Course Descriptions
Not all courses described in the Course and Program Catalogue are offered each year. For a timetable of courses offered in 2013-2014, please consult the online registration information.
As of 2005-2006, certain course abbreviations have changed. Students with credit for a course under its
former label may not take the relabeled course for credit.
The following conventions are used for course numbering:
- 010-099 represent non-degree level courses
- 100-699 represent undergraduate degree level courses
- 700-999 represent graduate degree level courses
Please use the following form to look up courses and find detailed information on course
prerequisites, corequisites, and other special notes. To view all 100-level courses in a subject,
select a Subject Code and type 1% in the Course Number field. (200-level = 2%, etc.)
Results
COMM 100.3 — 2(1L-2T)Business Communication I
Introduces students to the theory and practice of effective business communication for specific audiences and purposes in a changing business environment. Students will apply reasoned, practical, and ethical principles to producing and evaluating typical business messages. Working in independent and group situations, students will conduct research, produce a portfolio of memos, letters, and employment communication, write a group proposal and report, and deliver oral presentations.
Formerly: BSCM 100.3
Note: Students with credit for BSCM 100.3 or BAC 14 cannot take this course for credit.
COMM 101.3 — 1/2(3L)Decision Making I
The focus of this course is on integrated organizational decision making. To achieve this, students will examine case studies requiring an integrated analysis across six business disciplines (Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Management/Strategy, Marketing and Operations) over the four stages of an organizational life-cycle (start-up, growth, maturity and revitalization) as an organization's activities shift from strategic exploration to exploitation and back to exploration again.
Note: Students with credit for BAC 11 will not receive credit for this course.
COMM 102.3 — 1(3L)Introduction to Business Management
Examines the management processes including environment and business analysis, planning, decision making, execution and performance measurement. This course will make major use of case analyses, simulations, organizational audits or other instructional methods that allow the student to assume the role of manager of the organization.
Formerly: MGT 103.3
Note: This course may not be used for credit towards the BCOMM degree.
COMM 104.3 — 1/2(3L)Business Statistics I
Teaches descriptive statistics, index numbers, probability concepts, probability distributions, sampling distributions, statistical inference - estimation and hypothesis testing, and introduces time series forecasting (moving averages and exponential smoothing). Spreadsheet-based statistical functions and/or computer programs will be used to demonstrate the concepts and theory and to analyze practical business situations.
Formerly: QUAN 194.3.
Note: Students who wish to use this course toward an Arts & Science credit should first refer to Statistics Course Regulations in the Arts & Science section of the calendar.
COMM 105.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Organizational Behaviour
Introduces various concepts and tools that will assist in understanding behaviour and enhancing effectiveness in organizations at individual, group and organization-wide levels. Topics include attitudes, values and ethics; motivation and rewards; leadership, communication and change. Also provides an applied foundation for work group effectiveness.
Formerly: COMM 202.3
Note: Students with credit for COMM 202.3 or HRM 243 or BAC 28 cannot take this course for credit.
COMM 109.0 — 1/2Library Research I
Introduction to the University of Saskatchewan libraries and the wide variety of electronic resources available.
COMM 110.0 — 1Computer Skills
Introduction to the computer skills necessary to successfully use computers and software in upper year courses. Consists of three modules: General Computing, Spreadsheets and Word Processing.
Note: Workshops run for eight consecutive weeks.
COMM 112.0 — 1(1L)University Life
A zero credit course designed to build a set of skills to enhance success in the Edwards School of Business. Topics will include: welcome and orientation to St. Peter's College, student expectations, academic standards for promotion, getting involved in university clubs and lifestyle management in Canada.
COMM 115.0 — 1(1L)Business School Life I
A zero credit course designed to build a set of skills to enhance success in the Edwards School of Business. Topics will include: academic honesty and appropriate citation, presentations and case writing, study skills and exam writing skills, managing multiple tasks - time and stress management and an initial business tour.
COMM 119.3 — 1(1.5L-1.5P-1.5S)Business Competencies
Introduces students to business concepts, the business environment and delivers required business competencies that are relevant to business students. The course is designed to combine previously taught skills with other success factors into a unified whole. The skills ensure future success, retention and a sense of identification with the Edwards School of Business.
COMM 120.0 — 1(1L)Business School Life II
A zero credit course designed to build a set of skills required for success in the North American business environment. Topics will include: career counseling and job search techniques, resume writing and interview skills, business etiquette, business networking event and a second business tour.
COMM 201.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Financial Accounting
Helps the student understand, use and appreciate the limitations of information provided in an organization's financial statements. As such, the course examines what financial statements are, what they include and the means of deriving information for and from them. Specifically, the course will enable the student to: (1) link the results of management's financing, investing and operating decisions to financial statement reporting; (2) understand the boundaries and limitations of information in the financial statements; (3) demonstrate a basic but real awareness of financial accounting systems; and (4) use information in financial statements to help make various decisions about an organization.
