Business Essentials

Business Essentials

Take one, two or a few! The Business Essentials series let's you choose from a variety of fundamental business classes to chart your own learning journey.
 
Each class partners with the Continuing Education mini MBA offering to delve into the basics of business and provide an overview of current trends, key practices and must-have skills.
 
 
Classes
 

This accounting class delivers an overview of the various phases of the accounting cycle. This includes an introduction to the theory and concepts of financial accounting including generally accepted accounting principles and issues as to classification, recognition, realization, measurement and reporting. The emphasis of the course is from the perspective of the user of accounting information, allowing the candidate to become familiar with the information available and its content value. The accounting cycle and its role in the preparation of financial statements, in particular the Statement of Cash Flows is also emphasized.

Learners who successfully complete the module will be able to:

  • Discuss the purposes of financial accounting and to identify the main users of financial statements, their information needs, and the desirable characteristics of financial information required to meet those needs.
  • Explain the objectives of financial statements, the purpose of each financial statement and assess the appropriateness of structure and content in relation to the objectives and purposes.
  • Describe the regulatory frameworks for financial accounting, reporting and assurance and appraise their effectiveness in ensuring the integrity of financial statements.
  • Describe the accounting assumptions, principles and concepts used in constructing financial statements and illustrate their effect in the interpretation of these statements.

Fees: $375+HST - All UWindsor Alumni, students and staff are entitled to discounted fees. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for more information. 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic computer skills or course completion in fundamental computer applications such as Word 

  • Experience working with word processing, email and web browsing 

  • English language proficiency 

  • Some post-secondary education (recommended)  

  • At least 3 years related work experience (recommended) 

Instructor: 

David Van Rijt MBA, CPA, CGA has over 30 years of accounting and audit experience as an auditor in both public and private sector employers. This experience has allowed him to audit every type of business and systems imaginable ranging from small businesses to multy national businesses that includes national banks, automotive manufacturers, information technology, food service providers and pharmaceutical sectors. This wide range of sectors has allowed him to travel to areas across Canada and the United States.

Academically David obtained his Certified General Accountant designation in 1996 and in 2008 obtained his MBA. In 2014 with the unification of the national accounting bodies, David obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant designation from CPA Canada.

David has 20 years of instructor experience at a variety of educational institutions including over 10 years of on-line teaching experience through CGA/CPA Ontario in their professional and graduate level courses. David has taught at the Odette School of Business since 2011. Among the courses he teaches are Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Canadian Income Tax, Accounting Information Systems, Auditing,  and Advanced Auditing.

This class will introduce the area of business finance.  The primary objective is to understand the fundamentals of financial management of a business through the development of budgets and forecasts; analysis of projects using discounted cash flows to develop net present value (NPV) comparisons; using sensitivity analysis to see how profitability and cash flows would be affected by changes in underlying assumptions.  The course will also use current news events to illustrate how concepts are used by companies.

Learners who successfully complete the module will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamentals of finance and its uses in business.
  • Interpret the information contained in the balance sheet, income statement, and statement of cash flows to develop budget/forecasts for the business.
  • Understand the basic financial concepts of “present value”, “future value”, and calculate the present and future values of streams of cash payments.
  • Calculate the net present value, internal rate of return and payback period.
  • Use the net present value rule to analyze problems that involve competing projects.
  • Use sensitivity and scenario analyses to determine different outcomes of project profitability and cash flows.
  • Define and calculate a company’s weighted average cost of capital (WACC).

Fees: $375+HST - All UWindsor Alumni, students and staff are entitled to discounted fees. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for more information. 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic computer skills or course completion in fundamental computer applications such as Word 

  • Experience working with word processing, email and web browsing 

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft EXCEL 

  • Knowledge mathematical literacy equivalent to grade 12 

  • English language proficiency 

  • Some post-secondary education (recommended)  

  • At least 3 years related work experience (recommended) 

Instructor:
 

Benny Riggi is director and controller of DTE Gas, a natural gas distribution company servicing 1.3 million customers in Michigan and a subsidiary of DTE Energy.  As controller, Riggi is responsible for all financial activities including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, business performance reporting and project evaluation for DTE Gas.

Riggi joined DTE Energy in 2007. He was previously director of Gas Strategy & Planning – DTE Gas, controller of Distribution Operations – DTE Electric, controller of Gas Operations – DTE Gas, and other roles of increasing responsibility in finance. 

Prior to joining DTE Energy, Riggi worked at Chrysler Corporation where he held several roles of increasing responsibility in finance and controlling.  He is also a sessional instructor in Finance studies at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business since 2013.

