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International Business Management Program Standard
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The approved program standard for two-semester
post-diploma International Business Management Programs approved by
the Ministry of Education and Training (MCU Code 70202) for delivery
by Ontario Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology
Ministry of Education and Training, July 1998
© 1998, Ontario
Ministry of Education and Training
ISBN 0-7778-7891-7 |
Acknowledgments
The Ministry of Education and Training acknowledges with thanks the
significant contribution of the many individuals and organizations
who participated in the development of this program standard. In particular,
the Ministry of Education and Training would like to acknowledge the
important roles of:
- Members of the International Business Program Standards
Committee: Maureen Kennedy Baker, Seneca College; Ken DeWolf, International
Trade Centre; Julia Dotson, Confederation College; Cynthia Ferrier,
Federal Express; Linda Gowda, Sheridan College; Laura MacLellan,
Toronto Dominion Bank; Bruce MacMillan, Georgian College; Claudia-Ann
Malette, Collège Boréal; Peter Malkovsky, Sir Sandford
Fleming College; Katie Mior, Drive Automotive; Joe Ouellette, Acrolab
Limited; Jim Scott, 3M Canada; Diane Vaillancourt, Business Consultant;
Chris Whitaker, St. Lawrence College; Arthur Whited, St. Clair
College; George Wright, Business Consultant.
- The many individuals and organizations who participated
in consultations during the project; the writer/editor, Brian Provini,
Conestoga College; and the project officer who led the development
of the vocational standard: Ken Reynolds, St. Clair College.
- All those involved in the work of the CSAC Generic
Skills Council and the development of the generic skills standard.
- All those involved in the work of the CSAC General
Education Council and the development of the general education standard.
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This document is the Program Standard for International Business
Management Programs delivered by Ontario colleges of applied arts
and technology. The program standard applies to all programs approved
by the Ministry of Education and Training under MCU code 70202.
Development of System-Wide Program Standards
The Government of Ontario initiated program standards development
with the objectives of bringing a greater degree of consistency
to college programming offered across the province, broadening the
focus of college programs to ensure graduates have the skills to
be flexible and to continue to learn and adapt, and providing public
accountability for the quality and relevance of college programs.
This mandate was initially carried out as the work of the College
Standards and Accreditation Council (CSAC), established in 1993.
Effective September 1, 1996, CSAC was disbanded as a government
agency and its standards-setting and accreditation functions were
integrated into the Ministry of Education and Training. The Colleges
Branch of the Ministry of Education and Training has now assumed
responsibility for the development and approval of system-wide
standards for programs at colleges of applied arts and technology
of Ontario.
Program Standards
Post-diploma program standards are expressed in terms of learning
outcomes.
Learning outcomes represent culminating demonstrations of learning
and achievement. They are not simply a listing of discrete skills,
nor broad statements of knowledge and comprehension. In addition,
learning outcomes are interrelated and cannot be viewed in isolation
of one another. As such, they should be viewed as a comprehensive
whole. They describe performances that demonstrate that significant
integrated learning by graduates of the program has been achieved
and verified.
Expressing standards as learning outcomes ensures consistency
in the outcomes for program graduates, while leaving to the discretion
of individual colleges curriculum matters such as the specific
program structure and delivery methods.
The Expression of Program Standards as Learning Outcomes
The vocational and generic skills components of program standards
are expressed in terms of learning outcomes.
Learning outcomes represent culminating demonstrations of learning
and achievement. They are not simply a listing of discrete skills,
nor broad statements of knowledge and comprehension. In addition,
learning outcomes are interrelated and cannot be viewed in isolation
of one another. As such, they should be viewed as a comprehensive
whole. They describe performances that demonstrate that significant
integrated learning by graduates of the program has been achieved
and verified.
Expressing standards as learning outcomes ensures consistency
in the outcomes for program graduates, while leaving to the discretion
of individual colleges curriculum matters such as the specific
program structure and delivery methods.
