HKUST Full-Time MBA - Electives Electives comprise over 40% of the curriculum and let you delve more deeply into the subjects that matter most to you and your future. A mix of full-time, part-time and exchange-in students take electives together to encourage integration and experience sharing. Students joining the international exchange program can take electives in partner schools and transfer the credits back to HKUST. Over 70 electives are available in the HKUST MBA program, provided along 5 career tracks to allow greater flexibility in tailoring studies to meet your career goals. General Management in China China in the Global Economy (ECON 512) This course provides an understanding of macroeconomic accounts, develops in students the ability to anticipate changes in the macroeconomic environment and economic policy, and introduces tools to evaluate the impact of these changes on the business environment in China context. Investment and Finance in China (FINA 533) Providing a practical understanding of foreign investment in China, this course shows how financing is used for trade and investment in the country. Through the current events portion of each class, the latest developments in investment and finance in China are discussed. The topics covered include China s banking system, foreign direct investment and alternatives to direct investment using actual cases, trade and trade finance, infrastructure finance and China s stock markets, and the process of listing a PRC company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Financial Markets in China (FINA 5340) This course provides an overview of China s financial markets, their latest development, and future trends. Students acquire knowledge of the history and special situation of China s financial system, a basic understanding of the current issues, structure, regulation, and future trends in the different sectors of that system, and the key organizations in each sector. Building a Powerful Consumer Brand in China (MARK 535) In this course, students learn to appreciate the challenge of establishing a strong consumer brand in China from the perspective of the GM of a multinational corporation. The course outlines the practical steps that a GM needs to take when scoping an opportunity, tailoring a product and marketing mix, and measuring success. Each step is illustrated with real world examples of products that have been developed and launched by PepsiCo, other multinational companies, and rapidly growing Chinese enterprises.
Managing in Asia (MGMT 552) Top executives in Asia discuss their company strategies and share their management and personal growth experiences with students in this course. The focus is on the Greater China region, with an emphasis on the fast-moving consumer goods, human resources, and finance sectors. Students are expected to be actively involved in the dialogue with the speakers. Leadership in Asia (MGMT 650L) This course provides ample scope for developing a greater understanding of globalization and the associated changes taking place in Asia. The topics covered include leadership and globalization, business ethics, corporate social responsibility, managing diversity, the role of government, and civil society in Asia. Politics and Socioeconomic Environment of China (SBMT 5400) The purpose of this course is to help students gain a systematic understanding of the political and socioeconomic environment of doing business in China. Students examine major changes in polities and social life amid marketization, internationalization, and privatization. Drawing on diverse analytical perspectives, the driving forces of major events and processes, and their implications for business, are discussed. China's External Relations and their Economic Impact (SBMT 5580) This course provides students with a broad overview of China's foreign policy and its economic ramifications. The country has transformed from one of the world's poorest into an engine of growth for the world economy, with its foreign policy geared towards ensuring a peaceful regional and global environment by enhancing trade and investment between China and the rest of the world. Guest speakers share their perspectives with students. China Field Trip (SBMT 601M) Building on students understanding of doing business in China, this course develops their industry and company analysis skills, and their business communication skills. Students work in syndicates for a field study and conduct preliminary research into an allocated company and industry. The field study is an intensive experience with company visits and social activities, after which students are required to prepare presentations on their related insights and learning. Finance Money and Macroeconomics (ECON 540) This course provides a systematic introduction to the U.S. and Eurodollar financial markets. Students analyze the major financial markets in the context of the macroeconomy. For each market, the instruments traded, their risks, liquidity and return offered, their uses, and how the market for them is made by money market brokers, dealers, and investors are discussed. Important innovations in the use of derivatives securities are also introduced.