Formerly: ACC 120.3
Note: Student can receive credit for only one of COMM 201.3 or ENT 230.3
COMM 203.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Finance
Deals with the functions of the financial manager, including the problems and techniques of financial decision-making. Topics include: goals of the firm, management of working capital, financial problems and decisions involving intermediate and long-term financing, capital budgeting under certainty, and capital structure as it relates to weighted average cost of capital.
Formerly: FIN 260.3
Prerequisite(s): One of (MATH 110.3 or MATH 121.3) and COMM 104.3
Note: Students can receive credit for only one of COMM 203.3 or ENT 300.3.
COMM 204.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Marketing
Introduction to the marketing concept in business. Business activities are analyzed from the point of view of recognition, stimulation and satisfaction of consumer demand.
Note: Students with credit for COMM 200.3 or MKT 251 or BAC 25 cannot take this course for credit. Students can receive credit for only one of ENT 210.3 or COMM 204.3.
COMM 205.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Operations Management
Introduces students to concepts and decision-making techniques used in the design, planning, execution, control, and improvement of operations of world-class manufacturing and service companies. It begins with introductory issues such as operations strategy and forecasting, continue with design topics such as product design, capacity planning, process design, facility layout, work design, and location planning, then covers quality management and control, and finally ends with planning decisions such as inventory management, aggregate planning, material requirements planning, just-in-time systems, scheduling, and supply chain management. Time permitting, project management and waiting line management may be covered too.
Formerly: POM 391.3
Prerequisite(s): COMM 104.3
COMM 207.3 — 1/2(3L)Business Statistics II
Teaches inferential statistics, chi-square contingency tests, goodness-of-fit tests, analysis of variance, simple linear regression and correlation, multiple regression and correlation, nonparametric statistics, statistical decision theory, and some statistical applications in quality control. Spreadsheet-based statistical functions and/or computer programs will be used to demonstrate the concepts and theory and to analyze practical business situations.
Formerly: QUAN 295.3
Prerequisite(s): One of (MATH 110.3 or MATH 121.3) and COMM 104.3
Note: Students who wish to use this course toward an Arts and Science credit should first refer to Statistics Course Regulations in the Arts & Science section of the Calendar.
COMM 209.0 — 1/2Library Research II
Introduction to a variety of sources of industrial information including company reports, standard industrial classification schemes, statistical information and stocks and bonds.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 109.0.
COMM 210.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Management Accounting
Introduces students to the vital role that modern management accounting information plays in running a successful business in today's business world. Topics covered include the use of management accounting information to support decision making, planning and controlling activities and the behavioral impact of using accounting information to make decisions. In addition, students will gain an appreciation of the limitations of accounting information and an understanding of the needs of management accounting systems.
Formerly: COMM 301.3 or 302.3.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 201.3
Note: Students with credit for ACC 230, COMM 301.3 or 302.3 cannot take this course for credit.
COMM 211.3 — 1/2(3L)Human Resource Management
Develops a framework for human resource management comprising the context, issues, strategies, and processes of managing people in organizations. The challenges arising from the context include legal and ethical issues as well as global perspectives. Processes include selection and recruitment, performance appraisal, training and development, compensation and benefits, labour relations, and managing employee and employer interests within the employment relationship.
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of COMM 211.3, ENT 220.3, COMM 386.3, or BAC 15.
COMM 300.3 — 1(3L)Business Communication II
Building upon the foundation of COMM 100, this course focuses on responsible, professional internal and external communication in an environment of socio-cultural, economic, technological, regulatory, and other change. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations and the particular challenges and opportunities of communicating in an increasingly diverse workplace and a global knowledge economy. Topics include ethical communication, professional standards, and corporate social responsibility; cross-cultural communication; equity and diversity; and information technology policies, protocols, and procedures.
Prerequisite(s): BSCM 100.3 or COMM 100.3
COMM 304.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to Business Law
An introduction to the general principles of law relating to contract and tort. Special contracts to be considered include agency, assignment, bailment, employment, guarantee, insurance, negotiable instruments, sale of goods and contracts creating a security interest in goods. Some aspects of the law relating to real property, partnerships and corporations will be discussed.
Formerly: COMM 208.3
Note: Students with credit for COMM 208.3 or BAC 29 cannot take this course for credit.
COMM 306.3 — 1/2(3L)Business Decision Making II
Decision making in contemporary organizations is simultaneously impacted by a complex mingling of external policies - from both the private and public sectors - across the local, provincial, national and increasingly international levels. Therefore, this Policy Analysis course introduces students to strategic management frameworks for policy analysis that will assist them in understanding the impact that external policies have upon organizational decision making.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 101.3
Note: Students with credit for BAC 37 will not receive credit for this course.
COMM 308.3 — 1/2(3L)Cost Management Systems
The objective of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of cost management systems from a preparer focus. Particular attention will be devoted to providing students with an understanding of Job Order Costing, Process Costing, and Hybrid Costing Systems. Students will examine cost allocations, variance analysis, and absorption and variable costing. This will be complemented by examining topics such as target costing, life-cycle costing, total quality management, just-in-time management and activity based management.
Subject: ACC
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 210.3.
