Business Administration - Materials Management and Distribution
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Peterborough
Accepting applications
BAJ
Ontario College Advanced Diploma
January 12, 2009
$1,513.00 per semester *
* Tuition and fees subject to change.
- Program Information
- Program Curriculum
- Course Descriptions
Providing the products that people want in a timely, efficient manner is the key to success for today's leading companies. As a Materials Management and Distribution graduate, you'll maintain your employer's competitive edge by ensuring efficient production and delivery of your company's products or services - whether it's from halfway around the world or next door.
Program Highlights
You will be trained to plan for and arrange the movement of goods from suppliers through producers to the marketplace. Learn the skills you'll need to manage operations in almost any service or manufacturing industry.

Word from the Workplace
"Fleming College's excellent faculty provided support beyond our expectations to help us find permanent employment in the field. Through their close relationships with world class organizations, an integrated support structure has developed that benefits the school, students and industry. This ensures students are taught up- to-date theories and given practical experiences." Program Graduates:
Theresa Long, Product Support
Erica Joore-Brooks, Buyer/Planner
Lori Arcand, Product Data Management
and Jason Balcombe, Supply Chain/Production Scheduler
Siemens Milltronics Process Instruments Inc., Peterborough
Why Choose Fleming?
Fleming College's program is special in that students have more choice in course selection. You can select courses that will fit your career goals, and if you're interested in a specific industry, choose courses focusing on that field.
Work Experience
As part of your studies, you will complete a minimum of 140 hours of field placement. This experience in a business will provide you with an opportunity to practice what you've learned, develop contacts and a network for employment opportunities. You will arrange your own Field Placements in consultation with your program co-ordinator.
What it Takes to Succeed
- Excellent time management skills
- Problem-solving ability
- Computing skills
- Experience working with people
Career Opportunities
When you graduate, look for positions like these:
- Buyer
- Export operations analyst
- Inventory management specialist
- Supply chain specialist
- Operations/production planner
- Materials manager
- Master scheduler
- Forecasting and inventory planner
- Materials administrator
Materials Management and Distribution specialists are in great demand -- in light of the current trend toward globalization. Due to our excellent industry ties, there are many requests for graduates from the program for employment opportunities. The average starting wage for a graduate is $39,000.00, and many report making considerably more as they become more experienced.
Minimum Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:
- 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
- 1 College (C) Math course (Grade 11)
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.
Recommended (but not required for admission):
- Grade 12 College (C) Math
Mature Students If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission.
* Students starting in January are required to attend classes over the summer semester.
Selection Process
Related Programs
You might want to consider other Business programs, such as International Trade, Accounting, Human Resources Management or Marketing.
Additional Costs
Approximately $950 per year for books and supplies.
University Transfer Agreements
Semester 1
Accounting Fundamentals
Course Number: ACCT001
Accounting Fundamentals introduces students to the principles and practices of the accounting process and finance management. The key objective of this course is to enable the student to use accounting information in a useful and informative manner. Students will acquire a basic understanding of how the activities of an organization are reflected in the financial statements as well as offering an understanding of the basic terms and content of financial statements. This will provide the background students require to study other areas of business or to pursue more advanced courses in accounting.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Business Essentials - A Survival Course
Course Number: BUSN002
This course will explore the nature of business and the role of the individual within the business context. The course will help to prepare the student for the world of business by developing an understanding of the major functional aspects of a successful business. The course will also focus on a number of important business trends that will continue to affect business into the future. These include the growth and influence of international business, the role of ethics and social responsibility in business decisions, the significance of small business, the growth of the service sector, and the influence of technology on business activities. This is an approved general education course.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Communications for Business
Course Number: COMM078
Successful business and administrative communication requires an understanding of both individual and organizational audiences and the ability to create effective messages for them. Communications for Business will introduce students to the critical-thinking, problem-solving and professional writing skills that are necessary to meet these communication challenges.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Financial Statements and the Finance Environment
Course Number: ACCT071
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Introductory Computing
Course Number: COMP345
Working in the Windows XP environment, this computer course introduces the student to computer basics (computer terminology, e-mail, Internet, file management) and the application and use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database software. Through the extensive use of hands-on activities, students will gain sufficient knowledge and experience to make productive use of computers as a tool in both college and workplace environments.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Marketing
Course Number: MKTG014
This is an introductory course in Marketing designed to provide an awareness and understanding of the role and function of marketing within an individual firm and throughout the total economy. The student is introduced to the principles and techniques of marketing and its various functional areas. The various marketing strategies utilized in product or service planning and development, pricing, distribution and promotion in response to the needs and wants identified in various markets are explored.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Math Fundamentals for Business Studies
Course Number: MATH011
The Math Fundamentals for Business Studies course was designed to be an integral portion of all programs offered by the School of Business at Sir Sandford Fleming College. This course is a one-semester study of the mathematics applicable to the business and financial community. Math Fundamentals for Business Studies places the significance of mathematics as a problem solving and decision making tool. Topics covered: manipulation of business formulae, break-even analysis, monetary conversion, mathematics of buying and selling, simple, compound interest and annuities.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 2
