Economics

This course examines the systematic study of internet finance related knowledge, including the emergence and development of internet finance and its impact on the traditional financial industry and the operation mechanism of internet finance modes. It covers third-party payment, P2P network credit, crowdfunding financing, e-money, digital currency, internet banking, e-commerce small loan and big data finance.

Venture Marketing focuses on how business start-ups and small/medium sized firms can create competitive advantages with limited marketing resources. Students focus on the marketing management process and how competitive advantage can be created using market research, product development, pricing strategies, and communication strategies. This course teaches students how to apply concepts, models, and theories from the domain of marketing in specific (new) business situations. Course activities include the use of case studies, a video (management) project, and a simulation.

The course examines critical economic issues that influence contemporary societies, including income inequality, labor market discrimination, poverty, exploitation, migration, and feminism. Focusing on both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of how economic disparities emerge, persist, and may be addressed. Students explore global perspectives, with a focus on Europe, the US, China, and India, analyzing the role of race, gender, and social origin in shaping economic opportunities and outcomes. The course also explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies shape income distribution, employment opportunities, and economic equity. As AI integrates into numerous industries, it influences wage structures, job availability, and productivity, often favouring those with access to specialised skills or technology. This course investigates whether AI reduces or exacerbates existing income gaps and examines if its benefits are distributed equitably across social and economic groups. The course also considers policies and regulatory frameworks that aim to ensure AI supports more inclusive economic outcomes.

This course introduces industrial organization (IO), including the study of market structure, theory of the firm, and some other important topics in IO. The focus is on some basic theoretical models and related empirical studies. Topics include perfect competition, monopoly, pricing mechanisms. Texts: Dennis W. Carlton and Jeffrey M. Perloff, MODERN INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION; Jean Tirole, THE THEORY OF INDUSTRIAL ORGANIZATION. Assessment: term paper and presentation (30%), class participation (10%), in-class presentation (30%), summary report (30%).

This course introduces economic concepts and theories for analyzing and evaluating sustainable development and practices. Students examine causes and potential solutions to environmental and social degradation, and learn the value of these services. Students also study the functions of businesses, governments and civic groups and the role of sustainable development.