Riggi earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours Business Administration) with finance concentration from the University of Windsor and a Master of Business Administration with finance concentration from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI). He holds the  certified public accountant (CPA), chartered financial analyst (CFA) and certified management accountant (CMA) professional designations.

 

 

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An introduction to the principles, concepts and techniques of marketing. A significant objective of the course is the development of a basic understanding of the marketing process and its role in the organization, and in the economy. Marketing is an exciting field of study; it taxes your basic knowledge of economics, psychology, sociology, and other business fields, as well as your powers of observation. It is a pivotal part of your business administration studies. Additional course focus will be placed upon the marketing manager’s need to make decisions with fluctuating and limited information, and better understanding client management, client decision-making, and the complexity and dynamism of marketing. Empowering you to make not only better marketing decisions but more strategic marketing decisions is critical. 

Learners who successfully complete the module will be able to:

  • Make decisions based upon complex, partial and competing information to best achieve organizational goals
  • Engage a strategic-level of approach and analysis when making overarching decisions and then operationalize tactical choices rooted in strategy
  • Assimilate multiple points of information to deduce, comprehend and shape the wisest possible decision given the depth and/or dearth of intelligence
  • Explain the importance of socially responsible marketing decisions and how they benefit the social, economic and environmental fabric of a given market

Fees: $375+HST - All UWindsor Alumni, students and staff are entitled to discounted fees. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for more information. 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic computer skills or course completion in fundamental computer applications such as Word 

  • Experience working with word processing, email and web browsing 

  • English language proficiency 

  • Some post-secondary education (recommended)  

  • At least 3 years related work experience (recommended) 

Instructor:

Dr Vincent Georgie is Acting Associate Vice-President, External as well as Director of the School of Creative Arts at the University of Windsor, and a Marketing Professor at the Odette School of Business.  He is the Executive Director and Chief Programmer of the Windsor International Film Festival.  Originally from Montreal, Vincent holds a PhD in Marketing.  Dr Georgie is an authority on the marketing of film. He participates in over countless media appearances annually with media outlets both local and national, including his annual coverage of the Oscars from Hollywood. His most recent citation was with the industry's leading publication, Variety.  Vincent has worked as a marketing consultant for over 15 years in media, entertainment, consumer packaged goods, higher education, government, retail and tourism sectors.

In 2018, Vincent was named “Top 40 Under 40” for Windsor-Essex.  Vincent has dedicated both his professional and personal lives to the not-for-profit sectors, and strives for community impact. Along with his brother Trevor, they are the naming sponsors of the Georgie-Odette Leadership Symposium (GOLS), a Richard Peddie Leadership Initiative at the University of Windsor.  From 2013-2017, Vincent lead Graduate programs at the Odette School of Business before undertaking his latest role. In 2016, Vincent received the University's highest teaching award, that for Distinguished Contributions to University Teaching.  WIFF is a partner festival of the Toronto International Film Festival. WIFF is currently Canada's largest volunteer-run film festival, selling over 42,000 paid tickets in 2019. He has recently finished leading the popular drive-in event, WIFF Under The Stars.

 

The Human Resources Management module will introduce the fundamental concepts and practices required to manage people effectively. A focus on guidelines for effective recruitment, selection, performance management and training will be highlighted. Participants will have the opportunity to examine the impact of employment legislation and organizational strategy on human resources management practices.

Learners who successfully complete the module will be able to:

  • Understand legislative requirements in the employment relationship, including the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Human Rights Code and Labour Relations Act. 
  • Identify critical requirements to attract and acquire skilled talent and explore best practices for developing talent.
  • Determine strategies to effectively manage in a unionized environment, including dealing with challenging issues such as discipline, performance management, and job competition.
  • Explore strategies to design and foster a Human Resource Strategy that directly aligns practices with organizational goals and actively contributes to the bottom line.
  • Examine the strategic role of training and development within an organization and develop an organizational training needs analysis.

 

Fees: $375+HST - All UWindsor Alumni, students and staff are entitled to discounted fees. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for more information. 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic computer skills or course completion in fundamental computer applications such as Word 

  • Experience working with word processing, email and web browsing 

  • English language proficiency 

  • Some post-secondary education (strongly recommended)  

  • At least 3 years related work experience (strongly recommended) 

Instructor:

Diana Sarkis currently works as a Sessional Instructor at the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor, where she teaches courses at the Master of Business (MBA) and the undergraduate program in the Management and Labour areas.  She is also an Instructor in the Post-Graduate Human Resources Diploma program at St. Clair College. Diana previously worked in the field of human resources in for the last 12 years in various sectors, including manufacturing, professional services and the boarder public sector. Through her employment experience, Diana has gained extensive experience in labour relations, recruitment, training and development and strategic human resources practices.  

