Business Administration - International Business Program

Program Overview

Niagara College's Business Administration – International Business program prepares students for careers in the global economy. The program emphasizes real-world application of business theories and skills, with a focus on international trade, marketing, and finance. Graduates are eligible to apply for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program is designed for students interested in a business career that involves interacting with different countries and impacting the international economy. Graduates will possess the skills to develop international business solutions across various industries in the increasingly competitive global economy.

Highlights:

• Proximity to one of the world's busiest international borders provides valuable experiential learning opportunities in international commerce.
• Emphasis on real-world application of business theories and skills that compete on a global scale.
• Experienced faculty members.

Outline:

The program is a 3-year Advanced Diploma delivered at the Niagara-on-the-Lake campus. It is structured into six terms, with courses covering various aspects of international business.

Term One (2024 Fall):

• COMM1133 Writing Strategies (3 credits): This course focuses on developing effective writing skills for business communication.
• INTL1100 Fundamentals of International Trade (3 credits): Introduces the basics of international trade, including trade agreements, tariffs, and trade barriers.
• MKTG1301 Principles of Marketing (3 credits): Covers the fundamentals of marketing, including market research, product development, and pricing strategies.
• OPER1401 Operations Management I (3 credits): Explores the principles of operations management, including production planning, inventory control, and quality management.
• PERS1301 Human Resources Management (3 credits): Introduces the principles of human resources management, including recruitment, training, and compensation.

Term Two (2025 Winter):

• ACCT1198 Financial Accounting Concepts (3 credits): Covers the fundamentals of financial accounting, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
• COMM1340 Business Communications (3 credits): Focuses on developing effective communication skills for business professionals, including written, oral, and visual communication.
• ECON1441 Macroeconomics (3 credits): Explores the principles of macroeconomics, including inflation, unemployment, and economic growth.
• MATH1206 Mathematics of Finance (3 credits): Covers the mathematical concepts used in finance, including interest rates, time value of money, and financial modeling.
• MICR1583 Spreadsheet Applications (3 credits): Provides advanced training in spreadsheet applications, including data analysis, financial modeling, and presentation tools.
• MKTG1320 Professional Selling I (3 credits): Introduces the principles of professional selling, including sales techniques, customer relationship management, and negotiation skills.

Term Three (2025 Fall):

• COMM1445 Business Reports (3 credits): Focuses on developing effective business report writing skills, including research, analysis, and presentation.
• INTL1211 International Market Research (3 credits): Covers the methods and techniques used to conduct market research in international markets.
• INTL1420 Market Entry Strategies (3 credits): Explores different strategies for entering international markets, including exporting, foreign direct investment, and joint ventures.
• MATH1310 Statistical Concepts (3 credits): Introduces the principles of statistics, including data analysis, hypothesis testing, and statistical modeling.
• ACCT1300 Managerial Accounting (3 credits): Covers the principles of managerial accounting, including cost accounting, budgeting, and performance analysis.

Term Four (2026 Winter):

• BUSN1155 Canadian Business Law (3 credits): Covers the legal principles relevant to business operations in Canada, including contracts, torts, and intellectual property.
• INTL1310 International Marketing (3 credits): Explores the challenges and opportunities of marketing products and services in international markets.
• INTL1330 International Communications and Protocol (3 credits): Focuses on developing effective communication skills for international business, including cultural sensitivity, etiquette, and negotiation strategies.
• INTL1410 International Trade Logistics (3 credits): Covers the logistics of international trade, including transportation, warehousing, and customs clearance.
• MGMT1141 Organizational Behaviour (3 credits): Explores the principles of organizational behavior, including motivation, leadership, and team dynamics.

Term Five (2026 Fall):

• BUSN1170 Applied Research Methods (3 credits): Introduces the principles of research methodology, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• INTL1510 International Trade Legal Issues (3 credits): Covers the legal aspects of international trade, including trade agreements, dispute resolution, and intellectual property protection.
• INTL1540 Economic Geography I (3 credits): Explores the relationship between economic activity and geographic location, including trade patterns, regional development, and globalization.
• MICR1422 Introduction to E-Business (3 credits): Introduces the concepts and technologies of e-business, including e-commerce, online marketing, and digital strategy.
• ENTR1123 The Entrepreneur (3 credits): Explores the principles of entrepreneurship, including business planning, marketing, and financing.
• MGMT1314 Enterprise Resource Planning (3 credits): Covers the principles of enterprise resource planning (ERP), including system implementation, data management, and business process optimization.

Term Six (2027 Winter):

• BUSN1270 Applied Research Project (3 credits): Students apply research methods to a real-world business problem and present their findings in a written report.
• INTL1610 Managing Trade (3 credits): Covers the management of international trade operations, including supply chain management, risk management, and trade finance.
• INTL1630 International Social Responsibility (3 credits): Explores the ethical and social responsibilities of businesses operating in a globalized world.
• MGMT1501 Integrated Strategic Management (3 credits): Covers the principles of strategic management, including environmental analysis, competitive advantage, and strategic implementation.
• INTL1320 International Trade Finance (3 credits): Covers the financial aspects of international trade, including letters of credit, foreign exchange, and trade financing.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Assignments: Written assignments, case studies, and research projects.
• Presentations: Oral presentations, group projects, and individual presentations.
• Exams: Midterm and final exams.
• Projects: Practical projects, simulations, and real-world applications.

Teaching:

The program employs a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Traditional lectures delivered by faculty members.
• Discussions: Interactive discussions and group work.
• Case Studies: Analysis of real-world business cases.
• Guest Speakers: Presentations by industry professionals.
• Experiential Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through internships, field trips, and simulations.

Careers:

Graduates of the Business Administration – International Business program are prepared for a variety of careers in the international business sector, including:

• Business Analyst
• Customs Broker or Inspector
• Federal, Provincial, or Local Government Trade Specialist
• Foreign Service Officer
• Foreign Trade Consultant/Specialist
• Freight Forwarder
• Import/Export Administrator
• International Banker or Financer
• International Purchasing Manager
• Multinational Sales Agent
• Research Analyst
• Retail Manager
• Transportation Manager

Other:

• The program requires the completion of additional General Education elective courses.
• Students are responsible for ensuring they have a Microsoft Windows 10 based desktop or laptop system that meets the specified technical requirements.
• Niagara College acknowledges the land on which the college is located as the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples.