Business Administration

Diploma Program – 51 Weeks

Career Options:

  • Entry Level Management
  • Administrative Assistant

Anticipated Salary:

$34,000 – $65,000
Information from PayScale Canada

Career Options:

  • Entry Level Management
  • Administrative Assistant

Anticipated Salary:

$34,000 – $65,000
Information from PayScale Canada

The Business Administration program is recognized training for the Alberta Achievement in Business Competencies (Blue Seal) Certificate. Tradespeople who obtain their Blue Seal certification may move into leadership, supervisory, entrepreneurial or other roles.

Learn More about Alberta Blue Seal

Program Highlights

The Business Administration program provides the student with a range of business knowledge and skills, which cross several disciplines, resulting in a well-rounded and highly skilled employee. Graduates of this program are prepared for a variety of entry-level administrative and management trainee positions in a broad range of employment settings, specializing in those areas of interest, experience, and greatest ability. Careers in accounting and finance, marketing, production and operations, human resources, and general administration are available to those students who possess the proper combination of business skills, experience, personal ability, and aptitude.

The Business Administration Diploma is designed to prepare students for the demands of today’s fast-paced business environment. Its objective is to expose students to a vast array of business knowledge, management and administration skills, and practical tools that will assist them in dealing with situations within a business-related career. Courses focus on professional skills required by today’s employers, including knowledge of how businesses utilize technology, e-commerce, business correspondence, office procedures, project management, and employment success strategies.

This program provides students with:

  • A solid foundation in basic principles of a business environment, including current computer applications, marketing, accounting, and business law.
  • An introduction to the most relevant aspects of business management and administration
  • Professional skills in high demand by employers. These skills include team-work, communication, customer service, leadership, research and problem-solving.
  • A solid knowledge of business practices and principles. It also develops the student’s ability to relate and apply this knowledge to current social and economic conditions.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications and accounting.

Please note that the focus of this program is to train individuals for entry-level support and/or management trainee positions. It will also provide the skills to progress into management-level careers, given the proper combination of skills, experience, and personal attributes.

Program Notes

Tuition fees include all materials and student manuals. Financial assistance may be available to qualified students.

* Not all programs are offered at each location.

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Topics of Study

Business Essentials

This course teaches students the basic necessities of business, to help them develop core competencies they can use in the business world. The course provides a broad introduction to business, covering business principles, structure, and functions of management. The course examines the purposes and activities of organizations of various types, sizes and structures, and explores the interrelationships among functional departments. Students will also learn about different forms of ownership, management functions, styles, and processes. This course highlights business in Canada, how government and global forces affect business in Canada, and addresses the impact of the global economy on Canadian business.

Business Economics

This course provides a broad introduction to economics, covering basic demand, supply, and price determination; consumer demand, the nature of costs and supply; market structure; international markets and income distribution. The course also explores business behaviour and decision-making under various market conditions: pure competition, monopoly, oligopoly, and monopolistic competition. This course provides a practical background for students in order that they may be able to properly interpret reading material on Economics and apply the principles and theories to specific business situations.

Business Financial Management

This course teaches students about the fundamentals of business financial management and helps them to develop core competencies to understand and analyze financial information presented in typical business scenarios. The course focuses on the principles of accounting and reporting of financial data to various outside parties, such as bankers and potential equity investors. Students learn what information is provided in financial statements, to use elements of financial statements in making constructive short-term and long-term business decisions, and how such decisions affect the bottom line.

Business in the Digital Age

This course introduces students to the effects the Internet and other modern technological innovations have had on the global business landscape, specifically the components of e-business: business to business commerce, business to consumer commerce, and internal business processes. It focuses on how technology has altered the way businesses operate, with respect to communications, distribution, sales and marketing, procurement, and the management of information. In addition, students examine how organizations use the Internet and software systems to remain productive and competitive in their existing marketplaces, thereby driving technological innovation.

Business Law and Ethics

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to, and fundamental understanding of, the basic legal concepts and their relationships to business in Canada. The course focuses on the presence and influence of Law in our society and the desire to have a fundamental basis for decision-making in the world of business. Students are able to employ basic ethical interpretation of situations presented to them as advisors and future decision-makers, through a better understanding of the factors contributing to action and consequence relationships. The course also studies the development of law, and the interpretation and application of formal legal rules, statutes, guidelines, and considerations for making sound business decisions.

Grammar Essentials for Business Writing

This course provides students with a comprehensive review of grammar. This knowledge is necessary for an effective and professional image in the workplace. Poor grammar skills create a poor impression and can result in lost opportunities in employment and in business. The course focuses on grammar, word usage, and punctuation, with an emphasis on common grammatical errors. This course is based on a Canadian perspective.

Human Resource Management

This course introduces students to the key concepts and processes of effective human resource management and exposes them to this dynamic and diverse field. This course provides a foundation in theory and practice of techniques and activities that organizations utilize in acquiring, developing, and maintaining an effective workforce. Topics include human resources planning, recruitment and selection of staff, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation, and employee safety, security, and health. Current events, relevant legislation, and future trends are also explored.