The Presentation of the Learning Outcomes
The learning outcome statement sets out the culminating
demonstration of learning and achievement that the student must
reliably demonstrate before graduation.
The elements of performance for each outcome define and
clarify the level and quality of performance necessary to meet
the requirements of the learning outcome. However, it is the performance
of the learning outcome itself on which students are evaluated.
The elements are indicators of the means by which the student
may proceed to satisfactory performance of the learning outcome.
The elements do not stand alone but rather in reference to the
learning outcome of which they form a part.
In some cases, in order to ensure clarity, an explanation
of the outcome is also provided.
The Accreditation of Programs
The Ministry of Education and Training will establish a process
to accredit college programs, with the objective of determining
whether program graduates have achieved the learning outcomes
and general education requirement established in a program standard.
The Development of a Program Standard
In establishing the standards development initiative, the Government
determined that all postsecondary programs should include vocational
skills coupled with a broader set of essential skills. This combination
is considered critical to ensuring that college graduates have
the skills required to be successful both upon graduation from
the college program and throughout their working and personal lives.
A program standard is developed through a broad consultation
process involving a range of stakeholders with a direct interest
in the program area, including employers, professional associations,
universities, secondary schools, and program graduates working
in the field, in addition to students, faculty, and administrators
at the colleges themselves. It represents a consensus of participating
stakeholders on the essential learning that all program graduates
should have achieved.
Updating the Program Standard
The Ministry of Education and Training will undertake regular
reviews of the vocational learning outcomes for this program,
as well as a review of the generic skills learning outcomes and
the general education requirement, to ensure that the International
Business Management Program Standard remains appropriate and relevant
to the needs of students and employers across the Province of Ontario.
To confirm that this document is the most up-to-date release, contact
the Ministry of Education and Training at the address or telephone
number noted on the document entitled College
Program Standards – Introduction.
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Table of Contents |
All graduates of International Business Management Programs must
have achieved the nineteen vocational learning outcomes listed in
the following pages, in addition to achieving the generic skills learning
outcomes and meeting the general education requirement.
Preamble
Many organizations are initiating or increasing activity in international
commerce in order to grow and remain competitive. Within this
context, graduates of International Business Management Programs
carry out a variety of management functions in the Canadian and
international business environments.
As this is a post-diploma program, students will have completed
a college diploma or university degree program or have acquired
substantial relevant employment experience prior to acceptance
into the program. Typically, incoming students will possess skills
such as communication, problem solving, and task management, and
be familiar with information technology.
The field of international business encompasses a variety of
disciplines, including finance, sales, marketing, and human resources;
graduates have demonstrated a range of knowledge, skills, and
abilities which are relevant to both business in general and international
business in particular. Graduates of the two-semester post-diploma
International Business Management Programs are prepared to perform
sales, marketing, planning, negotiation, research, information
management, and customs documentation functions in management
careers which include negotiators, freight forwarders, and other
positions of responsibility. They have also demonstrated management
skills which include leadership and planning to support the international
business activities of an organization.
International Business Management Program graduates work in a
broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business
and industry, in both domestic and international locations, including
manufacturers, market research companies, educational institutions,
retailers, insurance companies, freight forwarders, brokerage
houses, banks and other financial institutions, common carriers,
trade commissioners' offices and other government agencies, international
business consulting firms, and other large and small businesses.
Because of the variety of cultural contexts in which international
business is conducted, an appreciation of and respect for the
histories, customs, and cultures of other countries are essential
elements of a graduate's success in the international business
field. Although foreign-language competency cannot be realistically
achieved within a two-semester college program, the ability to
communicate in another language will contribute to the graduate's
success in the field. For this reason, students are strongly encouraged
to pursue any opportunities available to develop foreign language
proficiency, before beginning the program, during the program,
and after graduation. As well, a student's learning will be enhanced
by direct experience in the workplace.