COMM 321.3 — 1(1L-2S)Corporate Financial Reporting I
An intensive examination of professional pronouncements and practices regarding concepts, principles, and procedures for recognizing, measuring, and disclosing assets and related revenues and expenses which are presented in financial statements prepared for third parties. Within this knowledge base, skills regarding reading, analysis, diagnosis, evaluation and judgment are developed in a context of new and unfamiliar situations.
Formerly: ACC 321.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 201.3
COMM 323.3 — 2(3L)Corporate Financial Reporting II
A continuation of corporate financial reporting as described for COMM 321 but focusing on issues regarding liabilities and owners' equity and related revenues and expenses. Consideration is also given to cash flow analysis, the impact of various accounting methods on the reported results of a firm's activities and interpretation of financial statements.
Formerly: ACC 323.3
Permission of the Department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 321.3
COMM 329.3 — 2(3L)Personal Finance
Teaches students how to analyze personal goals and assess the financial implications of these goals, construct and examine financial statements for individuals, determine personal net worth, analyze financial products and services, and suggest investment alternatives appropriate to individuals and families. In addition, this course explains personal taxation, insurance contracts to protect the life styles of families, financial alternatives in retirement, and estate planning.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 203.3
Note: Student may receive credit for only one of COMM 329.3 or COMM 429.3. If COMM 329.3 was taken prior to 200609, it can be used in the finance major. If COMM 329.3 was taken in 200609 or after, the class cannot be used in the finance major.
COMM 337.3 — 2(3S)Business Information and Accounting Systems
The role of the accounting system in a total management information system is examined. In addition, the major considerations involved in the design and installation of accounting systems are discussed. Cases in systems review and analysis concerning matters such as internal control evaluation, forms design and flow charting are used extensively. Manual, mechanical and electronic data processing techniques are investigated in relation to their use in accounting systems.
Formerly: ACC 337.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): COMM 308.3
COMM 340.3 — 1/2(3L)Introduction to International Business
Introduction to the global setting in which international business decisions are made. In addition to the basic economic factors, socio-cultural, legal and political considerations are examined. Emphasis is placed on the factors which are relevant to decision making in a wide range of international business functions (i.e. marketing, finance) and international business forms (i.e. export-import, foreign manufacturing, joint ventures).
Formerly: MGT 340.3
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 COMM credits.
Note: Students outside the Edwards School of Business must seek permission from their college. B.Comm. students do not require permission. Students with credit for BAC 35 will not receive credit for this course.
COMM 342.3 — 1/2(3S)Organization Structure and Design
Provides an understanding of the theory, research and managerial choices relevant in structuring, designing and maintaining effective organizations. A contingency approach will be used to examine the influence of factors such as environment, goals and strategy and technology on the structure and behaviour of organizations.
Formerly: HRM 342.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 105.3
COMM 343.3 — 2(3L)Recruitment Selection and Engagement
Designed to help students identify and apply appropriate practices (which are valid, reliable, and legally defensible) for recruiting and selecting people who will contribute to the overall success of an organization, and for engaging those employees toward favourable organizational (and individual) outcomes. In so doing, the theoretical and empirical underpinnings for these practices are presented.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 105.3 and COMM 211.3
COMM 345.3 — 1/2(3S)Business and Public Policy
Considers various areas of government activities which affect business decision making and considers their impact on management decision making.
Formerly: MGT 345.3
Prerequisite(s): COMM 204.3
COMM 346.3 — 2(1.5L-1.5S)Technology Commercialization
Provides a practice oriented bridge between the laboratory and the world of commerce. Examines the theory and practice of launching new business ventures in the biotechnology industry. Practicing biotechnology managers, entrepreneurs and special advisors will describe their activities and experiences in a series of industry seminars.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 COMM credits.
Note: Students outside the Edwards School of Business must seek permission from their college. B.Comm. students do not require permission.
COMM 347.3 — 2(3S)Aboriginal Business in Canada
The Saskatchewan and Canadian business landscape is changing. Aboriginal Entrepreneurs and Businesses are making bigger impacts in the business community and this trend will continue. This course is intended to provide knowledge about the unique environment in which aboriginal owned
businesses operate. This unique environment creates some interesting opportunities and even more unexpected challenges. The impact of treaties, the Indian Act, Land Claim Settlements and other issues are all discussed in the context of their impact on economic development for aboriginal peoples. This course also examines the best practices related to the legal structures, governance models and management systems of aboriginal businesses by studying successful aboriginal businesses and communities. These case studies focus on Western Canada and specifically Saskatchewan.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 30 COMM credits.
Note: Students outside the Edwards School of Business must seek permission from their college. B.Comm. students do not require permission.
COMM 348.3 — 1/2(3S)Leadership
Examines theories, research and issues related to leadership in organizations and encourages self-assessment of leadership qualities. A range of approaches are used to develop students' critical assessment and problem-solving abilities.
Formerly: HRM 348.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 105.3
COMM 349.3 — 1/2(1S-2P)Introduction to Entrepreneurship
Designed to provide both knowledge and evaluation skills needed to add value in the new venture sector of the economy. Students taking this course will acquire knowledge in respect to current concepts in entrepreneurship, primarily as it concerns the evaluation of entrepreneurs, their ventures, and the venturing environment.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 201.3, COMM 203.3 and COMM 204.3
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of COMM 349.3 or BPBE 230.3.