Diana completed a Master of Industrial Relations (MIR), a specialized advanced degree in human resources and labour relations,  at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. She completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree from the Odette School of Business at the University of Windsor. Diana also holds a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation through the Human Resources Professional Association.  She has served the HR community as the Chair of the Human Resources Professional Association of Windsor.

 

This class provides an introduction to data analytics for business professionals. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the nature of business data, analyzing this data to obtain business insights, and communicating key insights derived from the application of data analytic techniques. Students will develop their ability to express business problems in forms that can be addressed using data analytics and their ability to perform analytics tasks using common software tools and methods. Students will also develop the foundations necessary for understanding and applying more advanced data analytics methods.  

Learners who successfully complete the module will be able to: 

  • Explain the value and importance of data analytics to organizations. 

  • Differentiate among different forms of data and select suitable methods for preparing these different forms of data for analysis. 

  • Analyze business data using basic data analytic methods and software. 

  • Appraise the business significance of insights derived from the application of data analytic methods. 

  • Create visualizations that effectively communicate data-driven business insights. 

  • Evaluate the risks posed by organizational reliance on data analytics. 

Fees: $625+HST - All UWindsor Alumni, students and staff are entitled to discounted fees. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for more information. 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic computer skills or course completion in fundamental computer applications such as Word 

  • Experience working with word processing, email and web browsing 

  • Working knowledge of Microsoft EXCEL 

  • Knowledge in statistics and mathematical literacy equivalent to grade 12 

  • English language proficiency 

  • Some post-secondary education (recommended)  

  • At least 3 years related work experience (recommended) 

Instructor:

Dr. Brent Furneaux is an Associate Professor at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business. He received his Ph.D. from York University’s Schulich School of Business and is currently pursuing research that seeks to better understand information system obsolescence, discontinuance, and the sustainability of technological innovations. His research interests also include the implications of financial technologies for the financial services industry and the mechanisms by which information systems deliver value to organizations and individual users. Brent’s research has been published in a wide range of journals including MIS QuarterlyInformation and ManagementDATABASE, and Communications of the AIS as well as numerous book chapters and international conference proceedings

This class is designed to develop strategic problem-solving abilities of students in the Mini-MBA Program. The focus of the course is on the application of the strategic management process, strategy principles, analytical frameworks and tools by using a combination of lectures, readings and active learning through case studies. 

In this intense, nine-hour capstone module, students wear the hat of the CEO and learn how a chief executive officer applies strategy principles,  conducts problem solving cross functional barriers and formulates viable business strategies in order to achieve competitive advantage for the organization in the industries.  

Learners who successfully complete the module will be able to:  

  • Differentiate strategic problem solving from other forms of problem solving in business management.
  • Explain the process of strategic management in complex business environments.  
  • Apply strategy principles, fundamental tools and frameworks when conducting strategic analysis.  
  • Assess the viability of business strategy in case studies. 
  • Improve business communication skills in writing and through public presentations.

Fees: $500+HST - All UWindsor Alumni, students and staff are entitled to discounted fees. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for more information. 

Prerequisites:

  • Basic computer skills or course completion in fundamental computer applications such as Word 

  • Experience working with word processing, email and web browsing 

  • English language proficiency 

  • Some post-secondary education (recommended)  

  • At least 3 years related work experience (recommended) 

Dr. Tony Mao is a business professor and a strategy consultant with over thirty years of global business experience as an entrepreneur and a senior manager for multinational companies. He is the founder of KM Consulting, a consultant entity specializes in international expansion and organizational change management. He has taught capstone strategy courses in the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels for over fifteen years. As an educator, his goal is to be a great teacher who inspires his students to be self-motivated lifelong learners. 

Course Fees & Discounts: Fees vary per classPlease refer to individual classes to review specific requirements for each offering. UWindsor Alumni, staff and students are all eligible for discounts. Contact continue@uwindsor.ca for further details.

Schedule: Classes take place Saturdays, 9:00am to 12:00pm. Refer to individual classes for exact schedules. 

Format: Live, online instruction. Learners are expected to be present and actively engage in classes. 


Technical Requirements:

  • Learners will require access to a computer with high-speed internet access.
  • All modules are delivered online through Blackboard Collaborate Learning Management System.

Prerequisites: Please refer to individual classes to review specific requirements for each offering. 

  

Email us at continue@uwindsor.ca if you have questions - we are always happy to help. 

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