Program Courses

• Student Success Strategies [SSS4]

  • The purpose of this course is to optimize learning through equipping students with effective study techniques. This course also provides an introduction to personality styles that will be encountered in the workplace and allows students to practise appropriate and productive interaction between the various styles. Emphasis is placed on the types of communication that work best with each style in order to achieve a good working relationship and to manage and resolve conflicts that arise. Students are also introduced to strategies for setting personal goals, managing time, and managing the stress that results from study or work and builds on positive group dynamics and setting expectations for student success.

• Effective Business Writing [EBW4]

  • The workplace of the twenty-first century demands excellent communications skills. The focus of this course is on learning writing techniques that ensure effective business communication. Achieve an effective style by using precise verbs, concrete nouns, and vivid adjectives; write memorandums and e-mail messages that deliver information and make requests; write letters and memorandums that request information concisely and promote goodwill; apply skillful writing techniques in refusing requests; compose carefully planned sales letters; write letters of appreciation, congratulation, sympathy, recommendation, and introduction; write effective formal and informal reports; write a formal report including data, using tables, charts, and graphs.

• Business Computer Applications [BC2W]

  • This course presents an introductory look at using a Windows environment computer and the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). It covers the fundamentals of organizing files and folders, drafting business documents, creating presentations, and reporting data in spreadsheets. Students will have the opportunity to integrate their new skills in office communications tools in assignments related to their program of study. This course relies heavily on practical hands-on activities that allow you to learn the concepts by practicing them on a regular basis.

• Business Essentials for International Trade [ITT-BES]

  • This is a survey course designed to introduce students to the exciting and challenging world of business, both in Canada and elsewhere. The course reinforces all aspects of business through multiple case studies and situation analysis, with some basic themes: change, business in a global context, ethics and social responsibility, small business, information technology, and the quality imperative. Students apply their knowledge through case studies, exercises to build your business skills, team exercises on ethics, and crafting a business plan. Topics are specifically related to international business (import/export, supply chain management).

• Feasibility of International Trade (FITTskills) [ITT-FIT]

  • The course Feasibility of International Trade examines what individuals in organizations need to know and do to ensure the success of new international ventures. Careful research, analysis, and planning are necessary to examine the organization’s current state, to identify promising opportunities, and to analyze potential outcomes, both positive and negative. This course is part of the FITTskills program, which is built upon the competencies outlined in the FITT International Trade Competency Framework. It covers all areas of the CITP®/FIBP® Competency Profile, as well as supplementary related subskills that provide a more comprehensive and connected learning experience. This specific course is divided into modules that are a focused source of knowledge and performance skills required for specific international trade competencies.

• Preparing an International Business Plan [ITT-PBP]

  • This course untangles the complex economic, financial, and professional considerations surrounding business ownership and operations, leading students to begin developing an international business plan step-by-step. The Global Supply Chain Management and International Trade program includes a term assignment where the student, as an entrepreneur, establishes a business where a product or service is made available to international customers. Preparing an International Business Plan Term Project During this course, students will start development of a business plan to start an import-export business, including the use of business plan simulation software, LivePlan. The goal at this early stage in the program is to begin thinking about what type of business a student may wish to establish and produce a business plan and essay to be concluded prior to the student’s work experience component.

• International Market Entry Strategies (FITTskills) [ITT-IMES]

  • This course examines what individuals in organizations need to know and do to ensure the success of new international ventures. Careful analysis and planning are necessary to choose the most effective market entry strategy for a new venture. The chosen strategy must be successfully implemented and managed, which includes demonstrating cultural competence and complying with applicable local and international laws. This course is also part of the FITTskills program, which is built upon the competencies outlined in the FITT International Trade Competency Framework.

• Procurement [CA-SCPRT]

  • This course will introduce Purchasing as a business discipline with a focus on the Total Cost of Ownership for products and services, and Supplier Relationship Management. Topics include the Purchasing Cycle, Centralized vs. Decentralized purchasing, the preparation of documents for RFI and RFP processes, as well as the various costs involved in purchase decisions (acquisition, ownership, obsolescence, etc.). Students will develop an understanding of supply management and commodity strategy, supplier qualification, selection and management, and strategic cost management.

