Elective - CUHK MBA

Last chance for the Hong Kong residents to apply for intake 2021 and click here to apply by 4 July 2021!
The intake 2021 application for non-Hong Kong residents is currently closed.

Financing Technology Commercialization and Entrepreneurship

Most of the technology ventures fail within the first three years of their establishments with lacks of financial resources being one of key failure factors. As only limited financial resources are available to start-ups, a good financing strategy will optimize the survival of techventures. This course will consider particularly the Asian investment community as it […]

On this page...

    Most of the technology ventures fail within the first three years of their establishments with lacks of financial resources being one of key failure factors. As only limited financial resources are available to start-ups, a good financing strategy will optimize the survival of techventures. This course will consider particularly the Asian investment community as it operates differently from the West, and will concentrate on the views of Asian investors in terms of the development and investment viability of ventures.

    After taking this course, students are expected to have a thorough understanding on several key issues such as sources of financing, execution path and hurdles, investment teaser/proposal, due diligence, and other issues that are directly related to the financing of technology ventures. By closely examined the financing strategies of some existing ventures, students are expected to obtain first-hand technology commercialization knowledge from business angels and venture capitalists.

    Venture Capital in Emerging Markets

    Running a business requires large up-front capital, this is particularly true for the fast-growing businesses, such as start-ups in hi-tech and bio-tech. Though those start-ups have great potential to grow and develop into highly profitable venture, they are normally unqualified for debt financing backed by assets or cashflows. However, venture capital (“VC”) has characteristics of […]

    On this page...

      Running a business requires large up-front capital, this is particularly true for the fast-growing businesses, such as start-ups in hi-tech and bio-tech. Though those start-ups have great potential to grow and develop into highly profitable venture, they are normally unqualified for debt financing backed by assets or cashflows. However, venture capital (“VC”) has characteristics of high-risk and high-return, it plays more and more important roles in funding innovations and entrepreneurs with good ideas. Indeed, lots of giant companies today were funded by VCs in their early stages, such as Facebook, Google, Alibaba, JD, etc. Entrepreneurs find it’s critical to equip with the knowledge of VCs.

      The course is designed principally to the students who expect to embark on an entrepreneurial career of managerial roles with a venture-backed start-up company and needs insight into the structure, practices and operations of venture capitalists, or those wish to pursue a career in venture capital will find that the course provides insight into deal sourcing, assessment, valuation and structure, governance and exiting.

      Strategic Value of Innovation Technology

      Course details will be updated soon.

      On this page...

        Course details will be updated soon.

        Design Thinking for Business Innovation

        The purpose of this course is to help students understand what design thinking is all about— its relationship to creativity and innovation and how it can be applied to foster experience and business model innovation. This class concentrates in the adoption of ethnographic, visualization and brainstorming techniques and modeling frameworks to complement conventional market research, […]

        On this page...

          The purpose of this course is to help students understand what design thinking is all about— its relationship to creativity and innovation and how it can be applied to foster experience and business model innovation.

          This class concentrates in the adoption of ethnographic, visualization and brainstorming techniques and modeling frameworks to complement conventional market research, decision tree, and SWOT analysis.  Gamification of customer experience, co-creation with customers, and the design of an experience network will be the main emphasis of our study.

          C-Suite Dialogue and Communication

          Effective communication and strong personal branding are keys to compelling leadership. In this practiceoriented course, participants will learn how to build confidence and develop a personal brand that will enable them to communicate effectively like a business leader. In addition, you will learn how to deliver messages clearly, both written and verbal, to a high-profile […]

          On this page...

            Effective communication and strong personal branding are keys to compelling leadership. In this practiceoriented course, participants will learn how to build confidence and develop a personal brand that will enable them to communicate effectively like a business leader. In addition, you will learn how to deliver messages clearly, both written and verbal, to a high-profile business audience. A few panel discussions featuring executives from several industries will be conducted, where students have the opportunity to observe and interact directly with senior business executives.

            To fulfil the major assessment requirement of this course, students will form panel discussion teams themselves, and speak on important business topics in a simulated conference environment.

            Money and Capital Markets

            The course is a practical introduction to short term money markets, long-term capital markets, and derivative markets with an emphasis on Hong Kong in particular and Asia in general. After presenting an overview of these markets within the financial system, the course will focus on specific topics which may include currency, money, bond, stock or […]

            On this page...

