Going global
HKUST has designed special courses which cater to Chinese executives.
In response to increasing demand for management courses delivered in Putonghua, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) Business School Executive Education Office has designed a series of specialist programmes.
Starting in May, the topics include managerial decision making, corporate innovation, and strategic innovation management. There is also a bilingual course on family business: leading generations of excellence.
According to Professor Yan Xu, associate dean at HKUST’s department of information systems, business statistics and operations management, the open-enrolment programmes will give executives the latest insights and best business practices to help understand the implications of globalisation and complex developments on the mainland.
“The programmes are especially beneficial for those seeking all-important global perspectives,” Xu says.
For example, the course on managerial decision making and leadership is specifically designed for executives involved in diverse industries. It will help managers to improve relevant skills with a view to faster professional advancement and better results for their respective organisations. The course on corporate innovation and growth will assist those responsible for corporate expansion, business development and implementing new strategies.
A mix of entrepreneurs, Clevel executives, and regional and functional heads is expected to sign up for the course on strategic innovation management. And the module on family business is designed to attract current owners and members of the “next generation”, as well as interested individuals looking to set up, manage or expand their businesses in Asia.
Xu says the two-day programmes offer a wealth of learning immediately useful in the workplace and in other aspects of daily life.
Case studies and recent examples will illustrate best practices, while the interactive nature of classes will encourage the sharing of insights and experiences. Programme planners have worked closely with mainland companies and HR professionals to design courses that meet the learning needs of Chinese executives.
Yan Xu
“An important goal is to inspire business leaders to generate innovative ideas and apply new strategies to help them stay ahead,” Xu says. The faculty team, made up of experts with diverse business and research backgrounds, will offer cutting-edge insights and aim to facilitate networking opportunities.
Every year, the HKUST Business School Executive Education Office offers a wide range of management programmes. These include two-and three-day courses and the comprehensive “Leading for Success” series with 10 days of tuition spread over several months.
Dara Tsui, general merchandise manager with VF Asia, completed the managerial decision making and leadership programme taught in English. She says it changed her way of thinking about business and gave her a much broader perspective.
“I learned new ways to approach and solve problems and how to use the right tools to ensure I focused on goals and the bottom line,” Tsui says.
Addison Leung, director of finance with Agenda (HK), took the corporate innovation and growth programme.
“It combined useful academic and practical knowledge, which I can reflect on and use in the workplace,” Leung says.