Business Teams
Course Number: SOCI125
Learn about the movement towards getting work done through teams in organizations, and develop the knowledge and skills to thrive in this area. This course meets the General Education requirements primarily in the areas of Work and the Economy and Social Understanding, as well as touching Civic Life, Personal Development, and Cultural Understanding.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Business and Contract Law
Course Number: LAWS004
Business people and consumers in Ontario are affected by a broad spectrum of federal, provincial and municipal laws and a variety of court-created legal principles. This course serves as an introduction to business and consumer law.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Communicating at Work
Course Number: COMM002
This course will enable you to continue to improve your general communication skills to meet the learning outcomes demanded by the assignments in this course, as well as the expectations of other subjects and eventual career employment. This course emphasizes concepts of critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they apply to processes fundamental to effective communication. You will continue to reinforce speaking, writing, reading, and listening techniques common to the expectations demanded by the work place of your career choice by applying, at a more sophisticated level, principles of style, structure, mechanics and techniques (for orals).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Human Resources Administration
Course Number: MGMT007
This course is designed to provide an overview of key human resources activities and the related legislation affecting today's workplaces. Topics of study include the strategic role of HRM, legal compliance and valuing diversity, designing and analyzing jobs, human resources planning, recruitment, selection, orientation and training, performance appraisal, compensation, employee benefits & services, labour relations, and occupational health & safety.
Participants will also have an opportunity to discuss legal compliance in the areas of human rights, pay/employment equity, employment standards, labour relations, and health & safety. Applied learning opportunities include case study analyses, identification of Human Rights Code violations on an employment application form, development of a job description/specification and a recruitment ad, critique of managerial performance on videotape, web-based research pertaining to employment practices, and completion of a journal article summary and explanation of its relationship to the course material.
Note: This course has been approved by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) as a credit in the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations' (CCHRA's) national certification program. To qualify to write the National Knowledge Exam, it is necessary to attain an overall average of 70 percent in the nine subjects covered, with no grade of less than 65 percent.
Prior to enrollment in this course, it is recommended that learners have attained the learning outcomes of Communications for Business (COMM78).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
International Trade
Course Number: MTRL008
This course provides students with an overview and understanding of international trade, its history, process, and current applications.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Operations Management
Course Number: BUSN020
This course is designed to give students an understanding of the functions of business operations. Students develop an understanding of the important factors and some of the analytical tools that can be used to improve productivity and customer service. Emphasis is placed on the cost benefit relationship.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 3
Macroeconomics
Course Number: BUSN013
Macroeconomics is the study of the overall performance of the economy. Fluctuations in the level of national output, incomes, prices and employment are analyzed along with government policies to control these fluctuations.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Contemporary Management Skills
Course Number: BUSN006
In this course, both theoretical and practical fundamentals of managerial work are explored and experienced. Through self-assessments, skills workshops, discussions, and lectures, students will learn management competencies in interpersonal and leadership strategies, the dynamics of power and innovation, as well as organizational strategies to enhance performance and productivity.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Human Resources Administration
Course Number: MGMT007
This course is designed to provide an overview of key human resources activities and the related legislation affecting today's workplaces. Topics of study include the strategic role of HRM, legal compliance and valuing diversity, designing and analyzing jobs, human resources planning, recruitment, selection, orientation and training, performance appraisal, compensation, employee benefits & services, labour relations, and occupational health & safety.
Participants will also have an opportunity to discuss legal compliance in the areas of human rights, pay/employment equity, employment standards, labour relations, and health & safety. Applied learning opportunities include case study analyses, identification of Human Rights Code violations on an employment application form, development of a job description/specification and a recruitment ad, critique of managerial performance on videotape, web-based research pertaining to employment practices, and completion of a journal article summary and explanation of its relationship to the course material.
Note: This course has been approved by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) as a credit in the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations' (CCHRA's) national certification program. To qualify to write the National Knowledge Exam, it is necessary to attain an overall average of 70 percent in the nine subjects covered, with no grade of less than 65 percent.
Prior to enrollment in this course, it is recommended that learners have attained the learning outcomes of Communications for Business (COMM78).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Introduction to Materials Management
Course Number: MTRL011
This course gives the student an understanding of the problems associated with materials flow in a business enterprise and an understanding of the organizational and analytical tools available for their solution. Methods used include Forecasting, Master Scheduling, Materials Requirements Planning and Dynamic Lot Sizing.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Management Accounting
Course Number: ACCT022
This is a survey course that relates to the uses of accounting information for decision-making purposes. Students will begin with an understanding of fundamental cost concepts as they relate to a manufacturing environment, as well as an understanding of cost behaviour. Then they will apply various techniques to analyze and interpret information as it relates to different decision situations faced by managers.