Value Investing from an Economic Perspective (ECON 541) Students are introduced to the precepts of value investing in this course. The focus is on the equity market, beginning with the classic Graham and Dodd investing criteria of stock searching, valuation, and the design of an optimal portfolio. Innovations to the classic criteria and the use of derivates in the portfolio are also introduced. Corporate Risk Management (FINA 515) In this course, students are exposed to the practical and theoretical issues in risk management from the corporate end-user's perspective. They also gain knowledge of the benefits and optimal strategies of risk management and discuss current cases that have been debated in the media. Asset Securitization (FINA 517) This course introduces the analysis of structured securities. It catalogues the world of cash- and derivative-based structured products. Students are exposed to the essential methods used by rating agencies in appraising the credit of cash structures: ABS, MBS and CDOs. Investment Analysis (FINA 5210) This course introduces students to fundamental concepts in investment analysis. The first part covers the risk and return tradeoff, portfolio diversification, and modern portfolio theory including the capital asset pricing model and arbitrage pricing theory. The second part covers basic analytical tools used in analyzing fixed income securities. Equity Investment Management (FINA 5220) Students are introduced to the complete investment process in this course, from constructing investment objectives and policies to broad class asset allocation, monitoring, and performance measurement and attribution. Practical issues relating to investment style, active and passive management, and stock market inefficiency are also discussed. Advanced techniques in portfolio construction, such as the Black-Litterman model, and single index and multi-factor models, are studied. Derivative Analysis (FINA 529) This course provides students with a practical working knowledge of various derivatives. It aims at demystifying key derivative products, including forwards and futures, options, and swaps. Students acquire an understanding of how these derivatives are traded, what the payoffs for the investors are, and how they can be valued. When possible, recent innovations in financial markets are discussed in class. Advanced Derivative Analysis (FINA 530) Advanced techniques in option pricing and derivative risk management are covered in this course. Topics include the binomial model, risk-neutral valuation, extension of the Black-Scholes pricing model, and option Greeks. The course also discusses and analyzes options on futures, interest rate options such as caps and floors, and some popular OTC projects such as equity linked notes and principal guaranteed funds.
Investment and Finance in China (FINA 533) Providing a practical understanding of foreign investment in China, this course shows how financing is used for trade and investment in the country. Through the current events portion of each class, the latest developments in investment and finance in China are discussed. The topics covered include China s banking system, foreign direct investment and alternatives to direct investment using actual cases, trade and trade finance, infrastructure finance and China s stock markets, and the process of listing a PRC company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Strategic Finance and Value Creation (FINA 535) This course covers key valuation techniques including the discounted cash flow approach and valuation by multiples. It helps students to understand how firms manage and create value through restructuring assets, liabilities, and organizational design. The course is divided into four broad content categories including the cost of capital, financing and payout strategies, valuation, and corporate governance and corporate control. The goal of the course is to provide students with a framework that will enhance their ability to analyze complex financial problems faced by real-world managers, CFOs, and analysts. Fixed Income Analysis (FINA 5360) This course introduces the basic valuation techniques of traditional fixed-income securities and certain derivatives related to fixed-income securities. The course begins with reviewing basic concepts such as price-yield relationship, discount factors, par-bond yields, forward rates, and price sensitivity measures. These concepts are followed by yield curve fitting techniques and portfolio strategies. It then moves on to topics in managing interest-rate risk using repos, floating rate securities, interest-rate forwards, interest-rate and bond futures, and interest-rate swaps. Both economic intuition and quantitative skills are emphasized. Equity valuation (FINA 537) Students are exposed to the key elements of equity valuation in this course. The topics covered include basic valuation approaches such as the dividend discount model, the free cash flow model, and valuation by multiples, measures of company performance and value added, and valuation in special situations such as emerging markets, closely held companies, mergers, and divestitures. Raising Debt in the Financial Markets (FINA 5380) This course is designed to develop an in-depth understanding of the choices open to companies in terms of debt financing, and to provide students with an introduction to the domestic and international debt financial markets with special attention given to Hong Kong and Asian markets generally. The goal is to provide students with a sound base of practical information relating to debt capital markets, loan markets, and the instruments required to tailor financing to the actual needs of companies. Venture Capital and Private Equity (FINA 539) This course provides students with an overview of the venture capital and private equity markets in Asia. Special attention is paid to deal structuring, valuation techniques, due diligence and post-investment management, understanding the terms in term sheets, negotiating term sheets, going public, trade sale and other exit strategies. Real-world examples from throughout Asia are used to illustrate these topics.
