Business Skills Development Program

The Business Skills Development Program (BSDP) is offered to suitable candidates who apply to the MBA without a GMAT or GRE score. The BSDP is an option for students who have demonstrated strong undergraduate performance and/or have a well-established career. The program contains six modules intended to replace the need to write a GMAT exam. It is a great option for working professionals who do not have time to self-study for the GMAT prior to the MBA, or who have been out of school for a while and need to refresh their study skills and mindset, and could use a boost to their quantitative, communication, or reasoning skills. Students taking this route must successfully complete the BSDP in order to begin the MBA.

Program Structure

The program will consist of 6 modules. Students will have to complete the following modules:

Quantitative Analysis
Statistical Analysis
Reading Comprehension
Analytical Writing
Critical Thinking and Integrated Reasoning
Canadian Business Management

Program Schedule

The BSDP begins at the start of July and concludes at the end of August. Students must be on campus at the start of the program in order to begin. Specific scheduling details will be made available to students in the program.

Program Fees

The cost of tuition for Business Skills Development Program is C$ 5,000.00 for international students and C$2,500.00 for domestic students, plus ancillary term fees. Please visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/current-students/tuition-fees/paying-fees for payment instructions. The funds will be taken from a student's MBA deposit if they do not provide additional funds.

Program Requirements

Students must complete all modules within the Business Skills Development Program and must maintain a minimum average of 70 percent with no more than two modules less than 70 (but above 60 percent). A grade of less than 60 percent constitutes a failing grade.

Program modules are non-credit courses. Students who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion will allow student to claim exemption from GMAT/GRE requirement of Lakehead University’s MBA Program. Similar to the GMAT or GRE results, the certificate will be valid for five years within which period students will be able to gain entry into Lakehead MBA Program without a GMAT/GRE Score.

Students who do not pass a specific module may apply to write a Special Examination for that Module. A student may only write Special Exams in two modules. If they do not pass the special exams or if they fail more than two modules they will be required to repeat the program. A Special Exam fee will apply.

There are no prerequisites among the modules. Students may only repeat the Business Skills Development Program once.

Application Process

Students are automatically considered for the BSDP when they apply without a GMAT score. If you do not receive an offer to the BSDP in your admission letter, you must meet the GMAT requirement by submitting a GMAT score that reaches the minimum requirements outlined in your offer letter. To be considered for the BSDP, students must have a minimum of 5-years of work experience (post bachelor's degree) and a B+ GPA. Students who exceed one category but do not meet the other may also be considered.

Important Notes and Considerations

An offer into the MBA is not a guaranteed spot in the BSDP. Students who do not receive a BSDP condition in their MBA offer letter should be prepared to write the GMAT exam according to their offer letter conditions.
Students with a strong GPA and work-experience are given priority. You should be aware that there is a strong chance of rejection if you do not meet at least one of those key indicators.
International Students with a BSDP offer should apply for their study permit as soon as possible. While visa processing delays are out of a student's control, their timely submission of the study permit application is expected. Offers to the BSDP will no longer be made to international students once the processing time to receive a visa is no longer feasible before the start of the BSDP.
Students cannot complete other conditions (English language programs, undergraduate degree) concurrently with the BSDP. All other non-GMAT conditions must be met before the BSDP commences.
The BSDP takes place in Thunder Bay and students must arrive on time.
The BSDP is a non-credit program. There is no certificate of completion and it is only recognized by the Lakehead University MBA Program. Similar to writing a GMAT, domestic students do not receive a T2202A tax form and international students do not claim the study time towards their Post Graduate Work Permit.
An offer to the BSDP cannot be deferred

Module Details

Quantitative Analysis

This module is designed to provide students with mathematical concepts used in social sciences. The focus will be to interpret and solve problems and to develop simple mathematical models. Topics include linear and non-linear functions and models, solving linear and non-linear systems of equations, matrices, linear programming, quadratics, exponential and logarithmic functions and differential equations. At the end of this module a student will possess heightened ability to manipulate and solve different types of equations especially from an algebraic perspective.

Statistical Analysis

This module deals with processing of information in quantitative form, imparting techniques of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics include measuring and analyzing statistical data, probability distributions, covariance/correlation and independence, sampling distributions and control charts, hypothesis testing, experimental design, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. The module emphasizes how to apply various statistical techniques in the support of managerial decisions in the various functional areas of business.

Reading Comprehension

This module will help to develop reading comprehension skills in students. The purpose of this module is to review techniques for effective and efficient extraction of pertinent information from reading passages and to communicate their understanding of the material. The module will include opportunities for students to practice these skills.

Analytical Writing

This module will develop student’s ability to write analytically. The purpose is to prepare students for writing at a graduate level by systematically analyzing materials and developing an argument that is supported with theory and evidence. Students will develop and practice analytical writing skills.

Critical Thinking and Integrated Reasoning

This module will hone students’ ability to apply analysis, critical thinking, and reasoning in new situations to develop solutions to new and complex problems. Students will critically appraise materials, consider contextual factors and ambiguous information, and practice the principles of integrated reasoning, including graphic interpretation and table analysis, logic, and problem solving.

Canadian Business Management

This module will examine relevant economic, legal, political, and social factors necessary to understand the business environment in Canada. The purpose of the module is to ensure that all students enter the MBA program with a shared understanding of fundamental business practices in Canada.