This is a Mobile Learning Program.
As a student in this program you will require a mobile computing device, for example a laptop or tablet computer.
Review the Mobile Requirements >>
- Ontario College Graduate Certificate
- 1 Year
- Program Code:
- 1514X03FWO
- Academic Year:
- 2012/2013
Our Program
This one-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is delivered in collaboration with IBM and prepares students for entry to careers requiring specialized technical knowledge to support corporate use of Business Intelligence (BI). Students develop technical and soft skills to work as managers and collaboratively with peers to collect, analyze, design, build, support, integrate and manage systems to aid business decision making through data analysis using complex databases and data warehouses. Business and statistics courses provide the foundation for developing BI solutions to meet business needs.
Students research and evaluate current societal BI implementation and develop criteria for personal, professional and business use of BI. Students install, troubleshoot and configure BI platforms. Hands-on experience is provided in programming, database design and administration, operating systems, networking, and multi-tiered Enterprise Internet and intranet application solutions. Labs include extraction of operational data to create data warehouses, data mining, advanced data analysis, database sharding, Online Analytical Processing (OLAP), Relational OLAP and Multidimensional OLAP. Structured Query Language (SQL) extensions for OLAP, including data grouping, rollup, cube, multiple-column aggregations and materialized views are used. Students learn how to guide clients in the authoring of reports for data analysis, using Cognos software.
Students who maintain a College-prescribed academic standing and who possess the appropriate level of business communication skills may take part in a cooperative placement at the end of Level 02 for one 14-week paid work term.
Graduates may find employment in private, industrial, governmental and service sectors; such as organizations focused on software installation, support and maintenance, information service and technical support.
This program is part of Algonquin's mobile learning initiative. All students entering into the program are expected to have and use a laptop or mobile computing device that meets or exceeds the recommended hardware requirements as designated by the program. Students in mobile learning programs will use their devices to enhance their learning experience, obtain and work with course materials, participate in collaborative and mlearning environments and become skilled, confident users of the technologies used within an educational environment and workplace. Hardware and software specifications are outlined at http://mlearning.algonquincollege.com. Computers and supplies can be purchased directly from Algonquin's New Technology Store at educational rates.
SUCCESS FACTORS This program is well-suited for students who: . Are problem solvers and critical thinkers. . Are interested in working with computers and a wide range of technological applications (network, web, database and programming). . Enjoy working with others as well as independently. . Are organized in their work and pay attention to detail.
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Your Career
Graduates may find a variety of employment opportunities as BI specialists in IT technical support and customer service support. Training in database design and administration may also present job opportunities in those areas.
Employment may be found in organizations of all sizes in both the public and private sectors.
Depending on the previous education and experience of the students, graduates may be positioned to move into managerial positions
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Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with online learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.| Level: 01 | Hours | |
| CST2100 | Strategic Use of Business Intelligence In order to get the most out of business data, it is important to ask the right questions. Business principles and practices need to be placed in their operational context. Students examine legal, ethical and strategic uses of BI by businesses, to make sound decisions. Communications skills are refined to comprehend the client's requirements and provide guidance to appropriate solutions. In-class assignments and discussions along with case studies and group presentations explore how businesses use BI to gain competitive advantage in the marketplace. Predications of future applications are debated. | 45.0 |
| CST2101 | Business Intelligence Programming Students learn to use problem-solving methodologies, critical thinking, and hands-on practice to support the design and development of correct computer programs to meet client requirements, using Java and Javascript. Basic programming constructs are implemented. Students also explore web-based applications. | 60.0 |
| CST2102 | Database Analytics Students acquire practical experience using Oracle, an object-relational database management system. Advanced data modelling includes the creation of Entity Relationship models. Students have hands-on use of SQL (to create, modify and query a database), SQL scripts and PL/SQL. Emphasis is placed on data warehouses, the ETL (extract, transform and load) process, data mining, decision support, business intelligence, statistical analysis, security, database sharding and transaction control. | 75.0 |
