Commerce

2022-2023 - UG - Major Program Modification (Create New Calendar Entry)

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(A) Proposal summary
Next
  • STEP 1 - Complete the proposal summary information
  • Home faculty*
    Choose your faculty from the list of available options.
  • Content type*
    Choose ‘program’, unless you are certain the content you are creating should be a shared core. Contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca if you require assistance.
  • Summary of proposed changes*
    Provide a brief point by point summary of the changes included in this proposal.
  • Is a new course associated with this proposal?*
    Select 'yes' only if you are adding a brand new course to the calendar copy in this proposal.

  • If applicable, list new course codes, course titles and include hyperlinks to course proposals in Curriculog in the 'new courses' field below. To hyperlink, open a new window and search for the new course proposal in Curriculog. Copy the url from your web browser, return to this form and select the hyper link icon. Paste the url into the url field and save.

  • New courses

     

  • Are you creating a new minor that is not associated with a standalone major?*
  • If you answered yes to the above question, please describe in detail the capacity available to deliver the minor.
  • Calendar start date*
    Choose when the change should first appear in the academic calendar (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • Registration start date*
    Specify the first active term (e.g., Fall 2021).
  • STEP 2 - Attach supporting documents, if applicable

  • Visit the files section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form to attach any supporting documentation.

  • Are you attaching any supporting documents*
(B) Program component information and calendar copy
Next
  • STEP 3 - Complete Section B
  • Title of new program component*
    Commerce
    Commerce
    This will be the title of the program or shared core in the calendar.
  • Program type*
    Select the corresponding program type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Degree type*
    Select the corresponding degree type from the list of options. If you feel an option is missing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.
  • Description of new program component*

    Please refer to B.Com 2.0 PDF

    The description of the new program component will be included in the Academic Calendar.
  • Admission requirements*

    There are no changes to admission requirements.

    An outline of the requirements for admission to the new program component, including additional requirements or procedures, and recognition of prior learning experience.
  • Program map*
    Use this section to build a program map for the academic calendar that shows courses and/or research components offered each academic year.
  • Program structure*

    N/A

    Describe any experiential or other applied learning opportunities that are part of the new program component.
  • Program learning outcomes*

    Graduates of this program have reliably demonstrated the ability to: 

    Communication 

    Compose and present effective and appropriate oral, written, and visual forms of professional  communication 

    Knowledge of functional business topics 

    Explain and apply the major concepts in the functional areas of accounting, finance, marketing,  operations management, and organizational behaviour, and in information systems, economics and  business law. 

    Ethics in the context of business 

    Describe, explain, and apply the ethical obligations and responsibilities of business. 

    Integration 

    Integrate knowledge across the functional areas of business to solve problems 

    Technology 

    Use technology effectively to analyze and solve business problems (including Excel) 

    Quantitative skills 

    Utilize appropriate statistical and mathematical techniques to address problems 

    Critical thinking and decision making 

    Analyze, organize, and evaluate information to address problems and make reasoned business  decisions 

    Soft skills1 

    Describe the “soft skills” necessary for getting a job and for successfully working in a business  environment. Have the opportunity to develop these soft skills 

    1 “Soft skills” are personal attributes and interpersonal skills that enable people to work effectively  with others. It is recognized that soft skills are essential for success in the workplace. It is not possible  to provide a definitive and comprehensive list of soft skills so the more general term is used. Soft skills  can include but are not limited to: teamwork, networking, conflict resolution, leadership, empathy,  time management, collaboration, courtesy, flexibility, attitude, and professionalism. This learning  outcome is intended to ensure that graduates are aware of the existence and importance of soft skills  and provide them with the opportunity to develop at least some of these. However, it is not possible  to assess all soft skills. 

     

  • If you do not have a recent version of your program’s learning outcomes and alignment with the Degree Level Expectations, or would like to make a modification to them, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

(C) Detailed proposal information
Next
  • STEP 4 - Complete Section C
  • Introduction
  • Brief background on existing program*

    The Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) program1 started with the opening of the university in 2003 and  has since grown in size to a total enrolment number of above 1100. The structure of the program  requires students to take several mandatory courses in years 1 and 2 to cover different functional  areas in business. Additionally, students take courses in mathematics, statistics, economics,  communications, and business computer applications amongst others. The courses and their  sequence are mostly similar for all students and leaves very limited room for flexibility. 