Employment Success Strategies

This course provides practical tools that aid learners to improve their generic employability skills. Students learn how to identify, document, improve, and market their employability skills. By completing the activities in this course, students gain the self-awareness necessary to succeed in their career goals. Learning objectives for each lesson are accomplished through a combination of theory and conceptual application within exercises.

Marketing and Sales

This course introduces students to the theory and application of modern Canadian marketing concepts, principles, and techniques, and examines the importance of marketing in society as well as within a company. With the objective of learning how to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy and creating loyal customers, the major components of the marketing mix are studied. The role of marketing is explored at the local, national, and international levels. Both the final consumer and the business customer are considered.

Customer Service

This course will teach students the fundamentals of customer service, and help them to develop core competencies for providing excellent customer service. Students learn the definition of customer service, who their customers are, and how to be customer service oriented through description and examples. They learn tips for managing time and stress, communicating effectively with customers, and managing customer relationships. The course highlights being prepared and dealing professionally with customer conflicts and complaints. It identifies common pitfalls and explains how to avoid making them. It also emphasizes the importance of gathering and responding to customer feedback, and maintaining a professional image.

Project Management Fundamentals Level 1

This course combined with Level 2 is designed to provide you with a fundamental knowledge of the essentials of project management and to provide you with the requisite hours and knowledge for writing the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM ) examination. Upon completion of the Level 1 course, you will have a general understanding of the project management framework and all of the processes associated with the initiating and planning stages of managing a project.

Business Administration Integrative Project

This course includes exercises that encompass skills learned throughout the Business Administration Diploma program. These case studies are practical in nature and real-life scenario-based, wherever possible. These case studies provide the student with a realistic perception of the types of jobs performed and the level of complexity expected on the job. Students also gain a better understanding of how the many functions of business administration integrate into the workplace.

Basic Bookkeeping Level 1

This course provides students with an understanding of the double-entry system of bookkeeping and provides the essential accounting tools for the workplace. The course is especially beneficial for students planning to take a computer accounting program or use computer accounting in the workplace. Basic Bookkeeping Level 1 explains the principles of handling a company’s books of accounts, including Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll.

Basic Bookkeeping Level 2

This course explains the principles of handling a company’s petty cash account, reconciling the company’s bank account, calculating amortization and calculating the gain/loss on disposal of capital assets. During the course, students examine the Income Statement, the Statement of Owner’s Equity and the Balance Sheet, and then practice completing these financial statements. Finally, students learn briefly about the transition from a manual to a computerized bookkeeping system.

Sage 50 Premium Accounting

In the Sage 50 Premium Accounting course (formerly Simply Accounting), the students will be introduced to the Sage 50 Premium Accounting software, using a hands-on approach with simulated source documents. Students will work step-by-step through the procedures for setting up each module, followed by transaction by transaction processing covering the concepts and techniques needed to use the software.

Business Correspondence Level 1

This course places emphasis on the acquisition of skills and style mechanics needed to produce personal and office correspondence. The parts of a business letter are examined in detail, as are the guidelines for organizing and writing a letter. Students will learn how to write neutral and inquiry letters, as well as positive and negative letters. Proper punctuation and word usage skills are also addressed. The latter part of the course deals with creating envelopes and labels using Microsoft Word, as well as writing and managing e-mail using Microsoft Outlook. Writing and creating memos, fax cover sheets, and forms using Microsoft Word templates are also covered.

Business Correspondence Level 2

This course is designed specifically for the correspondence required in a corporate environment. Students will learn how to create form letters using Microsoft Word’s Mail Merge Wizard, how to prepare, organize and write a report using various report styles and supplementary parts, how to prepare proposals and quotations using boilerplates, how to plan meetings and prepare agendas for various types of meetings, and how to take and prepare minutes at a meeting.

Business Math

This course is designed to introduce the basic mathematical skills needed to understand, analyze, and solve mathematical problems encountered in business and finance, and in investment decision making.  This course introduces students to helpful tools that will enable them to perform quick, easy, and accurate basic math functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. They will also learn to round numbers, calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals, as well as calculate interest, payments on loans, net present values, and returns on investments. Finally, students will compare leasing and purchasing options, look at break-even points, explore statistical terminology, and calculate and display various statistics.

Office Procedures Level 1

This course will assist students in learning and practicing important office procedures, such as basic banking, records management, postal and courier services, telephone and fax services, dealing with the public, and using the Internet to research information.

Office Procedures Level 2

This course covers a variety of topics as it simulates an office environment and challenges students with tasks that they would typically perform. Students develop an understanding of the various levels of management and associated responsibilities. They also learn about the various forms used in an office and how to complete these forms. A section on organizing a workspace, planning work activities, and using a scheduling system to plan events is included. Students also learn about reprographics, preparing for a meeting, procedures to follow in a meeting, and requirements when making travel arrangements.

