Department of Supply Chain and Business Technology Management Courses
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Business Statistics Courses
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: COMM 213, COMM 214 or COMM 215.Description:
This course provides a comprehensive foundation for business analytics which will be built upon throughout the program. The course covers a broad range of topics such as major processes in business analytics and data mining, optimization techniques for business analytics, visualization tools/techniques, information systems security and cyber ethics. The course uses a combination of theory and applied learning through intensive cases and the students are motivated using real-world problems and applications in business analytics.Component(s):
"Lecture"; "Laboratory"
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: COMM 213,COMM 214; orCOMM 215.Description:
Programming knowledge is an essential skill for business analytics in that executives and managers should be conversant with programming. This course covers basic programming concepts (such as data types, data input/output), basic control flow, including conditionals and loops, functions, program design, basic algorithms and data structures in popular programming languages in analytics domain such as Python and R. The course gives students the opportunity to learn about and use programming to implement their ideas and provides them with the fundamental knowledge and practice needed to appreciate the challenges and opportunities related to developing robust programs that are at the core of business analytics.Component(s):
"Lecture"; "Workshop"Notes:
- Students who have received credit for BSTA 445 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 214.Description:
This course introduces and examines the role of contemporary statistical methods in improving business and making business decisions. The methodologies selected for discussion represent those that are most extensively used in business studies and analyses. The topics covered include statistical thinking, regression analysis, logistic regression, discriminant analysis, experimental methods and A/B testing in product and process designs. The course involves mostly analyses of real-life data using statistical software packages. The understanding of the rationale of the methodologies introduced is also emphasized.
Component(s):
"Lecture"; "Workshop"Notes:
- Students who have received credit for BSTA 378 or BSTA 450 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously or concurrently: BANA 450 or BSTA 450.Description:
This course focuses on the theory and applications of the most widely used models, ETS and ARIMA, to represent the underlying relationships in historical time series data in order to explain the data and make predictions, forecasts or classifications about future events. The models are assessed for predictor variable impact, goodness-of-fit and forecast accuracy, and subject to validations with new or split data. A wide range of databases from various areas are considered for analysis and prediction using software packages in homework and project assignments.Component(s):
"Lecture"; "Workshop"Notes:
- Students who have received credit for BSTA 477 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: BANA 450 or equivalent.Description:
The course covers essential ideas and techniques for extracting information from large amounts of data. It discusses both supervised and unsupervised methods, and covers topics such as dimension reduction, classification and regression trees, K-nearest neighbours, neural networks, association rules, collaborative filtering, cluster analysis, ensemble methods, boosting and bagging. Illustrations of the concepts and methods are given, and students gain practical experience in data mining with the use of popular data mining software.Component(s):
"Lecture"; "Workshop"Notes:
- Students who have received credit for BSTA 478 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: BANA 300 or BANA 478.Description:
The landscape of technology-enabled businesses and career opportunities are changing rapidly. This course introduces students to emerging technologies with their evolving implications for future business models and business processes. The central goal of this course is to provide an opportunity to understand the pros and cons of recent technologies in different business domains. This course covers topics such as: deep learning, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, evolutionary algorithms, hybrid intelligent systems, and social media analytics. Students apply advanced analytic tools to various real-world problems.Component(s):
"Lecture"; "Laboratory"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: BANA 477 or BSTA 477;BANA 478 or BSTA 478.Description:
This course is a project-based experiential learning in which students apply their learning in the Business Analytics program to develop real-life business and social solutions for a real-word problem. Students, with the guidance of the instructor, propose their own capstone project ideas. By working on real problems, students gain practical experience developing innovative technological solutions. The capstone course demonstrates the skills students have acquired throughout the Business Analytics program in a real-world setting. Students begin planning the capstone project in the beginning of the term and the rest of the term is spent building and implementing the proposed system.Component(s):
"Workshop"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Permission of the Department is required.Description:
This course allows for more intensive examination of one or more topics in business statistics.Component(s):
"Lecture"Business Technology Management Courses
Description:
This course covers topics in information and communications technologies, including software, hardware, the Internet, and office productivity applications. Students learn about the technologies and their use, as well as acquire hands-on experience in key software applications.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Students enrolled in BA or BSc Major in Mathematics and Statistics programs may not take this course for credit.
Students who have received credit or exemption for DESC 200, INTE 290, or for this topic under a COMM 499 number or equivalent, may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 226.