• Inventory Management & Control [CA-SCIMC]

  • This course will provide a broad introduction to the basics of materials management, manufacturing planning and control systems, inventory control, physical distribution and information flow among operational functions within the supply chain. It builds understanding of the tactical approach to inventory control that flows from the strategic approach in Demand Planning and Inventory Management.

• Transportation and Freight Forwarding [CA-SCTFF]

  • This course provides an overview of the value, methods and trade-offs of the transportation function within a supply chain. It then focuses on understanding the role of the freight forwarder, transportation geography, and how terms of trade are used between buyer and seller in a contract of sales of goods with a focus on international trade. This will include international payments, commercial documentation, cargo security and dangerous goods, plus insurance.

• Logistics Management [CA-SCLGM]

  • This course provides an introduction to warehousing and distribution management. Inventory is the heart of Logistics and Distribution planning can create additional value for customers, or excessive costs. The course examines the functions and purposes of warehousing and how to ensure it meets the requirements of the Supply Chain.

• Customs [CA-SCCST]

  • This course offers an overview of administering importation and exportation of goods in Canada. Basic practices for successfully understanding key legislation and regulatory compliance, plus preparing various trade documents are covered.

• Packaging and Materials Handling Equipment [CA-SCPHE]

  • This course provides an introduction to the purposes and types of packaging and equipment used to protect and convey goods through the Supply Chain. The course examines the basic uses, legal requirements, benefits and drawbacks of different options available to help students make better decisions to maximize asset protection and mobility while minimizing cost.

• Global Value Chain (FITTskills) [ITT-GVC]

  • This course examines aspects of the primary activities, distribution, and inventory management, and the supporting activities of document management and procurement, which are integral to international trade logistics. The course also examines how organizations obtain resources and what they need to know to control and manage logistical systems in relation to international trade. Other aspects of primary and secondary activities of global value chains are covered in this course, when carried out in the global market, have additional considerations and expanded processes compared to the domestic market. This course is also part of the FITTskills program, which is built upon the competencies outlined in the FITT International Trade Competency Framework.

• Transportation Management Systems [ITT-TMS]

  • A transportation management system (TMS) is an integral part of any supply chain management system or software that is focused on transport logistics. These systems facilitate the various interactions between order management systems and their place of distribution, such as a warehouse or distribution facility. This brief course follows up on the topical coverage in the course, ITT-GVC: Global Value Chain by introducing several common software systems used in supply chain and international trade businesses. Illustration of these TMS systems may be presented in a computer lab, a vendor’s presentation to the class, or a field trip to a business using one of these systems. Students will report on their favoured selection of a TMS for their own international trade business.

• Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) by Ground [PD-TDG]

  • Canadian law requires that any person shipping, handling, or transporting dangerous goods must be trained in accordance with Transport Canada’s standards by means of relevant transportation. This TDG Certification training program has been developed in compliance with Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations. This course covers all aspects of the TDG system, aimed primarily at ensuring students will have a clear understanding of the requirements of the following guidelines:  Guideline B – persons handling dangerous goods  Guideline C – offering for transport of dangerous goods  Guideline D – transportation of dangerous goods The course is substantially online training, with instructor facilitation and reinforced classroom discussion and enhanced topics. A certificate is available by the online training provider upon successful completion.

• WHMIS [PD-WHMIS]

  • Canadian law requires that any person exposed to hazardous materials in the workplace must be trained in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS). This course has been developed to meet and exceed the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. WHMIS 2015 training includes the new Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling for chemicals (GHS), as well as WHMIS legislation introduced in 1988.

• Integrated Supply Chain Management [CA-SCISM]

  • This course provides an overview of a Supply Chain from raw materials to consumer purchase. The course examines the roles of members in the Supply Chain and ways to improve efficiency as well as how to identify and mitigate risk in the SC. The course also helps students understand how Supply Chain management has matured from a business cost centre to a strategic initiative.