    In years 3 and 4 of the BCom program, students enroll in one or more of the following majors and  minors, or decide to pursue a more general business education in the Comprehensive stream: Accounting – major and minor 

    Entrepreneurship – major and minor 

    Finance – major and minor 

    Marketing – major and minor 

    Organizational Behaviour and Human Resource Management – major and minor Technology Management – major and minor 

    Operations Management – minor 

    International Business – minor 

    Students in years 3 and 4 also enroll in several advanced courses such as Strategic Management, Legal  Environment of Business and Information Systems and complete the experiential learning component  of the program from one of four options: 

    ● Capstone Study Project 

    ● Co-op Education 

    ● Internship 

    ● Venture Creation 

    These unique courses and experiential components provide an opportunity to consolidate learning  from earlier years of the program and see the application of those concepts in a real-life business  setting. 

    The faculty also offers a number of different college-to-university pathways programs for students  with diplomas or advanced diplomas from a number of Ontario colleges to continue their education  at Ontario Tech towards a BCom degree. 

    The Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree prepares graduates with strong employability skills and  the foundations for excellence in managing businesses and other entities. In the program  organizations are examined from a number of perspectives, including how they are managed and the  changing environments in which they operate. Graduates have successfully found employment in a  wide range of fields such as banking, technology, marketing, public accounting, human resources, etc.  in local, national, and international entities.

     

  • Rationale for the new component*

    Students seeking a Business or Commerce degree in Ontario have a lot of options and these programs  are offered by almost every single post-secondary institution. Our graduates compete with thousands  of others with similar degrees.  

    The proposed changes aim to create an enhanced student experience in the program, match some of  the program features and activities offered by our provincial competitors, and offer exciting new  opportunities for our students. The changes are also designed to improve career readiness by  providing curriculum flexibility, workshops, and experiential learning opportunities.  Some key modifications and improvements are: 

    • Fewer and revised set of core courses to enhance offerings to all commerce students and  provide greater flexibility to tailor academic experience. 
    • Additional of non-credit workshops to help students adjust to university life, obtain valuable  general skills (for example: teamwork, communication, etc.), and prepare for job search and  career planning. 
    • Opportunities for more electives (and potential to define related course clusters) that allow  students to choose courses in a particular area based on interests and career aspirations. - Creation of a co-op stream for this program as an exciting new possibility for our Commerce  students (separate MPM document).

     

    How will this change enhance the program and/or opportunities for students and graduates?
  • Fit with the mission, mandate, strategic plans of the University and broader array of program offerings*

    The 2020-2025 SMA3 agreement states, “Our longstanding commitment to provide career-oriented  undergraduate degree programs that are innovative and responsive to the individual needs of  students and to the market-driven needs of employers has been key to ensuring our success in this  area.” The modifications to our professional degree program are in response to the individual needs  of students and the market driven needs of employers.  

    The new vision of the university was recently adopted in the 2021-2023 Integrated Academic  Research Plan as “Embracing technology with a conscience to advance knowledge and promote  sustainability”. The program changes reflect this with a new core course in Sustainability and  Business. The reduced number of required core classes also creates space in students’ program map  so they can delve deeper in elective courses and minors exploring sustainability, business ethics,  corporate social responsibility etc. from within the offerings in FBIT or across campus.  

    According to the 2020-2025 SMA3 agreement, Ontario Tech is an access institution and suffers lower  than average year 1 to year 2 persistence. The modifications made in this proposal are also intended  to provide students more opportunities to focus on courses from their major earlier which can help  with retention in years 1 and 2 and allow for more depth in majors in years 3 and 4. This depth will in  turn also improve graduates’ employment rate in a related field, and employment earnings.  

    The proposed co-op option is aligned with the Experiential Learning components of the SMA3  agreement, and further improves our alignment with industry and our focus on providing market  driven professional education leading to job ready graduates.  

    The proposed program also includes a number of zero-credit mandatory components/workshops that  encourage our students to participate in campus and community activities. This is closely tied to the  “Sticky Campus” priority highlighted in our mission statement and referenced in SMA3

     

    Description of how the proposed modifications fit into the broader array of program offerings, particularly those areas of teaching and research strengths, and complementary areas of study.
  • Resource requirements
  • Faculty members*

    No new faculty members are needed as a direct result of these proposed changes to the  curriculum. However, some faculty may have to be assigned to new courses based on expertise  and interest.

    List of core faculty associated with the program, including appointment status, home unit, areas of teaching and research interests, and any new faculty requirements and gaps they would be expected to fill.
  • Additional academic and non-academic human resources*

    We may require some support from the RO and C&M to update marketing and recruitment  materials including webpages prior to the launch of the modified program.

    Details of any administrative requirements, including support staff, adjunct and part-time faculty, supervision of experiential learning opportunities, and any other additional academic and non-academic human resources.
  • Physical resource requirements*

    No additional resources are required at this time.