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Table of Contents |
Synopsis of the Vocational Learning Outcomes
International Business Management Programs
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
- take into account the impact of various economic,
legal, cultural, geographical, and political systems on international
business.
- conduct business in compliance with relevant
national and international law, legislation, policies, and regulations.
- apply computer skills and knowledge to support
the international business functions.
- assist in the importing and exporting functions
of a business.
- collect, process, and interpret data used to
support international business.
- conduct business with diverse populations using
culturally appropriate methods.
- contribute to the planning, directing, and evaluating
of individual and team projects.
- develop an international marketing plan which
includes marketing objectives, marketing mix, strategies, budgetary
considerations, and evaluation criteria.
- develop strategies to utilize domestic and foreign
government programs, policies, and agencies which facilitate
international trade.
- apply financial knowledge and skills to the
operation of an international business.
- develop strategies to prepare for the contingencies
associated with personal international travel.
- take into account the business advantages of
being multilingual.
- apply leadership and teamwork knowledge and
skills when working with coworkers, supervisors, and others.
- apply knowledge of quality control and assurance
programs to sourcing and supplying.
- apply the principles of business ethics and
international corporate responsibility.
- employ entrepreneurial strategies to maximize
the effectiveness of international business initiatives.
- participate in the development of an international
business plan.
- develop strategies to negotiate effectively within
various cultural environments.
- communicate information related to international
business accurately and credibly in oral, written, and graphic form.
Note: The learning outcomes have been numbered as a point
of reference; numbering does not imply prioritization, sequencing,
nor weighting of significance.
The Vocational Learning Outcomes
1. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
take into account the impact of various economic, legal, cultural,
geographical, and political systems on international business.
Elements of the Performance
- Adapt strategies to respond to global trends
- Recognize Canada's position in global markets
- Assist in international research
- Develop a working knowledge of geography, time
zones, languages spoken, etc.
- Take into account the legal differences in other
countries
- Keep abreast of global events and changes
- Recognize the impact of national and international
human rights and environmental protection issues on business
- Recognize the impact of changes in the political
climate or system on business
- Recognize the value of living or working outside
of Canada and the United States
- Develop strategies to act as a liaison between
the home and target cultures
- Maintain a general knowledge of the monetary systems,
what they are, and how they work
- Relate world historical events to current business
conditions
2. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
conduct business in compliance with relevant national and international
law, legislation, policies, and regulations.
Elements of the Performance
- Take into account differences in business ethics
between countries
- Develop a working knowledge of relevant domestic
and international laws, practices, conventions, and regulations
- Adhere to company policies, procedures, principles,
and practices
3. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
apply computer skills and knowledge to support the international
business functions.
Elements of the Performance
- Use latest software available
- Access trade and market research using Internet
technology
- Remain current on information technology to access
all available information
- Use professional presentation skills (written,
graphic, and oral), including computer presentation software
- Recognize the limitations of electronic information
4. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
assist in the importing and exporting functions of a business.
Elements of the Performance
5. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
collect, process, and interpret data used to support international
business.
Elements of the Performance
- Identify potential sources of international trade
research information
- Take into account regional trade blocs
- Conduct trade research, including statistical analysis
- Keep current on changes in other countries
- Recognize the potential value of gathering information
from a wide variety of sources on an ongoing basis
- Remain current on information technology to access
all available information
- Ensure the accurate comparison of data
- Take into account the variables which affect the
integrity of the data when making comparisons
6. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
conduct business with diverse populations using culturally
appropriate methods.
Elements of the Performance
- Take into account cultural differences in business
methods and approaches
- Apply different approaches to international and
domestic marketing
- Develop strategies to communicate appropriately
to different cultures
- Recognize the potential for misinterpreting communication
based on cultural differences
- Identify which languages are spoken in the target
market
- Recognize cultural preferences, including language
and business protocols in particular areas of the world
- Exhibit behaviours which show respect for language
and culture
- Develop strategies to manage market variables
(e.g., culture, religion, environment, education, economics, politics)
- Develop strategies to build personal relationships
with potential international clients prior to formal business
dealings
- Employ appropriate cultural etiquette
- Recognize the differences in ethical behaviour
among various cultures
- Recognize own potential role as a liaison between
the home and target cultures
- Develop strategies for communicating through interpreters
7. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
contribute to the planning, directing, and evaluating of individual
and team projects.