COMM 352.3 — 1/2(2.5S-.5P)Marketing Strategy
Concentrates on the development of marketing strategies. An operational framework is built for analysing the marketing environment and selecting among strategic alternatives, primarily through case analysis.
Formerly: MKT 352.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 204.3
COMM 354.3 — 1/2(3S)Consumer Behaviour
Considers factors influencing consumer behaviour as a focal point of marketing decision making. Topics include market segmentation and positioning, and environmental and individual determinants of consumer behaviour and consumer decision processes. This material is analyzed for its usefulness in designing, evaluating and implementing marketing strategies.
Formerly: MKT 354.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 204.3
COMM 357.3 — 1/2(2S-1P)Marketing Research
Examines the principles and procedures associated with the collection and analysis of relevant information in the context of solving practical marketing problems. Students have the opportunity to apply these principles at each stage of the marketing research process: problem definition, research design, data collection, data analysis and report preparation.
Formerly: MKT 357.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 204.3
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): COMM 207.3
COMM 358.3 — 2(3L)Sales Management
Will provide students with a preliminary understanding of sales; communicating information to customers within an effective relationship based on trust; fulfilling customer expectations through "partnering" relationships and creating a selling environment that requires the use of advanced customer relationship management (CRM). The material presented will be organized around the four pillars of personal selling: relationship strategy, product strategy, customer strategy and presentation strategy.
Formerly: COMM 498.3 (Sales Management)
Prerequisite(s): COMM 204.3
Note: Students with credit for COMM 498.3 (Sales Management) will not receive credit for this course.
COMM 363.3 — 1/2(3L)Intermediate Corporate Finance
Deals with analytical techniques and theory of corporate finance. Covers investment and financing decisions including leasing, take-overs, corporate failures and reorganizations as well as other intermediate-level topics in the area of corporate finance. The concept of financial mobility is also emphasized.
Formerly: FIN 363.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 203.3 and COMM 207.3.
COMM 364.3 — 1/2(3L)Risk and Insurance
Deals with the concepts of risk, risk measurement and treatment, various kinds of insurance including life, health and social security insurance; property and liability insurance; insurance institutions and contracts regulation. Other topics include theft insurance; surety bonds, re-insurance, insurance and inflation and business risk management.
Formerly: FIN 364.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 203.3 and COMM 207.3.
COMM 367.3 — 1/2(3L)Security Analysis and Evaluation
Principles and techniques of investing in securities are discussed. Other topics include sources and analysis of investment information and evaluation of risks and returns associated with various investment instruments. Security analysis includes fundamental and technical approaches.
Formerly: FIN 367.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 203.3 and COMM 207.3.
COMM 368.3 — 1(3S)Entrepreneurial Finance and Venture Capital
Analyzes the characteristics, unique features, and valuation methods associated with the various financing arrangements for start-up, growing and mature small firms. Topics include borrowing from banks, private debt and equity placements, venture capital financing, initial public offerings (IPO) and seasoned debt and equity offerings. In addition, the course investigates the implications of various financing arrangements for corporate control.
Formerly: COMM 468.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 203.3 and COMM 207.3.
Note: Students with credit for COMM 468.3 cannot take this course for credit.
COMM 371.3 — 1&2(1.5S)Applied Security Analysis
Gives students practical experience in the identification and selection of financial assets with an application to managing the funds held in the Investment Account of the Student Managed Portfolio Trust (SMPT). Students will develop skills related to evaluating and interpreting financial reports, analyst forecasts, and economic outlooks to compare and contrast the relative merits of investment opportunities within particular industries.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 203.3
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): COMM 363.3 and COMM 367.3
COMM 380.0 — 2Business Cooperative Education I
The first four-month work placement for BComm students admitted into the Business Co-operative Education option. The focus of the work experience will be for the student to gain experience is their chosen field of study. Evaluation will be based on the employer's performance evaluation, the site visit evaluation report and the student's performance on the work-term report. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Acceptance to BCEP program and an approved work placement. Permission of director of BCEP program.
COMM 381.3 — 1(3L)Industrial Relations
Examines the Canadian employment relationship in unionized settings. Organized labour is explored as a response to the assumed inherent imbalance of power between an individual worker and an employer. While functional topics such as collective bargaining , strikes and lock-outs, and the grievance processes are studied, so too are theoretical and historical conditions. Finally, union responses to globalization, such as international outsourcing, are reviewed.
Formerly: COMM 206.3 and INDR 281.3
Permission of the department required
Prerequisite(s): COMM 211.3.
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of COMM 206.3, INDR 281.3 or COMM 381.3.
COMM 382.3 — 1/2(3L)Employment Law
Examination of the law relating to employment in the non-unionized sector, including the contract of employment, wrongful dismissal, and selected protective statutes such as the employment standards and human rights acts. Attention will focus on, but will not be limited to the law of Saskatchewan.
