financial performance of an individual or organization and prepare appropriate financial reports.
• Adhere to appropriate professional, legal and ethical codes of conduct and comply with government and industry regulations.
• Use appropriate business software to manage data, analyze financial information, and create business reports.
• Demonstrate awareness of uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge and how these might influence analysis and decisions.
• Gather and evaluate data, formulate arguments and solve problems using appropriate methods of research and enquiry.

YOUR FIELD STUDY OPTIONS

• Work experience is required as part of this program.

Work Experience
The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree includes Co-op experience(s) that amounts to no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to achieving the learning outcomes.

The Co-op experience usually occurs between your sixth and seventh semesters if taken in one block and all 420 hours must be completed before the seventh semester. This work experience provides you with the practical experience employers value. Organizations in the following categories are engaged as field education partners for the Financial Services degree:

• Financial institutions
• Accounting and accounting-related organizations
• Small businesses
• Not-for-profit organizations
• Government offices
• Major corporations

The field of International Business encompasses a variety of disciplines including finance, sales, marketing, and human resources. Consequently Business Administration – International Business program graduates will be prepared to perform in a variety of specialized areas such as international market entry and distribution, international trade management, international negotiation and trade research, international marketing, international trade finance, planning, logistics, legal aspects of international trade and other functions related to business in general and international business in particular. Graduates of this program will have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to international business, and will have prepared for careers that include negotiators, freight forwarders, logistics, and marketing.

You will learn about:

• Documents and procedures supporting the movement of products and services in a global supply chain
• Statutory and regulatory compliance
• International payment instruments and options
• Foreign exchange strategies
• Human resource strategies in an international operation.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES:

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Conduct an environmental scan to evaluate the impact of world issues on an organization’s international business opportunities.
  • Conduct, evaluate and present market research to support an organization’s international business decision-making.
  • Prepare and analyze documentation and follow procedures to support the movement of products and services in the organization’s global supply chain.
  • Analyze the impact of statutory and regulatory compliance on an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Develop and implement strategies to negotiate effectively within various cultural environments and to address the impact of cultural differences on an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Develop and present an international marketing plan, and evaluate sales strategies that support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Identify and interpret relevant international financial documents and assess financial strategies that support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Analyze the impact of an organization's integrative trade initiatives on its human resources management strategies, policies, and practices.
  • Develop and present an international business plan.
  • Plan, implement and evaluate team projects by applying project management principles.
  • Analyze principles of corporate sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics, and apply them to an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Select and apply current technologies to support an organization’s integrative trade initiatives.
  • Develop and present a plan for ongoing personal and professional development to enhance work performance within the international business field.

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.

Whether recording audio in-studio or in the field, as a Sound Design & Production student, you will learn to master technical skills and refine your artistic style.

Without a sound designer to create the perfect soundscape, the film, television and game industries are incomplete. Applying the technical and conceptual aspects of sound, you will become audio storytellers working alongside visual production artists to re-create the real world in a digital context.

You will learn how to create sound from scratch through capturing real-environment sounds as well as Foley creation. At George Brown's studio production facilities, you will learn mixing, video game audio, dialogue editing and ADR, sound design and recording to re-create audio landscapes.

Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate demonstrates the ability to:

• Create sound files for live action dramatic short films, animated short films, video games and interactive media
• Produce a score recording session and arrange a provided composition to fit a given visual sequence.
• Collaborate with key principals and production personnel in the creation of complementary sound design for a storytelling environment.
• Design sound for the appropriate medium and genres considering the cultural and social significance of those designs.
• Plan audio design and production projects that reflect scope and vision for pre-production, production and postproduction.
• Apply entrepreneurial strategies relevant within the field of sound design to develop a viable business plan for freelance sound design professionals.
• Assess existing and emerging market trends in sound design products and services for production project purposes.
• Adhere to legal principles, government legislation and regulations, copyright and contract requirements and professional and industry codes of conduct.

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.

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.

Under the guidance of top baking professionals, you will develop core skills and unleash your creativity in a wide range of specialized areas, including:

• Chocolate and confections
• Wedding cakes
• Modern bakery cafe
• Tarts and pastries
• Plated desserts
• Artisan breads and breakfast pastries
• Petits fours, laminated dough and viennoiseries
• Ice cream and sorbets
• Artisan sugar confections

These skills will make you a sought-after graduate in the world of high-end bakery and pastry arts. Your classroom work will include a series of case studies designed to develop and perfect your baking skills. You will also complete an industry externship, gaining practical experience that will give you a real career advantage.

On the business side, you will learn the key skills that are necessary to run a successful baking operation, including:

• Business planning
• Leadership and motivation
• Sales and marketing
• Product packaging, showcasing and distribution methods

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

• Research and design a variety of bakery, pastry and confectionary-related products that meet the needs of a range of food service environments.
• Produce and present a variety of bakery, pastry and confectionary-related products that meet the needs of a range of food service environments.
• Apply fundamental nutritional principles, including recipe modifications, to all aspects of baking production, with an awareness of potential allergens and dietary requirements.
• Apply effective kitchen management skills in order to responsibly use resources in a baking and pastry operation.
• Identify effective business practices, including marketing and cost control in the management of a pastry and baking operation.
• Identify human resource management practices as they relate to the hospitality industry.
• Develop ongoing personal strategies and plans to enhance hospitality leadership in a baking and pastry arts environment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Program Learning Outcomes

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

The 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.