Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design Strategy

at George Brown College - St. James Campus Canada

For over 25 years, the Sport and Event Marketing graduate certificate program at George Brown College in Toronto has been equipping students with the core skills to succeed in the integrated work of sport, arts and entertainment, and not for profit enterprises.

Hands-on from the first day, this 12-month program provides students with a foundation in consumer marketing. It focuses on the examination and application of Sport and Event Marketing best practices, strategies, tactics, tools and techniques. Students develop and learn to apply creativity and critical thinking skills that will take them from the classroom to the boardroom. Assignments and projects can involve industry partners, especially in the final semester when students plan and execute a charitable event.

Key disciplines covered include sport, arts and entertainment marketing, sponsorship activation, event planning and management, integrated marketing communications (IMC), digital media, not for profit and cause-related marketing and financial metrics.

This learning experience will enable you to:

• Develop integrated marketing and media plans for arts, entertainment, cause-related marketing, and the sports industry
• Plan, execute and evaluate comprehensive events utilizing project management and team-building skills
• Develop and evaluate sponsorship activation opportunities from the value perspective of the consumer, property, and buyer

Extracurricular opportunities may include:

• Speed Mentoring
• 5 to Watch Canada’s Sports Business Awards
• Primetime Sports Case Competition

This Centre for Business program is part of our School of Marketing.

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). Either one will give you the practical experience employers value. The work term occurs after the end of the second academic semester.

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students then apply for these opportunities and go through a competitive interview process. 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.

In addition to on-the-job work experience, 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:
  • Apply marketing concepts to industries directly associated with sports, arts, entertainment or causes.
  • Develop integrated marketing and media plans featuring consumer-oriented objectives, strategies, tactics, budgetary considerations and return on investment (ROI) metrics.
  • Plan, execute and evaluate comprehensive events utilizing project management and team building skills as required.
  • Develop and evaluate sponsorship activation opportunities from the value perspective of the consumer, property and buyer.
  • Create professional and persuasive written, digital and other presentation formats using industry standard software.
  • Analyze and interpret marketing activities using criteria related to sales forecasting, budgeting, financial health and performance metrics.

The Video Design & Production program will prepare future professionals with the skills required in this emerging field by merging traditional filmmaking techniques with new mediums and distributive methodologies. Graduates will be armed with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills that will enable them to decide which path (employment or self-employment) is best for them. Students will be exposed to elements of both video design and video production including photography, immersive environments and auteurship, as well as the necessary video editing and post-production skills to create video for entertainment, marketing, advertising, education and social network strategies.

PROGRAM STANDARDS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Create independent digital film projects according to project specifications using various production techniques.
  • Work effectively as a member of a digital film production team in various capacities and roles.
  • Manage scheduling and budget for digital film productions.
  • Capture quality moving images using appropriate camera/lighting equipment and techniques.
  • Develop a short film and television portfolio to showcase digital filmmaking skills.
  • Write story-driven, visual and cinematic scripts focused on effective dialogue, structure and character development.
  • Record and mix multi-track sound in a digital format using industry standard equipment and software.
  • Market and distribute digital film projects using industry and new media outlets.
  • Edit digital video on non-linear, industry standard software and equipment.

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

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

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

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

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

The 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.

The Concept Art for Entertainment program will train students to meet industry demand for concept artists and fine artists with a focus in entertainment fields. Strategically designed to provide specialized skills for graduates of Game - Art, Interaction Design and Graphic Design, the intensive curriculum emphasizes the development of artistic and direction techniques relevant to the industry, namely concept art production and visual conceptualization, in real-world scenarios.

Students will become proficient with production processes, defining art styles and drawing techniques by interpreting stories, character profiles and design documentation. Throughout their time in the program, students will assemble a personal portfolio, while designing and directing the art production for games and film. This experience will provide graduates with the necessary professional practices to enter the workforce or become entrepreneurs.

Program Learning Outcomes

• The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
  • Propose artistic solutions to abstract design challenges according to project requirements and constraints.
  • Produce conceptualized art in a format that meets the needs of identified audiences and clients.
  • Select appropriate tools and software for the creation of conceptualized artwork.
  • Produce a portfolio showcasing a combination of diverse artistic styles that reflect conceptualized art standards.
  • Plan and create conceptualized artwork for digital media.
  • Apply effective entrepreneurial and business practices and project management skills to the profession of independent and/or company conceptual artist.
  • Contribute to and lead multi-disciplinary project teams to complete complex projects.
  • Select appropriate marketable concept art for public release.

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 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.

In the Digital Media Marketing graduate certificate, students will develop the foundational knowledge and applied skills that employers value in digital marketing. Key areas covered in the program include social media marketing, mobile marketing, search marketing, content marketing, owned media marketing, paid media marketing along with marketing analytics. In the final semester, students work on a capstone project.

