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Business | Beedie School of Business Simon Fraser University Calendar | Summer 2024

Business Administration in Indigenous Business Leadership

Graduate Diploma

The IBL GDBA, a component of the new Indigenous business leadership executive MBA program, aims to prepare and empower experienced Indigenous leaders, professionals and managers to meet the challenges and pace of today’s changing global business environment. The program includes the core concepts and knowledge covered in most MBA programs while recognizing and incorporating Indigenous worldviews, traditional knowledge, cultural protocols and history throughout the curricula.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the university admission requirements as stated in the Graduate General Regulation 1.3 in the SFU Calendar. An undergraduate degree or professional designation and a minimum of five years of applicable work experience is ideal. A two-year diploma with outstanding grades as well as extensive work experience in the Indigenous community in a managerial or professional position will also be taken into consideration.

Program Requirements

The program consists of course work for a minimum of 24 graduate units.

Students must complete 24 units of the following with academic director approval.

BUS 600 - Orientation (0)

The IBL orientation course is an intensive 1-day program for students to meet each other and to develop strategies for academic success. Through experiential learning and team building activities students develop understanding and skills for contributing effectively in team-based learning environment. Students will learn about academic expectations as well as resource support available at SFU. This course is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Only for students in the Indigenous Business Leadership.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G400 TBD
BUS 608 - Indigenous Business Leadership and Organization (4)

Explores the topics of organization theory and leadership in developing the potential of Indigenous leadership to drive meaningful change. Topics include intergenerational legacies in Indigenous contexts and leadership capabilities necessary to respond to the needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities. Prerequisite: Only for students in the IBL EMBA program.

BUS 614 - Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Indigenous Communities (4)

Explores the development and assessment of ideas and opportunities and considers the impact that Indigenous entrepreneurship can have on supporting and developing Indigenous communities. Discusses how to attract and develop resources to enact ideas and deliver value from identified opportunities. Prerequisite: Only for students in the IBL EMBA program.

BUS 622 - Fundamentals of Project Management in Indigenous Organizations (4)

Fundamentals of project management and the roles in successful project leadership. Explores the project management life cycle, proven tools and techniques, and the role of the project manager. Introduces agile approaches to project management and contrasts with traditional approaches. Balances practice and theory while focusing on developing the skills to help Indigenous leaders become effective project managers. Prerequisite: Only for students in the IBL EMBA program.

BUS 626 - Financial and Managerial Accounting for Indigenous Leaders (4)

Considers financial governance, financial and managerial accounting and focuses on how decisions are made within an organization and the importance of planning and controlling functions. Designed for mid-career professionals, community and business leaders, and champions who share a concern for sustainable economic development, ethical business practices, nation-building, and self-determination. Prior knowledge of accounting or exposure to accounting courses is not a prerequisite. Prerequisite: Only for students in the IBL EMBA program.

BUS 653 - Special Topics in Business Administration (2)

Course content varies from term to term. Specific course outlines must receive prior approval of the graduate program committee.

BUS 654 - Special Topics in Business Administration (2)

Course content varies from term to term. Specific course outlines must receive prior approval of the graduate program committee.

BUS 657 - Marketing Strategies for Indigenous Leadership (4)

Explores and advances strategic issues facing marketing decision-makers. Examines marketing approaches in Indigenous and multicultural contexts across a number of industries including government, private sector, entrepreneurial, social enterprise and healthcare. Designed for participants with a range of marketing expertise. A variety of approaches will be employed including seminars, workshops, guest speakers, and teamwork. Prerequisite: Only for students in the IBL EMBA program.

BUS 660 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)

Course content varies from term to term. Specific course outlines and bibliographies must receive prior approval of the graduate program committee.

Section Instructor Day/Time Location
G400 TBD
BUS 661 - Special Topics in Business Administration (4)

Course content varies from term to term. Specific course outlines and bibliographies must receive prior approval of the graduate program committee.

BUS 679 - Business Strategy for Indigenous Leaders (4)

Business Strategy provides students with the knowledge and tools to become a purpose-driven business leader. This course explores the tools and concepts of strategy, from internal and external analysis and competitive advantage to corporate strategy. We will examine how Indigenous business strategic practices and views can transform firms into catalysts for change. Prerequisite: Only for students in the IBL EMBA program.

No more than eight units of special topics courses will be permitted.

Program Length

Students are expected to complete the program requirements within six terms.

Academic Requirements within the Graduate General Regulations

All graduate students must satisfy the academic requirements that are specified in the Graduate General Regulations, as well as the specific requirements for the program in which they are enrolled.