              The course is a practical introduction to short term money markets, long-term capital markets, and derivative markets with an emphasis on Hong Kong in particular and Asia in general. After presenting an overview of these markets within the financial system, the course will focus on specific topics which may include currency, money, bond, stock or derivative market developments, innovations and restructurings, the legal framework, market manipulation and insider trading, regulatory oversight and reform, market technology and related issues.

              Digital Marketing

              This course aims to discuss some new topics in digital marketing. It covers the interaction between online and offline marketing; the challenge of social media marketing to traditional marketing theories; models and problems of sharing economy; a discussion of different pricing models of internet companies; and the development and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

              On this page...

                This course aims to discuss some new topics in digital marketing. It covers the interaction between online and offline marketing; the challenge of social media marketing to traditional marketing theories; models and problems of sharing economy; a discussion of different pricing models of internet companies; and the development and the influence of artificial intelligence (AI).

                Global Fintech Entrepreneurship

                Total number and value of global fintech investments increased from the 3,764 and US$125 billion in 2020, to an astonishing 5,684 and US$210 billion in 2021, according to KPMG. While growth of this sector is clouded by a potential slow-down of global economy, the more expensive financing costs from interest rate hikes, and more stringent […]

                On this page...

                  Total number and value of global fintech investments increased from the 3,764 and US$125 billion in 2020, to an astonishing 5,684 and US$210 billion in 2021, according to KPMG. While growth of this sector is clouded by a potential slow-down of global economy, the more expensive financing costs from interest rate hikes, and more stringent regulations around digital assets, the trend of digitalization and digitization of the financial services will continue to grow at non-linear pace globally. The open innovation between non-financial industries and fintech innovators are generating exponential opportunities for those with an entrepreneurial passion.

                  What are the latest fintech trends and how do innovators, entrepreneurs, incumbents, investors, and other stakeholders see the space developing? What are the technologies that will reshape the industry in the next decade and how to monetize them? Beyond the general trends, how do fintech intrapreneurs and entrepreneurs identify the opportunities and build successful fintech products? By orchestrating cutting-edge research, endto- end industry knowledge, and global expertise in fintech and entrepreneurship execution, this course will provide a strong foundation for those who are interested in innovating, starting, or investing in financial technologies.

                  Database and Big Data Management

                  This course focuses on both business data and contemporary big data modeling and management. We will examine the different natures of data and big data, selection and representation as well as use of suitable methods and tools for storing and accessing them. Topics such as data integrity, DBMS, data warehousing, NoSQL and MapReduce are covered.

                  On this page...

                    This course focuses on both business data and contemporary big data modeling and management. We will examine the different natures of data and big data, selection and representation as well as use of suitable methods and tools for storing and accessing them. Topics such as data integrity, DBMS, data warehousing, NoSQL and MapReduce are covered.

                    Current Fintech Trends

                    The world of global financial services is changing rapidly with the emergence of financial technologies, commonly referred as fintech.  This course will cover key fintech concepts such as virtual banking, blockchain, digital currencies, tokenization, and others. Examining a variety of case studies drawn from the industry, students will learn about recent developments in fintech from […]

                    On this page...

                      The world of global financial services is changing rapidly with the emergence of financial technologies, commonly referred as fintech.  This course will cover key fintech concepts such as virtual banking, blockchain, digital currencies, tokenization, and others.

                      Examining a variety of case studies drawn from the industry, students will learn about recent developments in fintech from the perspectives of entrepreneurs, consumers and regulators.  While Asian cases will be emphasized, some American and European examples will also be discussed so that students will acquire a global view of the subject.  A few industry practitioners will be invited as guest speakers to share their entrepreneurial experience in fintech with students.

                      This is an introductory course where computer programming is not required.  However, basic knowledge in financial valuation analysis and statistics will be useful.  The objective is to learn about the use of new technologies in solving business problems, and appreciate how current fintech trends will impact and shape the financial industry in the future.

                      Creating Self-efficacy and Impact on Communication

                      Theories will stay on paper forever if they are not applied in practice. To become a successful business leader in the future, you need to master the skills of effective communication and be able to communicate with impact. This course will help you acquire the necessary skills of a great communicator and break your psychological […]

                      On this page...