The Digital Media Marketing program is offered in Toronto through a combination of in-class courses and hybrid courses (which combines online delivery with in-class instruction), with approximately 40% of teaching delivered online, thus students will require a laptop computer. 

Your Field Education Options
WORK EXPERIENCE (CO-OP OR INTERNSHIP WORK TERM)
This program requires the successful completion of a one-semester work experience term to graduate. This work experience is either co-op (paid) or internship (unpaid). Either one will give you the practical experience employers value. The work term occurs after the end of the second academic semester.

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students then apply for these opportunities and go through a competitive interview process. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe will 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 resumé.

The Esports Management program equips you with the knowledge of esports business management. You will learn about the industry, players, influencers and partner loyalty, business and revenue models, regulations and media rights, digital communication approaches, team management, and audience engagement strategies. 

As a graduate, you will be equipped with the skills and interdisciplinary knowledge to succeed in the industry.? You will be work-ready and able to implement sponsorship programs, oversee differentiated delivery modes and manage teams. 

The program focusses on business management of esports events in virtual and in-person spaces, profitability and viability, brand extension, influencer, and partner loyalty. 

You will learn:

• Strategic planning including revenue models and brand management strategies for teams, leagues, franchises, and influencers. 
• How to build tactical plans including esports digital and social media promotion for participants, viewers, influencers, and consumers. 
• About governing the industry's legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. 
• HR/organizational strategies to manage teams, esports event participation influencers, and spectators. 

Your Field Education Options - There are 80 to 100 hours of experiential learning opportunities offered in the program within the esports industry. This includes partner facilitated and hosted projects, and mentoring.?

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

• Construct proposals, promotional material, and presentations to meet the needs of stakeholders by utilizing evidence-based research, persuasive communication techniques, and graphical elements.
• Manage technical strategy, including applications, software and hardware required in scalable esports environments.
• Develop strategies for the successful implementation of esports partner and sponsorship programs.
• Assess, plan and implement differentiated delivery modes for esports events to ensure profitability and viability.
• Research the micro and macro environments of gamers and esports communities in order to develop events, experiences, marketing and promotional material that respond to the needs of those environments and communities.
• Adhere to professional, legal, regulatory, environmental, ethical, diversity and inclusion standards when performing work and conducting esports business operations.
• Manage accounting and financial operations to comply with tax and insurance practices for entrepreneurial, small, medium and large businesses.
• Manage internal staff and external relationships by applying human resource leadership principles and negotiation skills to promote organizational effectiveness. 
• Use project management principles, tools, and strategies to plan, organize and execute online or in-person experiences.
• Lead the development of integrated marketing strategies that increase brand equity and revenue streams across all media.
• Build and cultivate inclusive community-oriented business strategies that engage diverse stakeholders and generate revenue across the esports ecosystem

Graduates of the Project Management graduate certificate program will be prepared to manage project scope and change, provide goal setting, project control, project staffing, risk management, utilize project management tools and perform other functions in careers that incorporate project management or in stand-alone project manager positions.

Graduates will have demonstrated their knowledge, job skills, soft skills and abilities related to business in general and project management in particular.

This learning experience will enable graduates to demonstrate:

• Implementation of Project Management Institute knowledge areas such as processes, lifecycle phases and the embodied concepts, tools and techniques in order to achieve project success
• Adaptation of projects in response to issues that arise internally and externally
• Implementation of general business concepts, practices and tools to facilitate project success
• Application of project management practices to the launch of new programs, initiatives, products, services and events relative to the needs of stakeholders

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

• Manage the scope, cost, timing, and quality of the project, at all times focused on project success as defined by project stakeholders.
• Align the project to the organization's strategic plans and business justification throughout its lifecycle.
• Identify project goals, constraints, deliverables, performance criteria, control needs, and resource requirements in consultation with stakeholders.
• Implement the PMI project management knowledge areas, processes, lifecycle phases and the embodied concepts, tools and techniques in order to achieve project success.
• Adapt projects in response to issues that arise internally and externally.
• Interact with team and stakeholders in a professional manner, respecting differences, to ensure a collaborative project environment.
• Utilize technology tools for communication, collaboration, information management, and decision support.
• Implement general business concepts, practices, and tools to facilitate project success.
• Reflect on their role and effectiveness as a leader and follower.
• Apply appropriate legal and ethical standards.
• Adapt project management practices to meet the needs of stakeholders from multiple sectors of the economy (i.e., manufacturing, technology, consulting, government, arts, media, and not-for-profit organizations).
• Apply project management practices to the launch of new programs, initiatives, products, services, and events relative to the needs of stakeholders.
• Appraise the role of project management in organizational change.