• Project Management [CA-SCPMT]

  • This course will provide an overview of what constitutes a project, some of the more useful tools, and a methodology for success. The focus will be on visioning, building a high performance team, communication and change management requirements.

• Products and Services for a Global Market (FITTskills) [ITT-PSGM]

  • International trade is the exchange of goods and services among nations. The development and manufacturing of goods and the design of services are a primary activity of the global value chain. This course examines what, why, and how organizations develop, adapt, or customize goods and services in relation to international trade. It explores differences in regulatory, legal, cultural, and consumer/client requirements that require compliance or that might impact product and service development and adaptation. Organizations must analyze how these differences may impact cost, product design, packaging, labelling, product testing, service delivery, and sales and marketing. They should follow objective and thorough research, development, and testing processes that align with their overall business strategies in order to maintain a competitive edge in their international target markets. This course is also part of the FITTskills program, which is built upon the competencies outlined in the FITT International Trade Competency Framework.

• International Trade Finance (FITTskills) [ITT-ITF]

  • When an organization expands from domestic trade to international trade, it must consider additional factors and alternate strategies. The key success factors of an organization’s international transactions, whether importing or exporting, include: Payment, risk mitigation, financing, access to timely information related to cash flow, access to timely information related to the flow of goods and services to or from the international market. At the core of trade finance are the expectations of the exporter and importer. The exporter wishes to ensure prompt and secure payment, whereas the importer wishes to ensure that payment is authorized only when satisfied that the purchased goods or services have been shipped and received/delivered as per terms of the agreement. Negotiating payment options is a critical component of the contract negotiation process and helps mitigate risk for each party involved in the transaction. In addition, exporters can use credit insurance to help mitigate transaction payment risk, while importers may use bonds and guarantees (e.g. bid, performance, warranty) to protect from project incompletion or transaction performance risk. Banks act as intermediaries between importers and exporters, offering specific products and services with features designed to facilitate the objectives of the importer and exporter. Beyond the pure payment aspect, trade finance also provides importers and exporters with products and techniques to finance production prior to export, or to permit the importer to sell the goods purchased, generate the intended profit, and then pay for the cost of acquiring the goods. Trade finance also involves a specialized type of financing designed specifically to address the needs and expectations of importers and exporters. Like any other component of international business and trade, financing business across borders presents greater challenges than operating domestically. This course, therefore, centres on the strategies and knowledge required for successful international trade transactions. The success and timeliness of these transactions impact an organization’s bottom line and are more likely when the organization has knowledge of payment options, risk mitigation strategies, contracts and effective cash flow management, as well as techniques and plans to manage disputes should they arise. This course is also part of the FITTskills program, which is built upon the competencies outlined in the FITT International Trade Competency Framework.

• International Sales and Marketing (FITTskills) [ITT-ISM]

  • This course details considerations an organization must take when promoting and selling products and/or services beyond domestic borders. It examines important concepts related to marketing, sales, and e-commerce in countries with different laws, political and economic environments, and cultures. International marketing attempts to position an organization’s products and services, brand, and communications so they meet the needs and preferences of each target country or region. Marketing activities are designed to generate awareness and demand for the organization’s offerings, and sales activities should convert awareness and demand into purchases. E-commerce is an important sales channel for international marketers as it provides direct access to customers anywhere in the world and reduces the transactional/logistical costs typically associated with marketing and selling products/services across borders. The type and prevalence of technology available varies across international markets and influences that channels work best to reach target customers. This course is also part of the FITTskills program, which is built upon the competencies outlined in the FITT International Trade Competency Framework.

• Global Supply Chain Management and International Trade Practicum [GSCM-IT200]

  • Students will be placed in actual workplaces related to their field of study and will be expected to act as a regular employee for six weeks in order to gain the valuable “real world” experience that so many employers seek. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placement; however, once placed, continuation in that placement is mandatory. The objective of this practicum is for the student to focus on what area of international trade or transportation they desire to start (or resume) their careers in the global economy – from international businesses, logistics and distribution / freight forwarding, customs, and transportation companies. Students should treat this practical experience as a ‘practising job interview’ to promote their knowledge and skills.