Personal Computer Fundamentals

This course, students learn about the components and basic operation of the personal computer. The content in this course is both conceptual and practical and is intended to provide students with a working knowledge of computing. Students explore hardware troubleshooting, file management, multimedia options, and browsing the Internet.

Internet Fundamentals

This course explores the various components of the Internet using Microsoft Internet Explorer. Students are oriented to common procedures used to maximize the successful use of the Internet and all its features. They learn how to customize the Internet Explorer browser, and examine the Web, e-mail, blogs, discussion groups, social media, chatting, multimedia and other web technologies.

Windows Level 1

The course will walk you through performing basic operations such as opening applications, using Help and shutting down the computer. Additionally, you will learn to set up user accounts, create and use custom keyboard shortcuts, personalize and organize the working space, and use the Action Centre. The course will also provide you with hands-on experience on how to connect, use and update devices, use File Explorer to manage files and folders, as well as navigate the internet using various browsers, including Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge.

Microsoft Access Level 1

This course teaches students the fundamentals of the Microsoft Access application. In this course, students examine database objects and learn to manage data in a database. They learn to sort and filter data, display and format data, and use simple queries to retrieve data. Students learn to create and modify databases and tables and work with simple forms and reports.

Microsoft Excel Level 1

This course, students learn to create and manage worksheets and workbook files; enter data and create basic formulas to perform calculations. They learn to edit and manipulate cell content, modify worksheet structure, view and format worksheets, and use Excel’s predefined functions. Students use the Find and Replace feature, use themes to format workbooks and practice preparing, previewing, and printing worksheets.

Microsoft Excel Level 2

n this course, students learn to customize Microsoft Excel and streamline workflow by building upon the basic skills learned in the Microsoft Excel Level 1 course. They learn to use named references, validate and consolidate data, use links and hyperlinks, and reference external data. Students learn to use cell comments, custom and conditional formatting, styles, and templates. They also practice working with graphics, charts, diagrams, and databases (lists).

Microsoft Outlook Level 1

In this course, students will learn how to use both the e-mail program and the personal information manager components of Microsoft Outlook. The skills learned in this course will help students use Microsoft Outlook effectively both at work and in your personal life.

Microsoft PowerPoint Level 1

This course teaches students the fundamentals of this application and its usage within the Windows environment. Students learn to create, modify, and deliver electronic presentations. They learn to create slides containing text, tables, charts, diagrams, and graphics. Students practice customizing slides and finalizing presentations, and then learn to print and deliver slide shows.

Microsoft Word Level 1

In this course, students learn to create, navigate, and organize documents and use the help functions. They learn to edit and manipulate text, view and format documents, and use Word’s predefined functions. Students use the Find and Replace feature, use proofing and language tools, create, format and modify tables, work with hyperlinks and cross-references, and learn how to preview and print a document.

Microsoft Word Level 2

In this course, students learn to customize Word and build upon the basic skills learned in the Word Level 1 course. They learn how to increase their productivity and enhance their documents using some of Microsoft Word’s intermediate to advanced level features. They will be given ample opportunity to explore and practice these techniques throughout the course.

Introduction to Keyboarding

This course is designed for individuals who have no formal training in keyboarding. The objective is to teach students the skill of keyboarding – essential to the learning of other computer applications and workplace skills. The course begins with an overview of the basics of computer use. Students learn about the components of the computer and keyboard, as well as the seating, posture, and hand positioning necessary for efficient keyboarding.

Keyboard Skill Building Level 1

This course is designed for individuals who have basic keyboard proficiency, and wish to increase speed and dexterity. Each lesson increases key recognition and builds confidence using the keyboard while improving speed and accuracy. Typing Trainer helps students learn and improve skills using a variety of methods: graphical keyboard drills, speed drills, alphabet drills, word, phrase and sentence drills, and keyboarding Self-Tests. Upon completion of this course, students are expected to keyboard at a minimum of 25 words per minute.

Job Search and Resume Writing

This course provides students with both traditional and innovative job-search techniques and résumé writing skills required to gain employment in today’s competitive marketplace. The course combines theoretical, how-to information with hands-on practical applications. Students are required to draw on their own experiences to identify work preferences, accomplishments, technical and transferable skills, and to research, organize, and analyze information; and to apply their knowledge in a series of job search preparation and implementation tasks.

Thought Patterns for a Successful Career

The course is designed to improve the student’s learning experience and prepare him or her for personal and professional growth and success. The focus is on increasing the student’s self-discipline and self-esteem. The positive concepts taught in this course are intended to unleash the student’s potential for growth and creativity, resulting in personal and professional development. Humour and practical examples are used to target the primary concerns of adult students. In addition, written exercises, activities, and audiotapes provide understanding, acceptance, and reinforcement of the program material.

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