Diploma in Business

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

George Brown College’s Honours Bachelor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) is the first degree of its kind in Canada. Developed to address the growing demand for qualified Sign Language Interpreters, this degree helps prepare graduates for work in this dynamic field.

An interpreter is a fluent bilingual-bicultural professional, facilitating communication between those who do not share the same language or culture.

To be a sign language interpreter requires manual dexterity, critical thinking skills, visual-spatial recognition, short-term and long-term memory, cognitive processing abilities in order to process information instantaneously at a level of bilingual and bicultural expertise beyond conversational fluency. For non-Deaf interpreters this will also include auditory-processing capabilities.

Over the course of four years, students will continue to improve and hone both their English and American Sign Language proficiencies while studying to become interpreters. This program focuses on seven areas of learning:

• Language and Culture
• Field Fundamentals
• Interpreting Skills
• Research Methods/Trends
• Ethics and Professionalism
• Breadth Electives
• Field and Community Experience

Interpreting is a very rewarding but demanding field of work. Successful interpreters typically possess the following attributes:

• a strong command of both English and American Sign Language
• an excellent memory
• the ability to concentrate and focus easily and for long periods of time
• the ability to process and analyze information quickly (cognitive processing skills)
• multitasking ability
• versatility
• a willingness to be flexible
• strong communication skills
• excellent interpersonal skills

In preparation for field placement, students will be required to work in multiple small and large groups, both in classes and community settings. Attendance and participation are key elements of program success.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Analyze and critically apply current interpreting research trends as they inform meaning-based interpreting practices.
  • Analyze the power dynamics that affect human communication including the impact of the interpreter’s decisions and influence.
  • Respect cross-cultural needs of participants in an interpreted interaction in a professional and ethical manner.
  • Articulate societal views of Deaf culture, the Deaf community, multiculturalism, oppression, audism, global history of Deaf people, sign language linguistics and language variations.
  • Use current research literature to analyze key issues relating to the practice and profession of interpreting.
  • Determine appropriate modes of interpreting using evidence-based practice, effective interpersonal and professional skills.
  • Perform effectively as an interpreter by incorporating current research and recognizing contextual factors including language and culture.
  • Perform accurate and effective translations, consecutive and simultaneous interpretations.
  • Use communicative language abilities in first and second language as required to accommodate specific dialogic interactions.
  • Use professional and ethical judgment in decision making while respecting diversity, equity, equality and rights of all participants.
  • Engage in life-long learning and reflective professional development.
  • Assess personal competencies and limitations in the use of multicultural and multi-contextual approaches to communication.

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.

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 Business – Accounting two-year diploma provides you with a solid background in basic accounting concepts and practices, as well as broad-based business skills related to accounting application software, spreadsheets and databases, economics, communications, law and taxation. This rigorous learning experience will enable you to build and demonstrate the skills you need to work in the field of accounting.

These industry-ready skills include:-

• Processing common business transactions
• Preparing reports on an organization's financial performance
• Preparing financial budgets and plans to support management decisions
• Analyzing operating performance

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

• Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
• Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
• Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental management accounting concepts.
• Prepare individuals’ income tax returns and basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
• Analyze organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact those relationships can have on financial performance.
• Analyze, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization’s operations.
• Outline the elements of an organization’s internal control system and risk management.
• Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental financial management concepts.

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.

As a student in the Human Services Foundations program (formerly Pre-Community Services A103), you will gain an overview of the helping field, including roles and systemic issues and a theoretical basis through courses in sociology and psychology. You will develop skills necessary for admission to programs in the School of Social and Community Services* at George Brown College and other post-secondary institutions.

You will improve your skills and confidence in a supportive learning environment. A strong emphasis on group learning encourages co-operation, teamwork, and mutual support that will be beneficial in the helping professions.

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

• Discuss the roles, responsibilities, career opportunities, academic and personal requirements for success in the Community Services and Child Studies field.
• Apply culturally sensitive communication and interpersonal skills to support team functioning in academic and professional settings with the ability to engage in self-reflection.
• Explain major theoretical models of behaviour associated with the study of psychology.
• Apply the appropriate client service strategies according to client behaviour/preference.
• Select the Community Services and Child Studies field best suited to personal and career interest.
• Explain how academic strengths, needs and personal health factors affect success and wellness in a college environment.
• Utilize written and verbal communication skills specific to the Community Services and Child Studies field.

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

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.

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.

The Centre for Business has an established reputation for business education that focuses on critical thinking, innovative solutions, leadership and entrepreneurial mindsets, and engaging with the latest technologies. Our faculty bring a combination of professional experience and advanced education to offer course content that is always evolving and reflective of trends in industry and academia.

The School of Management supports academic programs and industry projects such as:

• Analytics Hub
• Humology (human-technology) Lab
• Consulting Hub
• Enactus (social innovation platform)

Why the Bachelor of Business Administration (Business Analytics)?

Businesses have access to an abundance of data, creating opportunities for our graduates throughout high-demand sectors such as banking, government, pharmaceutical, finance, health care and telecommunications. In order for business leaders to make better decisions, they need analysts with a superior ability to interpret data from multiple sources. How do you ensure the appropriate data will be most effective for making optimal decisions? When do you involve human judgment? How do you tell a compelling story from the data? What are some of the most practical applications of current analytics technologies?  

In this business analytics degree program, you will learn an applied framework that incorporates business intelligence models, data management, data insights and frameworks, data science-based decisions, and value creation opportunities to build strong confidence when data is used for increased effectiveness in decision-making. Drawing on global experiences, your professors will prepare you for an analytics role not just in Canada, but in any country on the planet. 

Upon completion of the program, you will know the differences between various analytics approaches and be able to identify the most appropriate ones for your situation. More importantly, you'll know how to tackle big data and leverage it for better business decision-making and outcomes.

This program focuses on skills development, technical and otherwise, including analytic understanding and dissemination for various business uses. A bold mix of skills – including some programming using the latest software, applied statistical comprehension and database understanding – will be explored in the context of organizational data requirements.