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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.

This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:

• How people find jobs
• Employer expectations
• Presenting an enthusiastic attitude
• Focusing on the right job and the hidden job market
• Transferrable skills
• Thank you letters
• Effective telemarketing
• Handling objections, self-confidence, and self-esteem
• Individual counselling and coaching