                        Theories will stay on paper forever if they are not applied in practice. To become a successful business leader in the future, you need to master the skills of effective communication and be able to communicate with impact. This course will help you acquire the necessary skills of a great communicator and break your psychological barrier when you present in front of audience(s).

                        Business Valuation and Analysis

                        This course introduces a framework for business valuation analysis using corporate disclosure and financial statement data. The framework identifies four key components of valuation: business strategy analysis, accounting analysis, financial analysis, and prospective analysis. Employing a case methodology, applications of this framework in a variety of decision-making contexts including securities analysis, credit analysis, and merger […]

                        On this page...

                          This course introduces a framework for business valuation analysis using corporate disclosure and financial statement data. The framework identifies four key components of valuation: business strategy analysis, accounting analysis, financial analysis, and prospective analysis. Employing a case methodology, applications of this framework in a variety of decision-making contexts including securities analysis, credit analysis, and merger and acquisition decisions are examined.

                          Platform and Business Strategies

                          Success in business needs strategies. The advances of information technology have given business strategies a new dimension: building computer-mediated networks to facilitate transactions over e-platforms. The examples include Amazon, Google, Spotify, iTunes, Alibaba, Uber, Airbnb, and many other B2B, B2C, and C2C platforms. The e-platform business has network effect following demand-side scale economies that sees […]

                          On this page...

                            Success in business needs strategies. The advances of information technology have given business strategies a new dimension: building computer-mediated networks to facilitate transactions over e-platforms. The examples include Amazon, Google, Spotify, iTunes, Alibaba, Uber, Airbnb, and many other B2B, B2C, and C2C platforms. The e-platform business has network effect following demand-side scale economies that sees the value of a product from the willingness-to-pay of customers. This creates new perspectives of business strategies on pricing, platform products, envelopment attacks, winner-takes-all effect, and cannibalization. This course discusses how to run a successful business with e-platforms.

                            FinTech Analytics

                            This course targets to train up students to derive and develop financial and managerial insights from technology, design innovative solutions to meet financial service needs, optimize financial decisions in complex business environment, and understand and analyze the social, economic, security, and legal impacts from their solutions.

                            On this page...

                              This course targets to train up students to derive and develop financial and managerial insights from technology, design innovative solutions to meet financial service needs, optimize financial decisions in complex business environment, and understand and analyze the social, economic, security, and legal impacts from their solutions.

                              Application of AI in Finance

                              Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in the financial services industry worldwide. Financial institutions and Financial Technologies (FinTech) start-ups are using AI methods to assess credit quality, to price and market insurance contracts, and to automate client interaction. Some of these companies are optimising scarce capital with AI and machine learning techniques, as well as […]

                              On this page...

                                Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used in the financial services industry worldwide. Financial institutions and Financial Technologies (FinTech) start-ups are using AI methods to assess credit quality, to price and market insurance contracts, and to automate client interaction. Some of these companies are optimising scarce capital with AI and machine learning techniques, as well as back-testing models and analysing the market impact of trading large positions. Hedge funds, broker-dealers, and other firms are using AI to find signals for higher (and uncorrelated) returns and optimise trading execution. These companies are using these technologies for regulatory compliance, surveillance, data quality assessment, and fraud detection.

                                Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management

                                The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to fundamental analysis of securities. The materials covered will help students to become familiar with a variety of financial instruments traded in the equity and fixed-income markets, to understand the theoretical foundation for, and practical implementation of, widely used asset pricing theories, and to […]

                                On this page...

                                  The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive introduction to fundamental analysis of securities. The materials covered will help students to become familiar with a variety of financial instruments traded in the equity and fixed-income markets, to understand the theoretical foundation for, and practical implementation of, widely used asset pricing theories, and to develop essential skills needed to succeed as an investment professional.

                                  Corporate Fund-Raising Initiatives in the Chinese Equity Markets

                                  This course delves into the major issues surrounding equity fund-raising in China. The principal focus is on initial public offerings (IPOs) and seasoned issues in Chinese stocks (including H- share, ‘red-chip’, private Chinese and ‘China-concept’ issuers) listed in Hong Kong. The characteristics of the various corporate entities and the nature of the funding methods utilized […]

                                  On this page...