Formerly: HRM 382.3.
Permission of the department required.
COMM 384.3 — 2(3L)Workplace Health and Safety
Acquaints students with the full scope of job-related safety and health hazards, the key institutions and their responsibilities including government, industry, labour, medical/scientific and industrial engineering. Historical and economic developments, enforcement, and compliance will be reviewed. Special emphasis will be placed on the element of an effective workplace health and safety program.
Subject: HRM
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 211.3.
COMM 385.3 — 2(3L)Training and Development
Focuses on training and development of employees within work organizations, as well as approaches to organizational development and change. Topics include the nature of organizational learning, needs analysis, training methods, the evaluation of training and techniques of change management.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 105.3 and COMM 211.3.
COMM 387.3 — 2(3S)Labour Law
Examination of the system of collective labour law, including the certification process, organizing and other unfair labour practices, the duty to bargain in good faith, strikes, lockouts, picketing and essential service work stoppages. Attention will focus on, but will not be limited to the law of Saskatchewan.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 381.3.
COMM 393.3 — 1(1.5L-1.5P)Spreadsheet Modeling for Business Decisions
Deals with modelling business problems to help managers make better decisions regardless of their functional areas. It introduces students to analytical decision making tools including linear programming, integer programming, network models, decision analysis and simulation. Spreadsheets will be extensively used for solving managerial problems.
Formerly: POM 393.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 104.3
COMM 395.3 — 1(2.5L-.5S)Business Forecasting
The process of business forecasting involves the study of historical data to discover their underlying tendencies and patterns and the use of this knowledge to project the data into future time periods. Topic areas include moving averages and exponential smoothing methods, simple and multiple regression analysis, time series analysis, and Box-Jenkins (ARIMA) methodology. Each module is accompanied with a computer lab class where students get hands on experience in applying the associated forecasting technique. An important component of the course is a forecasting project where students choose a variable of interest and forecast it by applying the methods taught in the lectures and lab classes.
Formerly: POM 395.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 207.3.
COMM 398.3Special Topics
Develops students' awareness of a number of specialized topics through class discussion and individual research reports. Content will vary depending on when the course is offered, as well as student and instructor interests.
COMM 401.3 — 1/2(3S)Business Policy
An integrative course which focuses on the functions and responsibilities of senior management. Deals with the concept of organizational strategy and how it is formulated, developed and implemented in real-life situations.
Formerly: MGT 443.3
Prerequisite(s): COMM 306.3, Business Decision Making II, and student must be in graduating year.
COMM 402.3 — 1/2(3S)Management Skills for Strategy Implementation
Focuses on the skills necessary to manage ourselves as well as others in order to successfully execute a strategic vision. Topics broadly include managerial and leadership skills related to project management, performance management, negotiations, and organizational culture and change.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of 48 COMM credit units and student must be in graduating year.
COMM 404.3 — 1(3L)Business Law
Provides a more comprehensive examination of several of the topics surveyed in COMM 304. Special attention will be given to those aspects of the law relating to real property, negotiable instruments secured transactions, partnerships and corporations. Other topics include administrative law, wills, creditor rights (including bankruptcy) and trade practices.
Formerly: BLAW 401.3
Prerequisite(s): COMM 304.3
COMM 405.3 — 1/2(3L)Taxation and Business Decisions
Students acquire an understanding of the fundamentals of the Canadian tax system and its impact on business and personal decision-making. The Canadian income tax structure is examined, a theory for tax planning is developed and specific tax planning topics are discussed.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 210.3.
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of COMM 405.3 or COMM 406.3 and students may not receive credit for both COMM 405.3 and BPBE 254.3.
COMM 406.3 — 1(3L)Liability for Tax and Computation of Net Income
Exposes students to the technical provisions of the Income Tax Act and their interpretation and application. In particular, the course examines the liability for tax and the computation of net income for tax purposes. Emphasis is placed on learning how to read, understand and apply the legislation itself. Students are also introduced to the skills necessary to research a tax issue.
Formerly: TAX 406.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 321.3
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of COMM 405.3 or COMM 406.3
COMM 407.3 — 2(3L)Individual and Corporate Taxes Payable and Tax Planning
Further exposes students to the technical provisions of the Income Tax Act, with continued emphasis on learning to read the legislation with understanding. In particular, the course examines the determination of taxable income and taxes payable for individuals and corporations, the application of the provisions of the Act to various business situations and reorganizations, as well as tax planning issues related to these topics. Students are given the opportunity to further develop their tax research skills.
Formerly: TAX 407.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 406.3.
COMM 412.3 — 1/2(1.5L-1.5S)Accounting Theory
A critical examination of contemporary problem areas in financial accounting theory. Selected topics are covered in depth, and panel discussions and debates are a vital aspect. Specific skill development focuses on how to learn and think creatively about accounting issues, develop reasoned positions and justification thereof, express criticisms in a constructive manner, improve written and oral communication abilities and participate actively in discussions.