Description:
This course introduces students to the fundamentals of business application development using a modern programming language. Emphasizing practical skills, students learn core programming concepts and methodologies essential for building business software solutions. Topics include data input and processing, decision-making and repetition structures, functions, file handling, graphical user interfaces, and working with data structures such as tuples, lists, dictionaries, and objects. The course also introduces students to the principles of the object-oriented approach to programming, including the use of classes and objects to design modular and maintain able applications. Instruction is supported through hands-on exercises using an Integrated Development Environment to facilitate the development, testing, and debugging of applications.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 226.Description:
This course introduces the principles and practice of database management for business. Students learn to model business data, create well-structured relational schemas, and craft effective SQL queries, then take a guided tour of newer, distributed data platforms built for large-scale and varied datasets. Through hands-on labs and case discussions, they explore how organizations store and govern day-to-day operational data, drive analytics, and translate information into sharper decisions—equipping them to manage data across its full life cycle.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: COMM 214, COMM 219, COMM 226.Description:
This course emphasizes the managerial aspects of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizations. It introduces students to uses and considerations of AI for business. Through case studies, class discussion, hands-on activities and a business project, students learn how and when to integrate different types of AI applications into an organization, learn how to use various AI tools and how to apply them to business and organizational situations. This course focuses on developing students’ AI skills and know-how, as well as AI soft skills, including understanding and evaluating the benefits, risks and negative impacts of AI and managing these challenges.Component(s):
"Lecture"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: BTM 380, BTM 385.
Description:
Digital business development explores the rapidly evolving digital business landscape, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to create, manage, and scale digital ventures in the evolving digital economy. The course covers key topics such as ecommerce, digital platforms, and emerging technologies that drive digital innovation, digital disruption, and digital transformation.Component(s):
"Lecture"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: COMM 225, COMM 226.Description:
This course responds to the demand for the integration of technological and business resources by providing the student with opportunities to understand and analyze practical business problems and processes via the use of enterprise resource planning (ERP) applications. Topics include production and supply chain management information systems, marketing information systems and the sales order process, accounting in ERP systems, process modelling, process improvement, and ERP implementation. Business analytics tools for ERP systems are explored with the use of hands-on exercises.Component(s):
"Lecture"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 226.
Description:
The course is an introduction to major cybersecurity concepts, including the Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability (CIA) triad, risk management, threats and vulnerability management. In addition, it provides a general overview of security controls, data protection techniques, social engineering techniques, incident and access management, cryptography, blockchain, network security, business continuity planning and disaster recovery. The course examines different information systems’ governance standards and the processes to audit information systems. The course uses a combination of theory and applied learning through intensive cases and the completion of hands-on IT labs.Component(s):
"Lecture"; "Laboratory"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: BTM 385, BTM 481.Description:
This course covers the foundational methodologies of user experience (UX) research and testing, culminating in the creation of a comprehensive UX report. Topics include planning and conducting user research, analyzing feedback to identify usability issues, developing personas and journey maps, performing cost/benefit evaluations of proposed improvements, and formulating evidence-based recommendations.Component(s):
"Lecture"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: COMM 216, COMM 226, COMM 316.Description:
In today’s digital world, organizations that can manage and protect private information have a strategic edge. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an in-depth understanding of privacy concerns and ethical considerations when working with data and information systems, and why it is important for organizations to address them. This course covers the legal and regulatory aspects of data privacy, the role and structure of privacy policies and the consequences of poor management of data privacy. Students also explore how ethical frameworks can influence organizational decisions on the collection, analysis, use and storage of data.Component(s):
"Lecture"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 225 or COMM 226.Description:
This course covers the theory, tools, and techniques associated with the management of projects including the use of project management software. Cases from various business contexts are used to illustrate essential steps in setting up project plans, scheduling work, monitoring progress, and exercising control to achieve desired results. The course integrates the Project Management Body of Knowledge with the Project Management Institute’s certification requirements. Students are introduced to project management agile methods.Component(s):
"Lecture"
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: COMM 219, COMM 226.Description:
This course covers the first two phases of the systems development life cycle, which culminates in the systems proposal. Topics include project identification and initiation, feasibility analysis, requirements determination and elicitation techniques, analysis of existing business processes, systems, and models, as well as identification of deficiencies, and provision of a recommended course of action. In addition, various modelling tools, analyses frameworks, and systems methods are examined.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Permission of the Department of Supply Chain and Business Technology Management is required.Description:
This course allows for more intensive examination of one or more topics in business technology management.Component(s):
"Lecture"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: BTM 380, BTM 382, BTM 481.