                                    This course delves into the major issues surrounding equity fund-raising in China. The principal focus is on initial public offerings (IPOs) and seasoned issues in Chinese stocks (including H- share, ‘red-chip’, private Chinese and ‘China-concept’ issuers) listed in Hong Kong. The characteristics of the various corporate entities and the nature of the funding methods utilized are critically explored. Case analysis of major IPO and seasoned equity issues (rights issues and private placings) features to amplify these objectives. Shanghai A- share listings are also considered as well as the various reforms to its constituent issuers. These include the transformation of non-tradable stock holdings into tradable form, the development of QFII and QDII schemes and the key reforms to China’s leading state-owned commercial banks. Finally, dual listings, such as American depositary receipts, and alternative routes to listing (‘reverse takeovers’) are also assessed. Upon completion of the course, students will have developed key insights into a major global funding activity.

                                    Mergers and Acquisitions

                                    This course integrates areas within financial management and investments to analyse merger and acquisition (takeover) markets. The class will be conducted using both lectures and presentations. The topics covered in lectures include an overview of takeover markets, legal aspects and restrictions, capital budgeting techniques, the efficient market hypothesis, the market model and computation of abnormal […]

                                    On this page...

                                      This course integrates areas within financial management and investments to analyse merger and acquisition (takeover) markets. The class will be conducted using both lectures and presentations. The topics covered in lectures include an overview of takeover markets, legal aspects and restrictions, capital budgeting techniques, the efficient market hypothesis, the market model and computation of abnormal returns, the dividend discount model and the free cash flow model. The topics covered in presentations will include US and Hong Kong cases of mergers, tender offers and leveraged buyouts. Amongst other things, the efficient market hypothesis is applied to analyse the stock market response to takeover announcement as well as a range of other issues including: welfare gains/losses associated with takeover, the cost of capital for due acquiror and the intrinsic value of the target (using dividend discount and free cashflow models).

                                      Venture Capital & Private Equity

                                      The course will outline the mechanisms of venture capital (VC) investment and the financing of startups and early growth firms. As VC is a subset of private equity, the course will discuss the management, legal and marketing issues of private equity in general. Topics include raising and structuring private equity funds, the limited partnership, and […]

                                      On this page...

                                        The course will outline the mechanisms of venture capital (VC) investment and the financing of startups and early growth firms. As VC is a subset of private equity, the course will discuss the management, legal and marketing issues of private equity in general. Topics include raising and structuring private equity funds, the limited partnership, and fund strategies. The course will consider the investment decision of institutional investors in private equity and how funds are structured to meet their needs. It will discuss post-subscription private equity fund management – deal screening, evaluation, negotiation, disbursement, investee management, valuation and exit – and will consider specifically the perspective of the VC investee company – alternative sources of financing, how to approach a VC to maximize chances of success, and governance issues in VC financed firms. The course may also delve into public versus private equity buyouts, valuation of buyouts and corporate restructuring under private equity.

                                        Business Practicum

                                        This course provides an opportunity for the MBA students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to solving real-world business problems. A minimum of three and a maximum of five students are required to form a project team, under the supervision of a BA faculty member. A project proposal outlining the work to […]

                                        On this page...

                                          This course provides an opportunity for the MBA students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to solving real-world business problems. A minimum of three and a maximum of five students are required to form a project team, under the supervision of a BA faculty member. A project proposal outlining the work to be undertaken by the project team must be approved by the supervising faculty member and endorsed by the Director of MBA Programmes or his/her representative within 10 calendar days from the start of the term. The project must be sponsored by a company in Hong Kong and approved by the Director. The sponsorship includes joint supervision of the project by an appointed senior staff of the company, pledge of assistance and support to ensure the successful completion of the project, and possible remuneration to members of the project team, other than the supervising faculty member, for the work undertaken. Students are expected to spend, on the average, one day a week throughout the duration of the project. The project duration must cover the term time as published by the University calendar, but should not exceed four months in duration. A final report of the project to be submitted to the supervising faculty member and an oral presentation of the results to the management of the sponsor is part of the requirements of the course. The final grades of the students will be determined by the supervising faculty member, in which the evaluation of the project by the sponsoring body should be reflected.

                                          (Open to all full-time and part-time Year 2 MBA students)

                                          Subscribe to Our Mailing List

                                          • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.