Formerly: ACC 412.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 323.3
COMM 413.3 — 1/2(3S)Contemporary Issues in Accounting
Examines various contemporary issues facing the 'accounting profession'. These issues are drawn from both the academic and professional accounting literatures. The course challenges students to develop (more) informed positions on various issues, and exercises and improves their skills in critical thinking, persuasive writing and effective oral communication. Class meetings take place in an interactive, 'seminar-style' format and include the use of formal debates. Students must also submit term papers.
Formerly: ACC 413.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 323.3
COMM 419.3 — 1(3L)Derivative Securities and Risk Management
Deals selectively with the theories, strategies, and applications of derivative securities. Topics include futures and forward contracts, swaps, standard options, exotic options and other derivative securities on different underlying assets; valuation techniques; empirical studies; governance and regulation of derivative securities trading and exposure; and management of financial risks.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 363.3.
COMM 420.3 — 1(3L)Fraud Prevention Detection and Investigation
Will provide an overview of the nature of fraud and how it is committed. It will also
provide an insight into: tools and procedures that can be utilized to detect the presence of fraud, controls that can be implemented in the organization to prevent or deter fraud, and an introduction into the investigative mindset and the proper manner in which allegations of fraud should be investigated.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 210.3.
COMM 421.3 — 1/2(3L)External Auditing
Considers the demand for independent external audits, including environmental determinants (social, legal and professional) and individual auditor behaviour. The satisfaction of the demand for an audit is examined within a risk reduction expression of an auditor's opinion formulation process.
Formerly: ACC 421.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 323.3
COMM 429.3 — 1(3L)Personal Financial Planning
Deals with the advanced concepts related to personal financial strategies. The focus is on developing the skills and teaching the tools a professional will need to practice as a personal financial planner. Topics include knowing your client's profile and financial situation, constructing appropriate investment strategies, advanced tax strategies, understanding of personal risks and risk management strategies, and advanced estate planning strategies. A major objective of this course is to teach the student how to integrate the various strategies to develop a comprehensive financial plan for the client. The legal and ethical considerations in personal financial planning will be considered separately and emphasized throughout the course.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 363.3 or COMM 367.3
Note: Student may receive credit for only one of COMM 329.3 or COMM 429.3.
COMM 433.3 — 1/2(1L-2T)Accounting for Equity Interests
Focuses on accounting and reporting issues associated with economic entities consisting of multiple parts. The simplifying assumption that corporations operate independent from other organizations is relaxed. Theory and practice related to accounting for business combinations, intercorporate investments, foreign currency denominated transactions, and foreign investments will be examined. Accounting and reporting by not-for-profit organizations will be considered.
Formerly: ACC 433.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 323.3
COMM 438.3 — 1/2(3L)Management Planning and Control Systems
Based primarily on the case method of instruction, this course provides students with a conceptual framework, an exposure to the component parts and a systematic procedure so that they can begin to evaluate, design and implement management planning and control systems. Specific topics include: controlling discretionary expenditures, cost, profit and investment centres, transfer pricing, budgeting, performance measurement, innovation, compensation and instilling ethical behaviour in organizations.
Formerly: ACC 438.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 308.3.
COMM 447.3 — 1/2(1S-2P)Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
Examines the processes and skills required for the successful formation of new business ventures and the on-going management of small businesses. Students can examine their own entrepreneurial potential and experience the process of new venture formation and financing through the preparation and formal presentation of a plan for the initiation of a business venture of their choice.
Formerly: MGT 447.3
Note: Students may receive credit for only one of COMM 447.3, BPBE 495.3, or ENT 310.3.
COMM 448.3 — 3SManagement Consulting Project
This course is designed to lead students through the management consulting process, including developing and presenting a consulting proposal and then completing the consulting project. Students will learn how to specify business research questions, propose appropriate methods of researching the questions, and analyze the results of the research, and present conclusions and recommendations. Real external business clients are expected for each consulting group (may be one or more students in a group, depending on the size of the consulting project). The most common types of business research requested by clients have been marketing research studies, business plans, feasibility studies, and industry opportunity surveys.
Formerly: COMM 498.3 Special Topics: Management Consulting Project
Prerequisite(s): Application required. Normally will be fourth year students with approximately 90 credits.
Note: Students with credit for COMM 498.3 Special Topics: Management Consulting Project may not take this course for credit.
COMM 450.3 — 1(2S-1P)Issues in Marketing
Deepens the student's understanding of a specialized area in the field of marketing. Potential topics include marketing of agricultural products, business to business marketing, management of the sales forces, the impact of new technology on marketing practice and advanced marketing research. Contact the Department for details.
Formerly: MKT 450.3
Prerequisite: Permission of the department required.
Note: Students may take this course more than once for credit, provided the topic covered in each offering differs substantially. Students must consult the Department to ensure that the topics covered are different.
COMM 451.3 — 1(2S-1P)Integrated Marketing Communication
Introduces students to the basic concepts which underlie the promotional activities of the firm. The concept of the promotional mix is introduced and the proper strategic roles for advertising, public relations and sales promotion are discussed in the context of the findings of communication theory.
Formerly: MKT 451
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 352.3 and COMM 354.3.
