Bachelor of Commerce (4-Year)

Number of credits required from Athabasca University: 30 credits.

Maximum credit awarded in this program for prior learning through Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) processes: 21 credits.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program-Specific Learning Outcomes

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• demonstrate a grasp of theory, technically based skills and ethical perspectives relevant to core business areas, including marketing, statistics, financial accounting, management accounting, finance, economics, information systems, strategic management, organizational behaviour, and commercial law.

• demonstrate an in-depth understanding of technical and quantitative aspects of management related to financial services, including the study of financial markets, financial instruments and investment decision-making, as well as the analysis of alternative methods employed by institutions and individuals to obtain, manage and use capital.

Global Program Learning Outcomes

The following global program learning outcomes are listed by knowledge, skill and behaviour areas and increasing level of competence in accordance with PLAR criteria assessment sheets.

General Working Knowledge of Commerce and Business

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• show basic understanding of subject matter related to marketing, statistics, financial accounting, management accounting, finance, economics, information systems, strategic management, organizational behaviour and commercial law.
• show the understanding and ability to apply the subject matter in hypothetical situations.
• apply the subject matter in real situations.
• assess the subject matter critically and analytically.
• develop their own principles on models useful in business and commerce.

Individual Skills in Applying the Knowledge

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• apply knowledge in hypothetical situations.
• show understanding and ability to apply the subject matter in real life and simulated situations.
• apply the subject matter in real-life complex situations.
• assess and evaluate the experience and learn from it.
• provide a leadership role in coaching others.

Ability to Apply the Knowledge in a Team Setting

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• participate in a team environment.
• influence other team members.
• encourage participation by other team members.
• act as a team role model.
• perform in a formal team leadership role beyond work responsibilities, in community.

Communications

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• exhibit basic written and interpersonal competencies.
• provide some examples of successful written and verbal communication.
• show competent, consistent performance in communication.
• show exemplary communication patterns.
• provide leadership in coaching, training and supporting others.

Theories/Frameworks (Academic) Related to the Bachelor of Commerce Program

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• show awareness of theories.
• show understanding, syntheses and integration of practical concepts into life and work.
• demonstrate understanding of some visible application of theory with everyday situations.
• exhibit involvement in organizational change based on theory and framework.
• monitor and assess organizational impacts and changes, and show ongoing personal theoretical development.

Critical Thinking

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• show a basic understanding of critical-thinking frameworks.
• demonstrate some aspects of critical thinking in some situations.
• demonstrate critical thinking in most situations.
• provide and exhibit critical thinking to complex tasks and multi-faceted projects.
• use knowledge and personal impact to create change.

Business Policy

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• demonstrate basic understanding of business policy.
• quote information with theoretical application.
• discuss information with practical application.
• evaluate strengths and weaknesses, solve problems and make recommendations in business policy.
• show ability to influence people or organizations in relation to business policy.

Business Practice

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• demonstrate basic understanding of business and commercial practices.
• quote information with theoretical application.
• discuss information with practical application.
• evaluate strengths and weaknesses, solve problems and make recommendations in business and commercial practices.
• show ability to influence people and/or organizations in relation to business and commercial practices.

Adaptability

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• demonstrate awareness of their own adaptability.
• demonstrate awareness of situation and context adaptability.
• exhibit problem-solving, leading to a list of actions.
• make responsible choices among alternatives.
• provide continuous feedback and monitoring.

Creativity

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• demonstrate awareness of their own creativity.
• demonstrate awareness of situation and context creativity.
• exhibit problem-solving, leading to a list of actions.
• make responsible choices among alternatives.
• provide continuous feedback and monitoring.

Problem-Solving

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• show understanding of problem-solving frameworks.
• exhibit personal use of problem-solving approaches.
• provide appropriate organizational input into problem-solving.
• provide leadership.
• lead or coach others in problem-solving and decision-making for their organization and community.

Planning and Organizing

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• show basic planning and organizing skills.
• successfully plan personal business and accountabilities.
• provide leadership to others.
• plan and organize large groups.
• exhibit exemplary planning and organizing skills.

Knowledge in Electronic (Computer, Web, Communications) Media

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• use computer and communications media appropriately at a basic level.
• recognize implications of electronic media use.
• employ complex and innovative electronic media capacities.
• propose and invent novel applications of electronic media in business and commercial settings.
• inspire and encourage staff and others in business and commercial applications of electronic media.

Organizational Management

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• recall basic principles of organizational structure and functions.
• apply knowledge of organizational structure and management to accomplish business and commercial goals.
• show leadership and management capacity in some situations.
• show a consistent pattern of leadership and management capacity, and a potential for growth.
• assume and/or accept leadership roles appropriately and convincingly.

Business and Commercial Professionalism

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• show basic sound judgment and business behaviour.
• apply knowledge of business environment, organizational structure and interests at stake in a conscious way.
• demonstrate appropriate wielding of authority and knowledge of structural capacities of their organization to achieve business and commercial goals.
• apply ethical and policy considerations in business and commercial spheres.
• exhibit sound, adept and advanced business and commercial practices based on structural and ethical foundations.

Possible Career Options

• Administration Consultant
• Affairs Officer
• Commercial Director
• General Manager
• Investment Consultant
• Sales Director
• Training Professional
• Assessor, Valuator and Appraiser
• Banking, Credit and other Investment Manager
• Business Development Officer, Marketing Researcher and Consultant
• Computer and Information Systems Manager
• Customs, Ship and other type of Broker
• Database Analyst and Data Administrator
• Financial and Investment Analyst
• Financial Manager
• other type of Financial Officer
• Government Manager – Economic Analyst, Policy Developer and Program Administrator
• Human Resources Manager
• Loan Officer
• Personnel and Recruitment Officer
• professional and management occupations in business services
• Purchasing Agent and Officer
• Purchasing Manager
• Retail and Wholesale Buyer
• Sales, Marketing and Advertising Manager
• Senior Manager in financial, communications and other business services
• Senior Manager in goods production, utilities, transportation and construction
• Senior Manager in health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
• Senior Manager in trade, broadcasting and other services
• Specialist in human resources
• Technical Sales Specialist in wholesale trade
• Business Development Director
• Commercial Co-ordinator in government
• Exporter
• Financial Controller
• Administrative Officer
• Commercial Officer
• Consultant
• Government Officer
• Marketing Specialist
• Program Officer
• Project Manager
• Researcher
• Financial Services Director
• Importer
• International Sales Director
• Project Leader
• Human Resources Officer
• Labor Relations Officer
• Public Relations Officer
• Recruitment Co-ordinator
• Remuneration and Job Classification Agent
• Staffing Officer

Possible Further Education Options

At Athabasca University

• Master of Arts – Integrated Studies (MAIS)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Education in Distance Education (MEd)
• Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Distance Education Technology
• Master of Counselling (MC)
• Post-Graduate Certificate in Counselling

At Other Educational Institutions*

• education
• medicine
• law
• library science
• journalism

* Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other educational institutions.

---

These are not extensive lists. Some career and education options may require advanced degrees, further training or experience. For help identifying more options, visit http://www.athabascau.ca/counselling/.

For program information, visit http://www.athabascau.ca/programs/.

Office of the Vice-President, Academic. Last updated February 2005.
Copyright (©) Athabasca University 2005. All rights reserved.

Updated March 25, 2009