Elements of the Performance
- Assume responsibility for project results
- Consider the potential demands of 24-hour trading,
time zones, and living and working abroad
- Develop strategies to deal with unexpected events
- Recognize the importance of patience, flexibility,
and the need to proactively manage change
- Use a variety of planning, implementing, and evaluating
strategies and techniques
- Plan business trips and trade events
- Plan and run a meeting
8. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
develop an international marketing plan which includes marketing
objectives, marketing mix, strategies, budgetary considerations,
and evaluation criteria.
Elements of the Performance
- Apply an understanding of global economy and Canada's
position in global markets to all marketing strategies
- Apply different approaches to international and
domestic marketing
- Take into account uncontrollable marketing variables
(e.g., culture, religion, environment, education, economics, politics)
- Apply knowledge of product, price, place, and promotion
to all international marketing activities
- Take into account cultural sensitivities when communicating
to international audiences
- Recognize regional trading blocs
- Plan strategies for trade event participation (e.g.,
choosing the event, activities, differences based on location,
evaluation criteria)
- Adapt strategies to respond to global trends
- Appreciate the value of local, national, and international
networking
- Recognize the impact of national and international
human rights and environmental issues on business
- Apply knowledge of market entry strategies in
preparing a marketable proposal
- Recognize the appropriate application of various
types of international business (e.g., licensing, franchising,
joint ventures, branch plants, turn-key operations)
- Recognize the necessity of trade show participation
for initial market penetration and sales closing
- Take into account the logistics and expense involved
in trade show participation
- Recognize the potential and limitations of trade
shows
- Recognize the potential and limitations of trade
missions
- Use all available resources for sourcing and marketing
goods
9. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
develop strategies to utilize domestic and foreign government
programs, policies, and agencies which facilitate international
trade.
Elements of the Performance
- Access government (municipal, provincial, and federal)
services, agencies, and programs available to assist in international
trade
- Apply knowledge of relevant import/export legislation,
quotas, tariffs, etc.
- Take into account the roles of embassies, consulates,
and trade commissioners
- Adhere to required procedures when seeking government
assistance
- Analyze the costs and benefits of using government
programs
10. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
apply financial knowledge and skills to the operation of an international
business.
Elements of the Performance
- Apply knowledge of relevant financial documentation,
methods of payment, and financing
- Apply basic economic principles (e.g., supply
and demand, foreign exchange)
- Identify the role of foreign exchange strategies
to protect the business when dealing with foreign currencies
- Adapt financial strategies to respond to trends
in the global markets
- Take into account the high cost of conducting international
business
- Take into account the difficulty in acquiring working
capital for international projects
- Recognize the roles of the World Trade Organization,
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), International Monetary
Fund, and other international organizations
- Take into account export pricing factors (e.g.,
market-sensitive pricing, insurance, competition, transportation
costs, exchange rate, legal restrictions, market certification
cost, competitive market price)
- Identify potential sources of financing for imports
and exports
- Estimate potential return on investment (e.g.,
time, energy, aggravation, effort, money)
- Develop a general working knowledge of the monetary
systems, what they are, and how they work
- Develop a general working knowledge of international
banking systems and service norms
- Assess the impact of outward investment on the
availability of trade finance, tax liability, and repatriation
of income
11. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
develop strategies to prepare for the contingencies associated
with personal international travel.
Elements of the Performance
- Budget and forecast travel costs
- Recognize health risks of international travel
and precautions to take
- Develop strategies to maximize personal safety
while traveling
- Recognize impact on personal life of living and
working abroad
- Recognize the arduousness of business travel and
the potential need to readjust to the home culture
12. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
take into account the business advantages of being multilingual.
