Applied Business Technology Program
This program provides essential computer, communication and business skills in the field of office administration. In addition to classroom knowledge, students gain first-hand experience in office environments, through industry support, work experience, guest speakers and field trips. The majority of NEC ABT graduates are successful in finding employment as administrative assistants in government positions, private and public organizations as well as with Aboriginal organizations.
NEC’s ABT graduation success rate is extremely high due to its supportive community atmosphere, individual tutoring, and smaller class sizes.
There are three options of completion:
ABT Citation – Fall Semester
The Citation prepares the student for further post-secondary success by providing the skills to create, edit and produce professionally formatted and grammatically correct computerized documents. Students develop their knowledge of business terminology and gain experience in business practices, decision making and interpersonal communications.
ABT Advanced Citation – Winter and Spring Semesters
The student with previous computer experience may enter the program in January and complete the seven-month ABT Advanced Citation. Students will master advanced level computer, communication, and administrative skills. In the Advanced Citation they will also participate in team projects that simulate practical business applications - organize information systems; plan finances; develop promotional materials; produce reports, charts, graphs, databases and presentations.
ABT Certificate – Fall, Winter and Spring Semesters
Following fall and winter program completion, spring semester courses emphasize preparedness for employment in the field of office administration. Completing the ten-month certificate which culminates in a six-week office practicum is the ideal option for networking and obtaining employment in the student’s preferred field.
Entrance Requirements:
• Grade 12 Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum C average in Grade 12 English and Grade 11 math
OR
• Over 21 and meeting Mature Applicant requirements
Program Content:
Fall Semester Credits
ABT 110 Keyboarding 3
ABT 120 Microsoft Word I 3
ABT 130 Computer Applications I 3
ABT 140 Business English 3
ABT 150 Human Relations for Office Personnel 3
ABT 160 Business Math and Bookkeeping Procedures 3
Prerequisite – 15 WPM typing speed
Winter Semester Credits
ABT 210 Speed and Accuracy 3
ABT 220 Microsoft Word II 3
ABT 230 Computer Applications II 3
ABT 240 Business Communications 3
ABT 250 Administrative Procedures 3
Prerequisite – 25 WPM typing speed,
and basic computer knowledge
Spring Semester Credits
ABT 260 Reports and Presentations 3
ABT 290 Advanced Computer Projects 3
ABT 280 Job Search Techniques 3
ABT 270 Office Practicum 3
Total Certificate Credits = 45
:
Course Descriptions
ABT 110 Computer Keyboarding
Credits: 3
This course accommodates both the beginner typist and those with some previous typing experience. Lessons progress from the basics of the home row, alphabetic, numeric and symbol keys to revising and formatting documents, and interpreting proof-reader’s marks. Daily drilling exercises and timings for speed assist students in developing accurate keyboarding skills to a required speed of 25 words per minute.
Prerequisite: 15 WPM typing speed.
ABT 120 MS Word Level I
Credits: 3
Word Level I is designed to teach the setup, format and organization of letters, memos, tables, and flyers. Students learn to manage files, and use text and graphic formatting, indents, borders, clip art, word art, spellchecker and the thesaurus.
ABT 130 Computer Applications I
Credits: 3
During this “hands-on” computer training, students will develop a basic working knowledge of computer operations and software. Learners are introduced to the basics of computer theory, file management, computer troubleshooting, and use of the Internet and e-mail. In Microsoft Excel, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of spreadsheet design and construction as a tool to solve business problems. PowerPoint topics will include creating slide presentations and designing flyers.
ABT 140 Business English
Credits: 3
This course progresses from developing effective strategies in business communication and understanding communication barriers to editing documents for correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and style. Students will learn to express themselves clearly and confidently both verbally and in writing.
ABT 150 Human Relations for Office Personnel
Credits: 3
Students will have opportunities to develop interpersonal skills that contribute to developing a professional image and learning to be effective communicators - as individuals and within team environments. Learners will assess their human relations strengths and weaknesses, consider how they relate to others, and practice strategies for effective decision-making, and dealing with conflict and change.
ABT 160 Business Math and Bookkeeping Procedures
Credits: 3
Students will learn essential accounting concepts and practices from understanding the purpose of the balance sheet to classifying accounts, coding transactions into debit and credit parts and preparing a trail balance and income statement. A review of mathematics will cover whole numbers, decimals and fractions, then deal with percent calculations and their application in payroll, interest, trade and cash discounts, markup and markdown, and interest calculations.
ABT 210 Speed and Accuracy
Credits: 3
This course is designed to provide the learner with the skills necessary to touch-type at a minimum speed of 40 words per minute on a five-minute timing. A diagnostic software program will be used to access individual progress and provide drills for correcting weaknesses.
Prerequisite: Keyboarding speed of 25 words per minute
ABT 220 MS Word Level II
Credits: 3
This course is designed to give the learner the skill needed to create letters, labels, tables, memos, minutes, invitations, forms, business cards, newsletters, flyers, merged letters and more. Students will use most of the advanced features of this popular business program, and are encouraged to use creativity to produce business documents that conform to current industry formatting and grammar standards.
ABT 230 Computer Applications II
Credits: 3
Students will develop proficiency in the most popular business applications and operating system (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Windows), and will learn to select and apply appropriate software for business related tasks, manage a computer filing system and use system tools to customize settings and prevent potential malfunctions. A major focus of the course is to achieve business standards for efficiency and quality of work.
ABT 240 Business Communications
Credit: 3
This course focuses on composing messages, e-mail, press releases, memos, letters and short reports, that use professional vocabulary clear, unified and coherent paragraphs and are free from errors in spelling, grammar, and style. Students will compare the techniques for writing favourable, disappointing, and persuasive letters and write letters of request, acknowledgement, response, thank you, complaint, refusal, and collection.
ABT 250 Administrative Procedures
Credits: 3
This course addresses the role and responsibilities of the Administrative Assistant in the modern business office. Topics include mail procedures, records management, travel arrangements, conference organization, facilitating meetings, and working in teams. Using Internet Explorer students will navigate the Web to locate, select, evaluate and organize information using appropriate resources.
ABT 260 Reports and Presentations
Credits: 3
This course will provide learners with the skills to gather, organize and summarize research information using appropriate resources to produce complete reports. Formatting includes headers, footers, graphics, footnotes, tables of contents, indices and bibliographies as well as section styles, incorporating the elements of good writing. Students develop confidence delivering oral presentations, accompanied by overheads and effective PowerPoint slides and career planning.
ABT 290 Advanced Computer Projects
Credits: 3
Desktop publishing design principles will be used to create and produce a variety of personal and professional documents, including letterhead, business cards, flyers, brochures, newsletters and manuals. Students will apply their knowledge of business tools through designing integrated applications requiring the transfer of data files and formats from one software system to another for efficient information management.
ABT 280 Job Search Techniques
Credits: 3
This course provides students with an opportunity to develop the employment strategies needed for securing and keeping employment. Students will prepare a professional portfolio, research employment opportunities, prepare and apply for jobs, undertake a job interview and evaluate their own performance in the job application process. During this course, the student will find a practicum placement.
ABT 270 ABT Office Practicum
Credits: 3
Students will be placed in a work practicum at two office sites for a total of six-weeks of work experience. This networking opportunity is designed to provide practical experience in technical and administrative support, and referrals for potential employment. Successful completion of all courses and consistent attendance is a pre-requisite for these placements. On completion of the practicum students will return for debriefing and job search assistance.