Note: This course has been approved by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) as a credit in the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations' (CCHRA's) national certification program. To qualify to write the National Knowledge Exam, it is necessary to attain an overall average of 70 percent in the nine subjects covered, with no grade of less than 65 percent.
Note: It is recommended that students have completed Math Fundamentals for Business Studies (MATH 11) and Accounting Fundamentals (ACCT 1).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Occupational Health and Safety
Course Number: MGMT015
The main objective of this course is to introduce students to the broad and dynamic field of occupational health and safety and to develop an awareness of and appreciation for the value of these areas in terms of their contribution to effective cost control and improved productivity. The multiple dimensions of the technical, managerial, legislative, political, and personal aspects of safety are examined in detail. Occupational health cannot be separated from these issues because of the many overlapping requirements and because an employee's well-being must be the first consideration.
Note: This course has been approved by the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA) as a credit in the Canadian Council of Human Resources Associations' (CCHRA's) national certification program. To qualify to write the National Knowledge Exam, it is necessary to attain an overall average of 70 percent in the nine subjects covered, with no grade of less than 65 percent.
Note: It is recommended that students have attained the learning outcomes of Communications, Human Resources Administration (MGMT 7), or Human Resources for H.R. Specialists (MGMT 4) before enrolling in this course.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 4
Advanced Computers
Course Number: COMP103
Pre-requisites
This course builds on the common functions of File Management, Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Database to enhance skills for a business environment. The use of tables, multi-page documents and graphics will be covered in Word Processing. Spreadsheet skills in the use of functions and formulas, formatting, conditions, lists, graphics and multiple worksheets will be developed. The integration of word processors, spreadsheets and databases will be included, particularly mail/merge.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Business Statistics and Quantitative Methods
Course Number: MATH046
Pre-requisites
The understanding and application of basic statistical analysis to business related problems will be examined. The calculation and interpretation of statistical measures will be thoroughly covered. Once the basic measures are mastered, probability and probability distributions will be discussed. Statistical measures, data collection and probability distributions will be brought together to perform statistical inference with confidence intervals and hypothesis testing. Then, simple linear regression will be developed. The calculation and interpretation of statistical measures will be learned within a format of class time practice, specific course assignments and use of the Excel? computer spreadsheet.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Negotiating Skills
Course Number: MGMT014
Effectiveness in negotiating and mediating is an important part of survival in our society, either on behalf of organizations or for personal reasons. Students in this course will develop skills that can be applied in various negotiation situations, such as getting a job, getting a raise, purchasing, selling, managing employee performance, and industrial relations. Note: It is strongly recommended that students not take this course until at least their second semester or later.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Quality Management
Course Number: MTRL015
Through lectures and laboratories, students will apply problem-solving techniques as applied to productive processes. They will be introduced to statistical techniques and their use in identifying variables in a process.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Transportation
Course Number: MTRL016
This course provides students with an overview of various methods of physical distribution of goods. Transportation systems covered will include rail, road, water, air, and intermodal combinations of these. Students will study the trade-off decision-making process in selecting a particular transportation mode to move goods. Criteria will include customer needs, product characteristics, cost implications, damage control, and traffic management variables. Legislation controlling and guiding transportation will also be covered briefly in the course.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 5
Communications - Report Writing
Course Number: COMM006
Pre-requisites
In this course, you will learn how to plan, organize, illustrate, edit, and present written and oral material in both an informational and analytical style to businesses, service and technological industries, and government agencies.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Career Search
Course Number: BUSN027
Set yourself apart from the crowd. This course builds on students' existing knowledge of job search techniques. It focuses on the preparation of a personal resume, cover letter and career portfolio relevant to their field of study. Emphasis will be placed on interview and presentation skills appropriate for the workplace. Participants will complete this course confident in their ability to match their skills to the demands of the workplace.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Manufacturing Information Systems
Course Number: MTRL013
This course investigates a microcomputer-based MRP system, with emphasis on the nature, purpose, and interactions of each of the functional modules. Students will use industry software to build and modify a completely interactive database and will understand the purpose and requirements of the various modules. They will also become familiar with a menu-driven system similar to those in use in industry.
Note: It is strongly recommended that students have successfully completed Introduction to Materials Management (MTRL 11).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Manufacturing Planning and Control
Course Number: MTRL014
This advanced-level course deals with various methods of planning and control in any productive operation. Techniques studied include: sequencing orders through single and multiple workstations, calculating capacity, and Just-In-Time.