COMM 452.3 — 1(2S-1P)Services Marketing
Considers the unique marketing issues and problems facing service organizations. Examines issues including the role of the client, quality in service organizations, demand management and pricing problems. Within the overall context of the service sector, marketing issues related to health care and non-profit organizations are also considered.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 204.3 and COMM 352.3
COMM 454.3 — 2(3L)Retail Marketing
To familiarize students with the decisions involved in developing sustainable competitive advantage in retailing and the concepts and principles for making those decisions to promote higher sales and profits. Topics covered include but are not limited to the strategic importance of retailing in the distribution chain, the retailing environment, retail entrepreneurship, types of retailers, multi-channel and electronic retailing, retail strategy, customer relationship management, store location, design, layout and visual merchandising, buying merchandise, managing store operations and customer service.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 352.3 and COMM 354.3
COMM 456.3 — 2(3S)International Marketing
Examines the managerial aspects of international marketing activities of the firm. The various decision areas in marketing including marketing research, product policy, pricing, distribution and promotion are considered in an international context. Also presented are the problems relating to the formulation and implementation of an integrated marketing plan for the firm's international operations.
Formerly: MKT 456.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 204.3 and COMM 340.3
COMM 457.3 — 2(3L)Marketing and Popular Culture
Explores Marketing's role in culture through reading about cultural theory and applying cultural theory to everyday cultural practices. Topics include meaning, identity, ritual, production, myth, and other cultural theories.
Formerly: COMM 450.3-Pop Culture Topic
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 352.3 and COMM 354.3
Note: Students with credit for COMM 450.3-Popular Culture topic cannot take this class for credit.
COMM 458.3 — 1(3L)Branding
This course is a hands-on class that focuses on how to analyze, evaluate, and manage a brand. Students will learn traditional brand management theory including brand equity and brand positioning. In addition, theories of emotional branding, such as brand personality and brand relationships, and theories of cultural branding will be discussed. All theories will be applied to real-world situations.
Formerly: COMM 450.3 (Branding Topic)
Prerequisite(s): COMM 352.3 and COMM 354.3
Note: Students with credit for COMM 450.3 (Branding Topic) will not receive credit for this course.
COMM 461.3 — 1/2(3L)Theory of Finance
Intensive treatment is given to selected areas of finance, including capital budgeting; cost of capital and capital structure, dividend policy, evaluation of growth and expansion of business firms and evaluation of portfolio performance.
Formerly: FIN 461
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 363.3 and COMM 367.3.
COMM 465.3 — 1(3L)Financial Modeling with Spreadsheets
Applies spreadsheet software to analyse corporate and investment finance theory. Consideration will be given to good model building practices such as model structure, cell reference, array labelling, unit of measurement choice, function usage, and macro usage. Particular attention will be paid to the topics of decision analysis, sensitivity analysis, estimation and forecasting, optimisation, and simulation.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 363 and COMM 367.
COMM 466.3 — 2(3L)International Business Finance
Involves analysis of the problems, opportunities and questions confronting the financial management of multinational enterprises. Consideration is given to macro aspects of international finance including the problems of international liquidity and related institutional developments as inputs to the financial decision making of multinational enterprises.
Formerly: COMM 366.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 363.3.
Note: Students with credit for FIN 466 or COMM 366.3 cannot take this class for credit.
COMM 467.3 — 1(3L)Portfolio Theory and Management
The theory of portfolio selection, analysis and management is studied. Topics include: diversification, efficient frontier, investor preferences, asset pricing and the use of computers as applied to portfolio management.
Formerly: FIN 467.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 367.3.
COMM 469.3 — 2(3L)Management of Financial Institutions
The objective of this course is to provide necessary background for understanding the nature of risk facing depository institutions and the techniques that are used to manage these risks. This course will introduce different types of risks (interest rate risk, credit risk, foreign exchange risk, liquidity risk) faced by deposit taking institutions. Then it will discuss both on balance sheet and off balance sheet risk management techniques (using futures, forwards, options and swaps) of financial institutions.
Formerly: FIN 469.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 363.3 or COMM 367.3.
COMM 471.3 — 1&2(1.5S)Applied Investment Management
Gives students practical experience in the acquisition, managing, and monitoring of investment securities and entry and exit decisions with an application to managing the funds held in the Investment Account of the Student Managed Portfolio Trust (SMPT). Students will develop skills related to managing a group of financial analysts to compare and contrast the relative merits of investment opportunities among different industries and asset classes. The legal and ethical considerations of investing will be emphasized throughout.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 363.3, COMM 367.3, and COMM 371.3
COMM 480.0 — 2Business Cooperative Education II
The second four-month work placement for BComm students admitted into the Business Co-operative Education option. The focus of the work experience will be for the student to perform work directly related to their chosen field of study. Evaluation will be based on the employer's performance evaluation, the site visit evaluation report and the student's performance on the work-term report. This course is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Permission of the BCEP director.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 380.0
COMM 481.3 — 1/2(3S)Collective Bargaining
Provides students with an understanding of the structures, processes and dynamics of collective bargaining. Topics include dispute resolution mechanisms and current bargaining issues. Contains a bargaining simulation exercise.
