University of Hong Kong

This course provides an advanced level understanding of the nature of urban transportation problems from an economic perspective. This course focuses on urban transportation as it is examined in the context of general economic, social and spatial trends in metropolitan settings. Particular attention is placed on the decision making process and how it affects policy choices. The course develops an understanding of relevant theories and analytical techniques, through the exploration of various cases drawn from different parts of the world. This course covers a wide range of topics in transportation economics: the major forces of transportation demand; conceptual and analytical models of travel behavior; the costs of driving; the role of transportation infrastructure in land use and economic development; the concept of accessibility. It also covers other topics in transportation policy with a discussion of relevant institutions being involved, including transportation finance, public transportation, non-motorized transportation modes, energy consumption, environment, land use and social equity. Through these topics, students are able to critically evaluate policies aimed to influence various urban transportation issues.

This course introduces the theories and practices of strategic communication, in the broader context of how NGOs, public relations firms, and other advocates seek to influence public opinion. Through readings, discussions, case studies and writing exercises, the course presents how to apply the methods these organizations use to build public awareness of their mission and brand. Students develop a comprehensive strategic communication plan, employing multiple media, for a local NGO.

This course is the first of a series of two intermediate financial accounting subjects. It builds on the foundation laid in the introductory accounting course to provide the required techniques in preparing and interpreting financial statements. It reviews the fundamental financial accounting concepts and focuses on the detailed recording and reporting of important items relating to the asset side of the balance sheet. It also examines the conceptual framework of accounting and financial statement presentation. This course provides the prerequisite knowledge to prepare for advanced accounting courses.

This course examines how the condition of globalization reveals itself in architecture and the urban environment. In our immediate surroundings, it benefits us greatly if we can grasp how the buildings that we inhabit are made and how they function. With an improved understanding of the various forces at play in the shaping of our human-made environment, we should be encouraged to think of ways to support a healthier kind of citizenry participation in the making of our buildings in the era of globalization. Paul Ricoeur described a condition of universal civilization that encapsulates a scientific spirit and consumer culture. Today, we are perhaps operating universally under the effects of globalization, aided in no small part by the advent of the information age as well as technological advancement, and a more liberal flow of capital and labor. This course explores the architecture and city we live in as a barometer that measures these effects – appraising specifically the qualities and identities of buildings and districts built or transformed as a result of globalization. By understanding the innovative and co-operative forms that have emerged, as well as resistances of local practices to external forces, we will be better equipped to cope with these global forces. This course examines seven different types of building typologies and environments in our cities.

Public policies and management do not take place in a vacuum. It is essential for public managers to possess a good awareness and understanding of their embedded political context. The course applies various institutional approaches to understand systematically the political-institutional structures and processes in which public policies and management are practiced and major reforms take place. The course draws on theories and practices developed by both academics and practitioners as its learning resources.

This course studies the principles of design, development and administration of database management systems for business applications. Emphasis is be placed on the user/developer/administrator points of view. Text: Jeffrey A. Hoffer et al., MODERN DATABASE MANAGEMENT. Assessment: class and online participation (10%), two written assignments (20%), group project consisting of a written report and presentation (30%), final exam (40%).

This course explores China's encounters with the West from the seventh century to the early twentieth century. It presents a series of case studies on Sino-Western exchanges in the cultural domain. Major topics will be discussed through an interdisciplinary approach to bring together several fields in religion, philosophy, ethics, arts, and sciences. The course also offers a cross-cultural perspective that goes beyond the limitations of traditional Euro-centric and/or China-centered views. Assessment: 100% coursework.

This course is intended for international students whose first language is not Chinese. It introduces the origins and evolution of Chinese characters; emphasizes formation and the structure of Chinese characters to break the puzzles of Chinese written form; presents distinctive features of the Chinese characters as a means to introduce the unique characteristics of the Chinese language and culture. The course teaches the writing skills to copy Chinese characters in correct stroke-order and the commonly used components of combined characters. The course teaches up to 220 Chinese characters and about 350 compound words. Students are taught how to use Chinese dictionaries in order to continue learning Chinese characters by themselves.

The course examines corporate financial decisions in an international setting starting with basic concepts of international financial markets. These concepts include the global foreign exchange market and its operations, the international capital market, the global bond market, the international equity markets, and cross-border portfolio investment. The course then discusses corporate financial decision issues including risk management, investment, capital structure, capital budgeting, and cash management in the global context. Text: C.S. Eun and B.G. Resnick, INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT. Assessment: in-class and tutorial performance, assignments, midterm exam, final exam.

China's space economy has undergone profound transformation over the past half a century. This course offers a selective evaluation of a number of issues that are critical to understanding China's ongoing economic and spatial transformation. Emphasis is placed on development strategies, agriculture, industry, transport, trade, and urban and regional development since 1949. The driving forces operating behind the scenes of economic transformation and the (un)intended consequences are critically evaluated.