Behavioral Finance (FINA 542) In this course, students examine how the attitudes and behavior of individuals affect their financial decisions and financial markets. The topics covered include a review of the psychological foundations of finance, imperfect markets and limited arbitrage, market anomalies, and trading strategies. Risk Management for Financial Institutions (FINA 5440) This course provides a brief overview of financial intermediaries and their functions. With the aid of case studies, students focus on measures of interest rate risk, including the periodic (re-pricing) gap and duration gap, the management of interest rate risk using the appropriate composition of assets and liabilities, futures, options, caps, floors, collars, and swaps, value at risk measures, the management of credit risk, off-balance sheet risk, liquidity risk, capital adequacy, and deposit insurance. Hedge Funds (FINA 545) The objective of this course is to equip students with the necessary techniques and background knowledge to analyze hedge fund investments. The topics include standard terminology, operational and legal structures, the anatomy of hedge fund strategies, performance analysis, and hedge fund derivatives products. Students study how hedge fund managers generate superior returns, the risks involved, and the potential pitfalls. Global Economy and Emerging Markets (FINA 5630) This course introduces students to the development of emerging markets by using a map to understand the influences of civilizations, cultures and religions. Students learn how to judge whether an emerging market is healthy or sick. By using actual experience in real markets and live research, they discover more about some of the most important emerging markets right now: Indonesia, China and India. The course focuses on excessive leverage, which is always the main cause of financial crises Statistical Methods for Risk Management (FINA 5830) This course introduces several risk management models that risk managers of financial institutions use to measure and manage various sources of financial risk including market risk, interest rate risk, and default risk, among others. Emphasis is placed on the development of hands-on experience, including the calibration of models and the data issues faced in the application of these models. The course is intended for all students considering a career in quantitative risk management, whether in the insurance, banking, or non-financial sectors. Investing for the Long Term A Practical Perspective (FINA 6900C) This course aims to address the challenges of long term investment for professionals and individuals alike and offer a practical perspective on how to better grow and protect wealth. Students will examine market performances across the medium and long term, overview the major asset classes of debt, equity, commodities and real estate, and discuss an analytical framework for filtering investment decisions. Decision making is also emphasized in this course and students will be required to present and defend their personal portfolios in class. Financial Market in China (FINA 691C) This course provides an overview of China s financial markets, their latest development, and future trends. Students acquire knowledge of the history and special situation of China s financial system, a basic understanding of the current issues, structure, regulation, and future trends in the different sectors of that system, and the key organizations in each sector.
Valuing Companies (FINA 691D) The basic approach to valuing companies has applications for chief financial officers, entrepreneurs, merger and acquisition professionals, private equity investors, hedge fund managers, and public market value investors. Knowledge of basic modeling techniques and financial accounting is assumed as the course is about developing a thought process rather than learning facts or specific techniques. Students gain a greater ability to look at a company through publicly available information and to make judge the relative strengths and weakness of that company and its position within a market. Cash and Treasury Management (FINA 691G) This course is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge and theory required to understand the essential principles and functional practices of corporate cash and treasury management. The course covers how to make decisions about cash and liquidity positions, credit extension and collections, payables, bank relations, short-term investing and borrowing, and developing near-term financial plans. Introduction to Islamic Banking and Finance (FINA 691H) Focused on the basic concepts of Islamic banking and finance, this course differentiates Islamic and conventional financial systems, and introduces some fundamental Islamic financial products. The theories and concepts behind those products are also examined. Entrepreneurial Finance and Family Business (FINA 691I) The course is designed to investigate how firms evolve from an entrepreneurial idea to eventually becoming a family business. The course consists of two sessions focused on entrepreneurial finance, one session on the transformation from entrepreneurial to family business, and five sessions on aspects of family business. The course objective is to understand how the uniqueness of family firms arises from a set of key assets and constraints which are similar across firms, countries, and cultures. HKUST Student-Managed Investment Fund (SBMT 6010A) This course will offer students hands-on experiences in securities research and portfolio management. Selected MBA and senior undergraduate students will be assigned to work on different industries, submit research reports and manage the fund by making decisions on which Hong Kong listed companies to invest in. Consulting and Strategic Management Strategy and Organization (ECON 518) This course uses economic analysis and case studies to examine the design of organizations, and the relationship between organizational structure and corporate strategy. The first half of the course focuses on relationships within the firm, topics includes agency problems, incentive pay, internal labor policies, conflict and cooperation among divisions, and transfer pricing. The second half of the course focuses on the boundaries and market relationships of the firm, topics include horizontal mergers and conglomerate diversification, internal capital market, vertical integration, and other vertical relationships such as franchising and strategic contracts.