Formerly: INDR 481.3.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 381.3
COMM 485.3 — 2(3S)International and Comparative Employment Relations Systems
Examines the triangular relationship between employers, government, and organized labour in the context of developed regions such as North America and Western Europe, as well as in emerging economic regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America. Globalization and firm internationalization is explored as it affects organized labour. The aim is to introduce students to a broad range of unionized work environments to facilitate economic, social and legal comparison.
Formerly: INDR 485.3.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 381.3
COMM 486.3 — 3SCase Analysis and Presentation Skills (JDC West)
Focuses on the skills and competencies necessary to successfully compete in the JDC West business competition. Topics include technical expertise, case analysis, presentation skills and competitive strategies.
Formerly: COMM 498.3 Special Topics: Experiential Learning (JDC West)
Prerequisite(s):Permission is granted based on selection to participate on a JDC West academic competition team.
Note: Students may compete multiple times in the JDC West business competition during the completion of their degree, however they are only eligible to enroll and receive credit once for this course.
COMM 487.3 — 1/2(3L)Collective Agreement Arbitration
Deals with administering grievances under a collective agreement; drafting collective agreement articles; preparing and presenting a case for arbitration; jurisdictional irregularities in grievance arbitration and other forums for processing employment claims.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 381.3
COMM 488.3 — 1(2L-1P)Strategic Compensation
Provides a comprehensive framework for the development of compensation strategy and compensation systems by organizations. Topics include job evaluation, compensation surveys, performance pay, stock and profit sharing plans, and employee benefits plans. This course's primary focus is a major project in which students develop a complete compensation system for a simulated organization.
Formerly: COMM 388.3.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 105.3 and COMM 211.3
Note: Students with credit for HRM 388 or COMM 388.3 cannot take this class for credit.
COMM 489.3 — 1(3L)Strategic Human Resource Management
This course integrates concepts and foundations from the functional areas of human resource (HR) management within a strategic human resources framework. Emphasis is placed on development of analytical and problem solving abilities to formulate and apply HR solutions to real-life organizational problems. The guiding premise for the course is that HR strategies are most effective when internally consistent and aligned with the strategic objectives of the organization.
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 342.3 and COMM 385.3
COMM 491.3 — 2(2L-1S)Purchasing and Supply Management
Introduces fundamentals of purchasing and supply management, including terminology, concepts, procedures, and models. It includes purchasing objectives and organization, operating procedures, specification, supply search and supplier selection, price determination, bidding and negotiation, forward buying, cost and value analysis, outsourcing, legal and ethical issues, supplier relations and partnerships, warehousing, inventory control models, and material requirements planning. The first 2/3 of the course concentrates on purchasing, while the remaining 1/3 focuses on inventory control systems. Purchasing uses decision-making cases, whereas Inventory Control emphasizes quantitative problems and models. Where appropriate and available, selected software programs will be used.
Formerly: POM 491.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 205.3
COMM 493.3 — 1(3L)Total Quality Management
Basic concepts of total quality control, strategic quality planning, quality value and engineering, loss function and quality level, statistical process control, management of process quality, quality and operation results, Taguchi methods, preventive maintenance and other aspects of quality management.
Formerly: POM 493.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 205.3
COMM 494.3 — 3STopics in Field Investigation in OM
This course provides a hands-on experience for students interested in the practical application of operations management approaches. Student groups will apply quantitative model-building, analysis and process improvement principles and tools to real problems facing local organizations. Particular attention will be paid to setting up a project statement, determining particular project aims, identifying areas for improvement, clearly communicating with client organizations, establishing project milestones, applying appropriate analytical methods, preparing interim and final reports, and presenting results to clients.
Formerly: COMM 498.3 Special Topics: Field Investigation in OM.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 205.3
Note: Students with credit for COMM 498.3 Special Topics: Field Investigation in OM may not take this course for credit.
COMM 495.3 — 2(3L)Supply Chain Management and E-Commerce
Supply chain management and business logistics deal with the physical distribution of goods and services. Today's heavy dependence on the internet and E-commerce has made supply chain management central to business strategic planning. Supply chain management and logistics include the managing of acquisition, transportation, materials storage and handling, production scheduling, order processing, warehousing, and distribution both internally and among suppliers and customers. Today this planning must also take into account the internet and the distribution of goods and services electronically. Thus, the focus of this course is on the planning and control of both physical and electronic distribution systems. The required planning and analysis will make use of the different computer models and E-commerce options.
Formerly: POM 495.3
Permission of the department required.
Prerequisite(s): COMM 205.3
COMM 498.3 — 1/2(3S)Special Topics
Develops students' awareness of a number of specialized topics through class discussion and individual research reports. Content will vary depending on when the course is offered, as well as student and instructor interests.
Formerly: MGT 498.3
COMM 499.6 — 1&2(3S)Special Topics
Offered occasionally by visiting faculty and in other special situations to cover, in depth, topics that are not thoroughly covered in regularly offered courses.
COMM 898Special Topics
Offered occasionally in special situations. Students interested in these courses should contact the department for more information.
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