| CST2103 | Networking Strategies for Business Intelligence Platforms Students learn the important concepts necessary to understand modern LAN and Internet networking and gain an appreciation of and perspective on the immense impact that networking is having on technology in general and society as a whole. Topics include a detailed study of the terminology and concepts related to the implementation and operation of computer networks; and the basic structure and design of networks; layered communications models; IP addressing and subnetting; industry standards for network media and protocols (with an emphasis on TCP/IP protocol suite and Ethernet). Labs provide practice in using common networking tools for diagnosis and troubleshooting typical network problems. The main focus of the course is on what networking strategies support the BI environment. | 60.0 |
| CST2104 | Operating System Component of Business Intelligence Platforms Students explore the concepts and core functions of the Windows and Linux operating systems in a stand-alone environment and the different administrative expectations in a multi-user environment. Students learn basic commands and capabilities of both operating systems, along with the skills required to perform system configuration, backups, system support and management. Typical tasks covered include, but are not limited to: installing and configuring operating systems, installing device drivers, managing memory, command-line environment, managing file systems, granting file permissions, troubleshooting the boot process and customizing the operating environment to meet BI requirements. | 60.0 |
| MGT0032 | Fundamentals of Quality Assurance This course provides an introduction to quality assurance and control programs within a business organization. Topics include the nature and history of quality, factors which affect quality, quality inspection and verification. The course also deals with collection and analysis and interpretation of data, histograms and frequency distributions, probability and its applications normal and binomial curves, control charts for variables and attributes and statistical sampling. | 39.0 |
| Level: 02 | Hours | |
| CST2200 | Database Systems Administration and Management Students are provided with practical experience in the administration of database management systems (DBMS) using Oracle. Study of DBMS architecture supports planning, maintenance, and database creation. Students add new users, grant and revoke privileges and learn about data governance, backup and recovery procedures. Students debate and defend positions on enterprise data management, data governance, data security and privacy. Prerequisites: CST2102 | 60.0 |
| CST2201 | Project Management Students are provided with the tools and strategies for managing technical projects. Students use strategies relating to team building, goal setting, leadership skills, scheduling and assessing performance. Student teams create a project charter and work on a project to develop their skills. Project management software tools are used to support scheduling and resource management. Opportunities to lead and to participate are provided throughout this course. Prerequisites: CST2100 | 28.0 |
| CST2202 | Introduction to Business Intelligence Architecture Students begin to work with Cognos BI Architecture and have the opportunity to complete a default single server installation of Cognos BI with MS-SQL and IIS. Other activities include restoring samples for MS-SQL Server databases, Cognos BI packages and reports; configuring virtual directories in IIS; and creating security objects with NT LAN Manager (NTLM). Prerequisites: CST2102 | 12.0 |
| CST2203 | Security and Administration of Business Intelligence Platforms Through a combination of lectures and hands-on exercises, students gain valuable experience with the tools needed to responsibly administer servers and content in Cognos BI. Students set up a Cognos BI system, implement security and manage the server components. Through the installation and configuration of add-ons, such as Cognos Office Connection and Map Manager, students also schedule tasks, manage and deploy content and set up a package based drill-through access. Prerequisites: CST2103 | 20.0 |
| CST2204 | Report Authoring Through hands-on demonstrations and workshops, students use report building techniques based on relational data models to enhance, customize, manage and distribute professional reports. Using Cognos Connection, Cognos BI portal interface, and Report Studio, students author reports that navigate and manipulate dimensional data structures. Prerequisites: CST2102 | 33.0 |
| CST2205 | Data Modeling Students design, build and maintain PowerCubes for use with Cognos BI. Students model both operational and star schema metadata and create a dimensional model to be used for Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) style querying. OLAP data sources are imported, managed and published. Prerequisites: CST2102 | 60.0 |