Strategic Finance and Value Creation (FINA 535) This course covers key valuation techniques including the discounted cash flow approach and valuation by multiples. It helps students to understand how firms manage and create value through restructuring assets, liabilities, and organizational design. The course is divided into four broad content categories including the cost of capital, financing and payout strategies, valuation, and corporate governance and corporate control. The goal of the course is to provide students with a framework that will enhance their ability to analyze complex financial problems faced by real-world managers, CFOs, and analysts. Valuing Companies (FINA 691D) The basic approach to valuing companies has applications for chief financial officers, entrepreneurs, merger and acquisition professionals, private equity investors, hedge fund managers, and public market value investors. Knowledge of basic modeling techniques and financial accounting is assumed as the course is about developing a thought process rather than learning facts or specific techniques. Students gain a greater ability to look at a company through publicly available information and to make judge the relative strengths and weakness of that company and its position within a market. Data Mining for Business Intelligence (ISOM 5270) This course introduces the basic concepts of and data mining techniques for business intelligence. The emphasis is on practical applications of business intelligence tools to solve business problems, such as customer relationship management and so on. Students will gain hands-on experience with popular business intelligence tools. Business Optimization (ISOM 571) The science and technology of informed decision making is at the core of this course, which focuses on optimizing business processes. Students use spreadsheet decision modeling in Excel throughout. They benefit from an emphasis on problem formulation and managerial insights. This course is of particular relevance to managerial decision problems in diverse industries and functional areas including finance and accounting, human resources, marketing, and operations. Channel Management (MARK 5340) In this course, students study the role of channel design and management in formulating and implementing marketing strategy, and frameworks for the effective analysis, design, and management of channel networks. The course takes a managerial approach to the distribution problem. Channel intermediaries, such as wholesalers and retailers, are discussed. A formal process for the design of an effective and efficient marketing channel is examined, and the impacts of the other elements of the marketing mix on channel management are considered. Channel management issues such as power and conflict, communication and channel evaluation are also addressed. Applied Strategic Thinking (MGMT 5510) Through this course, students gain the immediate ability to contribute to the strategic conversations of senior management and develop strategic plans for organizations. They learn to think strategically and are given the opportunity to apply that thinking in a team environment.
Consulting Skills for Managers (MGMT 5540) This course provides students with the key skills that management consultants use to solve business problems. Students learn how to frame and structure problems, use fact-based analysis to solve them, decide on recommendations and create powerful stories to communicate them. These skills are useful for managers in all industries rather than just those who want consulting as a future career option. Implementing Strategy (MGMT 556) In this course, students seek to understand the common reasons for strategies not achieving their full potential and the organizational factors that result in sub-optimal implementation. On the basis of this understanding, students explore a framework for translating strategy into action, and action into outcomes. Applied Mergers and Acquisitions (MGMT 650G) This course is designed to prepare business managers to succeed as members of M&A project teams. Students work out how M&A can help achieve a strategy, learn how M&A transactions work in practice from search to merger integration, gain insights into the particular opportunities and challenges of M&A in China, and apply this thinking in a team environment. International Growth (MGMT 650H) Why and how corporations grow internationally form the dual focus of this course. In a world fixated by globalization, students examine the most fundamental questions for companies that are planning and managing their overseas growth. They learn about a good strategy for international growth, the most important drivers of success, and how companies recover when things go wrong. Business Modeling (MGMT 669B) In this course, students enhance their modeling skills through a range of practical exercises and case studies built around five themes, including the principles of modeling and working with Excel, powerful formulae, making models robust, manipulating and analyzing information, and solving business problems. China Field Trip (SBMT 601M) Building on students understanding of doing business in China, this course develops their industry and company analysis skills, and their business communication skills. Students work in syndicates for a field study and conduct preliminary research into an allocated company and industry. The field study is an intensive experience with company visits and social activities, after which students are required to prepare presentations on their related insights and learning. Entrepreneurship and Family Business Venture Capital and Private Equity (FINA 539) This course provides students with an overview of the venture capital and private equity markets in Asia. Special attention is paid to deal structuring, valuation techniques, due diligence and post-investment management, understanding the terms in term sheets, negotiating term sheets, going public, trade sale and other exit strategies. Real-world examples from throughout Asia are used to illustrate these topics.
