Thursday, August 14, 2014

Business Administration Program Includes Array of Practical Application

There are some college programs where incorporating hands-on application is easily done. For example, those in a Paramedic offering can practice on dummies and in mock ambulances and those in Journalism can write articles and interview newsworthy subjects. But how does a business program include practical practice? It is a challenge that sees many post-secondary offerings focus on theory and, therefore, not fully prepare students for the field. The exception is Centennial College. Based in Toronto, Ontario, Centennial College is the province's first community college. As such, it has almost 50 years of experience in giving students what they need to be employable directly upon graduation.

In the school's Business Administration diploma offering, students spend two years learning the latest practices, the macro-environment of business, the industry-specific contexts of a variety of business enterprises and the economics of particular industries - all while gaining hands-on practice. How exactly can such book-heavy topics be taught in a proactive manner? Firstly, students are offered theoretical grounding, which allows for critical thinking and analysis as well as rigorous problem solving. They then apply their skills to effective business presentations, case analysis and directed research that exposes them to the management practices of the world’s leading companies; technology supported learning through which they learn the latest software used by professionals in the field; team projects and more.

A team of professors with strong academic backgrounds and extensive business and management experience delivers all of the courses. This is also beneficial as it allows students to not only enjoy classrooms discussions and debates in which the instructors can offer personal advice, share anecdotes and more. These instructors also have a network of professionals to which they can refer students.

In terms of curriculum, this program covers topics such as finance and accounting, management information systems, general management leadership, operations management, human resources management, marketing, international business, entrepreneurship, supply chain management and project management.

Centennial College takes into consideration that a business administration college program may not be the final educational goal of some students. As such, the school has articulation agreements with universities that help students to pursue further studies in degree-level business administration at universities. Among Centennial College's partners are: Algoma University, Athabasca University, Lakehead University, Laurentian University, Nipissing University, Royal Roads University, Ryerson University, University of Lethbridge, University of New Brunswick and University of Windsor.

On the other hand, students who are ready to enter the field may do so in areas such as: personnel management, general administration, sales, purchasing, accounting and finance, general and public administration, and small business or franchise management.

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