| CST2206 | Troubleshooting Business Intelligence Platforms Ongoing relationships with customers are a crucial component of successful BI platforms, through effective technical support either onsite or remotely. Students explore advanced topics that assist in resolving issues with Cognos BI; requiring indepth investigation of the architecture. Prerequisites: CST2103 | 40.0 |
| CST2207 | Business Intelligence Project Students participate in a group project. Teams of students use their knowledge of the Cognos BI architecture to install, troubleshoot, configure and customize the Cognos BI environment. Students also build, optimize and maintain a reporting environment using relational and OLAP data sources. Teams manage their projects and complete work in a timely fashion, ensuring that problems and solutions are well documented. Prerequisites: CST2100 and CST2101 and CST2102 and CST2103 and CST2104 | 32.0 |
| MGT0044 | Statistical Methods of Quality Assurance This course develops the more advanced statistical techniques to evaluate quality, analyze processes, products and out-of-control conditions, solve manufacturing problems, establish and evaluate specifications and tolerances, and reduce product variability. The course develops the skills of statistical analysis and decision making, testing of hypotheses, risks of incorrect decisions, estimation of population parameters, sample size determination, analysis of variance, correlation and regression techniques. Pre-requisite: MGT0032 Fundamentals of Quality Assurance or equivalent | 36.0 |
| WKT8100E | Cooperative Education Work Term Preparation Career planning, effective resumes, job search techniques, job interviews, raising one's profile, supervisors, security in the workplace, setting personal learning objectives, self-directed learning, co-op evaluations and work report guidelines are covered. | 15.0 |
| Co-op: 01 | Hours | |
| WKT8101E | Work Term I Students complete a cooperative work term, and submit a written report which documents the location of employment and the duties performed. Prerequisites: WKT8100E | 0.0 |
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Fees & Expenses
Tuition Fees: $4,196.00 per term.
Information Technology Fee: $62 per term. *
Mobile Computing Fee: $150 per term. **
Student Activity/Sports Fee: $200.50 per term.
Student Commons/Auditorium Fee: $22 per term.
Student Centre Building Fee: $17.50 per term.
Health Service Fee: $20 per term.
Health Plan Fee: $117.02 paid once annually. **
A $40 graduation fee is payable in the final term.
A $25 transcript fee is payable in the first term a student attends Algonquin College.
International Students pay all relevant Canadian fees plus an International Premium of $3,600 per term.
* Students paying the Information Technology fee are provided with a network account, an email address, and Internet access. For more information please visit our website at www.algonquincollege.com/its/support/IT-Fee/index-it-fee.htm.
** The Mobile Computing Fee covers the costs associated with providing various services to students registered in a mandatory laptop programs.
*** Students who have coverage with another plan can request a refund by supplying the Students' Association with documentation supporting the request. This request will have to be made annually.
Books and supplies cost approximately $850 and can be purchased in the campus bookstore. Selected books are available for a reduced price through ebook initiatives at www.coursesmart.com.
This program is a mandatory laptop program.
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Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Applicants with International transcripts must provide proof of either: TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 90, with the following minimum section requirements: Reading: 21; Listening: 20; Speaking: 27; Writing: 22; OR IELTS-International English Language Testing Service-Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band. <
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Application Information
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca. A $95 fee applies.
Applications for Fall Term, Winter Term and Spring Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International applicants applying from out-of-country can obtain the International Student Application Form at https://xweb.algonquincollege.com/FormIE/index.aspx or by contacting the Registrar's Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar's Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave, Room C150
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
Email: AskUs@algonquincollege.com
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Additional Information
Several courses in this program assist in the preparation for industry standards Oracle and Cognos examinations (CST2102, CST2200, CST2202, CST2203, CST2204, CST2205, CST2206 and CST2207).
Curriculum for this program is reviewed annually to reflect evolving industry standards in the information technology field.
Applicants should have basic computer skills, such as keyboard proficiency, Internet browsing and searching and proficiency with an office software suite (word processing, spreadsheets, etc.) prior to the start of the program.
This program has an annual intake in the Fall. For more information, please contact the Program Coordinator at coordbi@algonquincollege.com.
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