Entrepreneurial Finance and Family Business (FINA 691I) The course is designed to investigate how firms evolve from an entrepreneurial idea to eventually becoming a family business. The course consists of two sessions focused on entrepreneurial finance, one session on the transformation from entrepreneurial to family business, and five sessions on aspects of family business. The course objective is to understand how the uniqueness of family firms arises from a set of key assets and constraints which are similar across firms, countries, and cultures. Technology and Innovation Management (ISOM 5370) This course provides a comprehensive introduction to TIM from the strategic perspective, and addresses key issues such as technology and innovation decision making, open innovation systems, lead user innovation, intellectual property portfolio management, and national innovation systems. Specifically, it highlights how technology can facilitate corporate innovation. Students obtain basic skills in formulating TIM-based competitive strategies. Implementing Strategy (MGMT 556) In this course, students seek to understand the common reasons for strategies not achieving their full potential and the organizational factors that result in sub-optimal implementation. On the basis of this understanding, students explore a framework for translating strategy into action, and action into outcomes. International Growth (MGMT 650H) Why and how corporations grow internationally form the dual focus of this course. In a world fixated by globalization, students examine the most fundamental questions for companies that are planning and managing their overseas growth. They learn about a good strategy for international growth, the most important drivers of success, and how companies recover when things go wrong. Challenges, Opportunities and Options of Starting Up (MGMT 6500A) This course explores the story behind the inception and evolution of a technology company, from start-up to IPO, as discussed by the founder himself. While the nature of the company is technology, implications can be drawn for other start ups. Marketing Data Mining for Business Intelligence (ISOM 5270) This course introduces the basic concepts and data mining techniques for business intelligence. The emphasis is on practical applications of business intelligence tools to solve business problems, such as customer relationship management and so on. Students will gain hands-on experience with popular business intelligence tools. Understanding the Consumer (MARK 529) A clear understanding of the principles, concepts and results of consumer behavior is critical to successful marketing. In this course, available theory and research concerning the behavior of the consumer is examined with the goal of understanding how marketing managers can use these ideas. In addressing different questions, the course offers students an appreciation of how getting inside the mind of the consumer enables the marketing manager to design better, more effective marketing strategies.