Elements of the Performance
- Identify which languages are spoken in target markets
- Take into account the benefits of multi-language
skills for customer service and relationship building
- Exhibit behaviours which show a respect for language
and culture
- Develop strategies for communicating through interpreters
- Seek opportunities for multi-language skills development
13. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
apply leadership and teamwork knowledge and skills when working
with coworkers, supervisors, and others.
Elements of the Performance
- Display leadership in one-on-one and group settings
- Use team-building skills
- Use effective coaching skills
- Influence the behaviour of others using skills
such as interpersonal, counseling, mediation, and alternate conflict
resolution
- Approach all interpersonal situations with reliability,
flexibility, tact, and good judgment
- Motivate others to achieve organizational goals
and objectives
- Motivate others to achieve personal goals and objectives
- Model ethical behaviour
- Model interpersonal skills that are adaptable to
different cultures within the global market
14. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
apply knowledge of quality control and assurance programs to
sourcing and supplying.
Elements of the Performance
- Recognize the value of current quality systems
such as International Standards Organization (ISO) 9000 series,
Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Underwriters' Laboratory
(UL), and Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN)
- Recognize the importance of maintaining a broad
base of potential suppliers
- Recognize the importance of developing internal
quality systems
15. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
apply the principles of business ethics and international corporate
responsibility.
Elements of the Performance
- Take into account differences in business ethics
among countries
- Apply a systematic approach to making ethical decisions
- Keep abreast of government rules and laws regarding ethics
- Recognize the impact of national and international
human rights and environmental protection issues on business
- Reconcile the demands of international business
and the application of business ethics
16. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
employ entrepreneurial strategies to maximize the effectiveness
of international business initiatives.
Elements of the Performance
- Use creative strategies in international business
planning
- Contribute to the process of strategic international
business planning
- Apply entrepreneurial skills and characteristics
such as risk taking, resourcefulness, contingency planning, and
the development of innovative solutions
- Develop strategies to appropriately use outside
resources such as attorneys, accountants, bankers, and customs
brokers
- Identify and assess opportunities
17. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
participate in the development of an international business plan.
Elements of the Performance
- Identify the key components of a business plan
- Utilize sales forecasting techniques
- Apply knowledge of various strategies and their
effects on sales and profits and be able to recommend appropriate
strategies to solve problems
- Prepare a basic pro-forma financial statement using
sound accounting practices
- Take into account the major forces at work in
the economy and how they affect business
- Recognize the appropriate application of various
types of international business (e.g., licensing, franchising,
joint ventures, branch plants, turn-key operations)
- Prepare a cost/benefit analysis for all international
initiatives
- Calculate a return on investment
18. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
develop strategies to negotiate effectively within various cultural
environments.
Elements of the Performance
- Take into account cultural differences in business
methods and approaches
- Recognize cultural preferences, including language
and business protocols in particular areas of the world
- Recognize that negotiations can be a fundamental
aspect of each international transaction
- Develop strategies to manage unexpected variables
- Develop strategies to build personal relationships
with potential international clients prior to formal business
dealings
- Recognize the differences in accepted behaviour
among various cultures
- Recognize the dynamics of negotiating through
interpreters
- Develop strategies to achieve mutually acceptable
outcomes
19. The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to
communicate information related to international business accurately
and credibly in oral, written, and graphic form.
Elements of the Performance
- Speak clearly and confidently
- Make effective oral presentations
- Understand and prepare written business communication;
write and use memos, agreements, reports, policies and procedures
appropriately
- Write policy and procedure documents in clear
and understandable manner
- Document information precisely and accurately
- Use presentation skills to effectively convey
statistical information
- Use graphic presentation and statistical package
software where available and appropriate
- Use diplomacy and tact in all communication
- Listen actively and effectively
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