    Details of any physical resource requirements, including library holdings, information technology support and student services, special equipment, and space requirements (classrooms, laboratory, graduate student work/study space, other).
  • Business plan
  • Statement of funding requirements*

    We do not anticipate changes in funding requirements in the short term. As the program grows, we  will require an increase in the number of instructors and TA proportional to the additional students.

    A summary statement of the funding required to support the modification, including projected enrolments, start-up and continuing costs, if applicable.
  • Statement of resource/funding availability*

    Funding availability is managed by centralized unit budget administration that allocates resources. We  would expect that additional resources will flow to sustain enrollment growth and increased retention  rates resulting from the program modifications.

    Statements attesting to the adequacy of resources to support the modification from Deans who may have faculty members involved in or are contributing resources, the Registrar or the Dean of Graduate Studies, the Chief Librarian and the Provost.
  • Transition plan
  • Transition plan*

    Current BCom students will continue to follow their current program maps. This change will impact  students beginning their first year of Bachelor of Commerce program in Fall 2022. Discussions will begin with partner Colleges to make the necessary adjustments to our pathways  programs that are impacted by these program changes. Additionally, the faculty will review the  current minors offered and make relevant adjustments (if needed). All these potential changes will be  processed as minor program adjustments in a timely manner for seamless implementation of the  revised program.

    Semester (e.g., Fall 2020) for the implementation of the proposed changes; include a plan for all current students in the program, by year level. If this change impacts students that are not new and/or 1st year students as of the start date, then a transition plan is required.
  • Other
  • Other: additional supporting information, if applicable
    Describe any additional information needed to support the proposal.
(D) Impact and consultation
Next
  • STEP 5 - Complete Section D
  • We have consulted with all impacted areas*
    By selecting 'yes', you agree that you have consulted with all affected areas prior to beginning this proposal. Select 'N/A' only if the change(s) do not involve students, staff and faculty from other programs or courses.
  • Process of consultation*

    An initial committee of interested volunteer faculty members and staff initiated work on revisions in  2019 and provided high level general recommendations about program features and general  direction of the program. A steering committee was then created with representation from a wide  range of subject areas within the Bachelor of Commerce program. This steering committee worked on  the program details and offered recommendations that are reflected in this proposal. Throughout the  process, the committees reviewed business and commerce program structures and features in a  number of universities in Ontario, Canada, and the United States. 

    Throughout the process, the FBIT Undergraduate Education Committee and Faculty council have been  updated regarding the proposed changes and plans for the new program. Meetings were also held  with some areas within the faculty to discuss the changes.

     

    Describe the process of consultation with other units if the change(s) involve(s) students, staff, and/or faculty from other programs or courses.
  • Indigenous Content and Consultation
  • Does this change include any Indigenous content?*

  • For more information on how Indigenous content is defined at Ontario Tech University and how to consult with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle, please refer to the Protocol for Consultation with the Indigenous Education Advisory Circle.

  • Has the IEAC been contacted?
  • If Yes, when?
  • What was the advice you received from the IEAC? And, how has it been included in your proposal?
  • Did the IEAC ask you to return the proposal to them for review?
    If Yes, have they completed their review?
(E) Routing
Next
  • STEP 6 - Enter routing information

  • Important note: it is imperative that you choose the correct routing path as it cannot be changed once a proposal has been launched. If you have made a routing error after launching the proposal, the proposal will be cancelled and a new proposal will be required. If you require assistance with routing, please contact ciqe@ontariotechu.ca.

  • Should this proposal be routed to the Program Approval step prior to Curriculum Committee?*
    If your curriculum committee is organized by program, or if program-level approval prior to curriculum committee is not required, select 'no'.
  • Faculty or program-level group*
    Choose your faculty or program-level group from the list of options. If your faculty has program-level committees, choose the corresponding program group from the list. Otherwise, choose the home faculty. You may choose more than one option, but please note that your proposal will go to the committees of all options selected. The proposal will not move on to the next step until all faculties have approved at their respective committees. Note: If you are making a change for a Bachelor of Engineering program in FESNS, you must select both the Faculty of Energy Systems and Nuclear Science, and the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science from the list of options.
  • Is this change for a Bachelor of Engineering program?*
  • Are there departments associated with your faculty?*
(F) End of proposal
Next
  • STEP 7 - Save and ensure all required fields are complete
  • STEP 8 - Validate and launch proposal
  • STEP 9 - Approve proposal

  • As the originator, you must approve the proposal to send it on to the next step. To approve, navigate to the decisions section of the toolbox on the right-hand side of the form.

(G) CIQE use only
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