Note: It is strongly recommended that students have successfully completed Operations Management (BUSN20) and Introduction to Materials Management (MTRL11).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Basics of Export Marketing
Course Number: MKTG003
Co-requisites
This course together with the Advanced Export Marketing Course is designed to teach the learner how to research, plan and execute the export of existing products to foreign markets all over the world. The Basic Export Marketing Course focuses on the research, decision and planning stages, while Advanced Export Marketing focuses on the process of exporting from the decision to export until the product hits the shelves in the foreign market. In Basics of Export Marketing the student will learn how to find information regarding foreign markets, create country and market profiles, plan transportation, plan pricing, find financing, create budgets and will examine the concept of world wide markets considering the impact of the Internet.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Customer Service Management
Course Number: BUSN062
The essential marketing ingredient that enables any business to remain profitable...CUSTOMER SERVICE. This management course enables the learner to develop and execute customer service strategies that will increase revenues and profits as well as lay the foundation for long term customer relationships. Specifics include understanding what customers and staff expect and how they will likely respond, how to hire and train service employees, leadership for service and methods for evaluating service strategies. Team focus and interaction is expected in this course and the learner will be required to work in teams.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Effective Problem Solving
Course Number: MGMT002
This is an advanced course in problem-solving techniques. Personal factors and group characteristics will be examined as they relate to the problem-solving and decision-making process. A range of strategies and techniques will be explored and students will have opportunities to employ these strategies in addressing 'real' problems.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
New Ventures
Course Number: BUSN061
This course is designed to develop an understanding of planning the start-up of a business, its ongoing management and strategies for growth. Students learn about the legal forms of business ownership, the importance of financial analysis as a success indicator for the business and appropriate marketing tactics for promoting small business. The student will develop an actual business plan for their own business idea.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Semester 6
Corporate Social Responsiblity: Ethical Conduct of Business
Course Number: MGMT066
We live in the age of globalization. Due to many recent events, corporate business is under fire to manage their activities in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner. Moreover, many corporations are learning that it is good business to do good. In this case-based course we will examine various specific ethical dilemmas in the conduct of domestic and international business. We will discuss the structure of the corporation and the various contemporary ethical issues it presents. Finally we shall discuss the best practices of many leading companies to conduct their business in a socially responsible way.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Logistics Management
Course Number: MTRL012
Pre-requisites
This advanced level course provides students with an understanding of the dimensions and element of a business logistics system, including: supply and distribution channels, transportation, inventory, warehousing, packaging, materials handling, and order processing. Students will study logistics management in this course as a total system that is essential in today's global economy. Note: It is recommended that students have Operations Management (BUSN 20) and Introduction to Materials Management (MTRL 11).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Microeconomics
Course Number: BUSN018
This course provides an introduction to the economic behaviour of consumers and firms in the marketplace. Microeconomics studies the way that individual markets work and how regulations and taxes affect trade, consumers, and producers.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Principles of Buying
Course Number: MKTG022
This course is an introduction to the purchasing function and how it forms a necessary segment of any modern organization. Many aspects of purchasing will be covered including objectives and organization, quality description, price determination, evaluating suppliers, contracts and the legal aspects of purchasing.
Note: There are no pre-requisite courses, however, students should have a general knowledge of sound business practice. Operations Management BUSN 20 and Intro to Materials Management MTRL 11 are recommended.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Consumer Behaviour
Course Number: MKTG005
Pre-requisites
This course focuses on the significance of an analysis of the consumer in many dimensions and the marketing implications of those findings. Studying the sociology and psychology of the buying process will enable students to understand better their role as business leaders, whether working in large or independent organizations. The exchange of goods and services is the basis of our economy, and understanding the needs and wants of our customers helps us to be more effective in carrying out our tasks.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
Effective Sales Techniques
Course Number: MKTG008
Pre-requisites
This course demonstrates to students the vital role of sales in the business world. Without an effective sales effort, businesses perish. Similarly, without a well-planned, professional, and deliberate sales approach, graduates will not achieve appropriate employment situations. Students will examine their current level of self-presentation and work toward enhancing their image through practical, applied course work.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
International Law
Course Number: LAWS040
This course introduces students to the overall concepts, principles, customs, and rules that govern the behaviours, relationships, and interdependence between nations, international organizations, and corporations.
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00
International Money Matters
Course Number: MTRL006
Pre-requisites
This course is designed to familiarize students with tools used in financing and collection of international transactions, and the contemporary facets of foreign-exchange markets.
Note: It is strongly suggested that students have completed Customs for Trade (MTRL 3), Basics of Importing (MTRL 2), Basics of Export Marketing (MKTG 3) and Advanced Importing Techniques (MTRL 1).
Units: 45.00
Hours: 45.00