Description:
The main objective of this course is to expose students to the concepts, tools, and techniques they need to transform the information system requirements, resulting from the system analysis phase, into system design specifications, and to transform the information system design specifications, resulting from the system design phase, into a system prototype.Component(s):
"Lecture"Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: BTM 380, BTM 382, BTM 481.Description:
This course examines the strategic and operational management of digital technology resources within an organization. Topics include digital strategy, IT governance frameworks, technology sourcing and architecture, risk management, security and privacy policies, resource allocation, and change management. The course also explores external influences such as the evolving digital technology landscape, industry trends, and emerging digital solutions. Students gain practical experience by applying course concepts in developing a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP), assessing potential solutions, and recommending a digital solution tailored to address a real-world business problem or opportunity.Component(s):
"Lecture"Supply Chain Operations Management Courses
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 225.
Description:
This course focuses on the application of business optimization and decision analytics to supply chain management challenges. Using industry-standard optimization analytics tools, students learn to evaluate and optimize the allocation of scarce human, physical, and financial resources. Topics include linear programming, integer linear programming, transportation problems, assignment problems, transshipment problems, network models, and multi-objective decision-making. Students acquire skills needed to develop decision models and interpret optimal solutions for managerial insights.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Students who have received credit for DESC 361 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 225.Description:
This course explores procurement and supply management issues. Topics include procurement operations and structures, supplier evaluation and development, procurement tools and techniques, negotiation and contract management, purchasing and electronic sourcing, and emerging trends in procurement and supply strategy. Students gain knowledge and skills to manage procurement and supplier relationships, reduce supply chain risks and harness strategic partnerships to drive competitive advantage.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously or concurrently: COMM 225.Description:
This course examines product and service design, with an emphasis on process improvement throughout the life cycle of products and services. Topics include process analysis, continuous improvement, process disruptions, lean automation, service systems, and new product development. Students gain industry-relevant knowledge applicable to service and manufacturing settings and acquire analytical skills to optimize processes and improve operational efficiency.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Students who have received credit for DESC 363 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: SCOM 361 or DESC 361.
Description:
This course covers strategic, tactical and operational issues in supply chain design. Topics include facility location, network design, capacity planning, sourcing decisions, inventory management, and aggregate planning. Students explore coordination, sustainability, and risk management issues in supply chains, and develop analytical skills to design efficient and resilient supply chains. Applications of artificial intelligence in these areas are also highlighted.Component(s):
"Laboratory"Notes:
Students who have received credit for DESC 372 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 225.
Description:
This course explores supply chain issues in logistics and transportation. Topics include customer value delivery, distribution channels, logistics performance measurement, service logistics, warehouse management, transportation management, third-party logistics, international trade, and global logistics. Students gain the knowledge and skills needed to manage logistics operations and transportation networks, reduce supply chain costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Students who have received credit for DESC 374 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
Permission of the Department of Supply Chain and Business Technology Management is required.Description:
This course allows for more intensive examination of one or more topics in supply chain operations management.Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following course must be completed previously: COMM 225.
Description:
This course covers fundamental quantitative and qualitative tools of risk management used to mitigate against supply chain risks in the context of supply and demand management strategies. Globalization initiatives in trade and money markets and increased worldwide security concerns have exposed supply chains to ever-increasing risks. Consequently, risk management along the supply chain has become an important function in order to decrease the level of vulnerability for the stakeholders. Topics include review of supply chain fundamentals and principles, risk identification and management, trade‑offs in risk management, supply chain strategies for robustness, and scenario planning. Various case studies are used to highlight design and implementation issues.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Students who have received credit for DESC 491 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following courses must be completed previously: BANA 450 ; nine credits of SCOM courses.Description:
This course focuses on the application of business simulation and decision analytics to supply chain management from both analytical and managerial perspectives. Using industry-standard simulation tools, students learn to evaluate and enhance supply chain operations across a wide range of business sectors, including manufacturing, services, transportation, retail, and health care. Students develop the skills needed to identify operational bottlenecks and implement data-driven improvements.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Students who have received credit for DESC 492 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite/Corequisite:
The following must be completed previously or concurrently: SCOM 492 and 12 credits of SCOM courses.
Description:
The course features a capstone project conducted by a team of students in a real-business setting. Students apply tools and techniques of supply chain operations management to identify, analyze and develop solutions to supply chain problems. Successful completion of the course requires submission of a project proposal, progress report, comprehensive project final report, and oral presentation.Component(s):
"Lecture"Notes:
Students who have received credit for DESC 498 may not take this course for credit.