BSM101 - Introduction to Canadian Business

Subject Title
Introduction to Canadian Business

Subject Description

This course introduces the Canadian business environment. Students will explore the economic, legal, and social frameworks that support organizations of all sizes across various sectors in Canada. Students will develop the skills needed to recognize important trends, adapt to changes, and handle the risks associated with starting, managing and expanding a business. The course examines the roles and responsibilities of managers in new business, small and medium-sized enterprises as well as large multinational corporations, considering different forms of ownership within both public and private sectors. Students will also be able to identify key stakeholders in these activities and analyze their significant impact on the global economy.

Credit Status

One credit.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:


Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

1. Examine the economic environment and financial systems of Canada, and its major trading partners to facilitate decision-making processes which enhances Canadian business profitability.
2. Evaluate ethical considerations within the Canadian business context, integrating principles of sustainable development goals (SDGs) to develop sustainable organizational policies and practices.
3. Compare various forms of business ownership within the Canadian business landscape to create strategies that align ownership structures with organizational objectives.
4. Identify and appreciate the diverse perspectives, contributions, and challenges of Indigenous peoples in Canada, to develop an understanding of business practices, policies, and decision-making processes.
5. Discuss the role of entrepreneurship in Canadian business environments, in driving innovation within the rapidly evolving global and digital economies through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI).
6. Apply principles of risk management specific to the Canadian business environment to formulate strategies for minimizing business losses and promoting financial stability.
7. Evaluate the impact of different levels of government in Canada on businesses, to identify regulatory frameworks and support mechanisms affecting organizational objectives and strategies.
8. Describe strategies for expanding Canadian business operations internationally, considering factors such as market entry, cultural adaptation, and global business practices, to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
9. Examine current viewpoints and concepts regarding the interconnection of diversity, equity, and inclusion within workplace environments to cultivate a more inclusive, equitable, and productive organizational culture.

Essential Employability Skills

    •  Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken and visual form that fulfils the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

    •  Apply a systematic approach to solve problems.

    •  Use a variety of thinking skills to anticipate and solve problems.

    •  Analyze, evaluate, and apply relevant information from a variety of sources.

    •  Interact with others in groups or teams in ways that contribute to effective working relationships and the achievement of goals.

    •  Manage the use of time and other resources to complete projects.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.