Marketing Research (MARK 531) This course introduces students to methods of structuring, analyzing and measuring major classes of marketing problems. Also covered are the quantitative aspects of demand, consumer reactions to product characteristics, advertising effectiveness, and the effectiveness of competitors strategies. Brand Management (MARK 533) This course provides students with an understanding of what brand equity is and then uses a structured approach for managing and leveraging it to gain competitive advantage. The emphasis is on the actual decisions a manager makes and their long-term effects on brand equity. Cases and a simulation game are used to demonstrate common pitfalls that must be avoided to build brand equity. Channel Management (MARK 5340) In this course, students study the role of channel design and management in formulating and implementing marketing strategy, and frameworks for the effective analysis, design, and management of channel networks. The course takes a managerial approach to the distribution problem. Channel intermediaries, such as wholesalers and retailers, are discussed. A formal process for the design of an effective and efficient marketing channel is examined, and the impacts of the other elements of the marketing mix on channel management are considered. Channel management issues such as power and conflict, communication and channel evaluation are also addressed. Building a Powerful Consumer Brand in China (MARK 535) In this course, students learn to appreciate the challenge of establishing a strong consumer brand in China from the perspective of the GM of a multinational corporation. The course outlines the practical steps that a GM needs to take when scoping an opportunity, tailoring a product and marketing mix, and measuring success. Each step is illustrated with real world examples of products that have been developed and launched by PepsiCo, other multinational companies, and rapidly growing Chinese enterprises. Doing Business in China from an Operator s Perspective (MARK6900B) Students will get an overview on the operating environment in China today by learning more about the cultural background of its consumers, market entry obstacles as well as do s and don ts of doing business there. The course will also address the challenges faced by companies aiming to capture market opportunities in China and the solutions they have come up with. This is a case based course and active classroom participation is required. Sales Management (MARK6900C) In this practical course, students will gain a deeper appreciation of the role of the sales function in bringing value to an organization, whether one is trying to retail consumer products or to conclude more complex deals. The necessary activities needed to ensure sales success are also covered, such as establishing leads, preparing for and negotiating deals, managing the sales department as well as coordinating multi-functional teams for large deals. A case study approach is used to bring out the various issues. Strategies in Business Markets (MARK 6900D) Business markets refer to those where both the sellers and the buyers are business entities, rather than individual consumers. This course will focus on the set of generic strategies that are proven, well founded, and unique to the business markets. Students will learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of existing strategic tools, implementation of strategies in competitive environments, and new tools specific to this context.
Managing in Asia (MGMT 552) Top executives in Asia discuss their company strategies and share their management and personal growth experiences with students in this course. The focus is on the Greater China region, with an emphasis on the fast-moving consumer goods, human resources, and finance sectors. Students are expected to be actively involved in the dialogue with the speakers. International Growth (MGMT 650H) Why and how corporations grow internationally form the dual focus of this course. In a world fixated by globalization, students examine the most fundamental questions for companies that are planning and managing their overseas growth. They learn about a good strategy for international growth, the most important drivers of success, and how companies recover when things go wrong. Business Modeling (MGMT 669B) In this course, students enhance their modeling skills through a range of practical exercises and case studies built around five themes, including the principles of modeling and working with Excel, powerful formulae, making models robust, manipulating and analyzing information, and solving business problems. Others Innovation and Intellectual Property Law (ISOM 5200) From a managerial perspective, this course addresses legal issues related to business process innovations, patent law, copyright law, and trademark laws. The topics are related to international issues and challenges arising from new business models and innovative processes, such as discussions of the legal issues associated with electronic commerce and internationally integrated supply-chain logistics processes. Students require no legal training or background. Fundamentals of Database Management (ISOM 526) Covering the key elements of database management systems, this course emphasizes business applications and technical and administrative considerations in database implementation. Students implement a business system using a commercial software package. Irrational and Rational Thinking and Judgment in Management (MGMT 5490) This course is an in-depth discussion on the nature of human thinking and judgment. The overall emphasis is on illustrating errors and biases in thinking and judgment, and their managerial implications. In other words, the class is designed to give students a rational mind. The topics include common biases, experts and novices, heuristics, judgment under uncertainty, the non-rational escalation of commitment, and the psychology of delaying decisions. Maximizing Your Leadership Potential (MGMT 5530) This course approaches leadership from the individual s perspective and provides a practical, step-by-step approach to developing two of the most important pillars of a successful business career. First, a personal-insight based action plan to strengthen individual effectiveness and leadership to succeed in a senior leadership position. Second, a clear career development plan that targets the capabilities and experience necessary to be appointed to a senior leadership position.
Managing Change (MGMT 6500E) This course will prepare students to better facilitate change and cope with its associated challenges by learning how to recognize and deal with resistance, assess their own management skills and formulate a development plan. Students will also explore the components and strategies associated with the change process, different roles of the change agent, as well as the organizational context and culture where the change take place. Last updated: October 7, 2011 All electives are subject to change