City University of Hong Kong Information on a Gateway Education Course offered by Department of Management with effect from Semester A in 2015/2016 Part I Course Title: Course Code: Course Duration: Business and Hong Kong Society GE204 One Semester Proposed Area: (Please insert 1 for the single primary area, and 2 for the secondary area if applicable. Students will only earn credit units from the primary area.) 2 Arts and Humanities 1 Study of Societies, Social and Business Organisations Science and Technology No. of Credit Units: Level: B Medium of Instruction: English Medium of Assessment: English Prerequisites: (Course Code and Title)Nil Precursors: (Course Code and Title)Nil Equivalent Courses: (Course Code and Title)GE227 Exclusive Courses: (Course Code and Title) Nil 1
Part II 1. Abstract Hong Kong s phenomenal development from a small fishing village to becoming a significant international financial centre, heralded as the Freest Economy in the World, belies the many issues arising from the complex and dynamic interface between business, government and society in Hong Kong. Students will be led to explore the historical evolution of the economy; evaluate the interrelationships between business (organisations) and other socio-political institutions in Hong Kong, and their ramifications for various stakeholders; analyse some of the impacts of economic growth and the problems inherent in capitalistic societies; examine some responses of various stakeholders towards addressing their corporate and social responsibilities; and locate Hong Kong s roles and relations regionally as well as globally. Through a combination of lectures, invited talks by guest speakers, classroom discussions, case studies and project-based learning, students are guided to develop and demonstrate their abilities of independent research and critical thinking. 2. Course Aims This course aims to train students to observe, reflect and think critically, and to draw upon a myriad of disciplinary perspectives (such as economics and political economy, sociology and management) in comprehending the world and events around us. Through the analytical lens of some classical theoretical approaches, students examine some contemporary issues arising from the complex interrelations between three main stakeholders (business, government and society), and in the process raise their awareness of the broader significance and impact of business practices and activities on society, but recognize also how society and government can affect business too. In the process of unravelling some of the main influences and drivers which are keys to creating a prosperous and stable Hong Kong, students will gain a better understanding of Hong Kong s business relations not only in the local environment, but within a regional and international context too.. Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs) Upon successful completion of this course, students should be able to: No. CILOs Weighting (if applicable) 1 Identify some of the main economic, social and political relations between business and various stakeholders in Hong Kong. 2 Examine some key factors contributing to the development 2 and success of Hong Kong. Analyse critically the impact of business practices, events and situations from an interdisciplinary perspective, such as, from economic, political economy, managerial or sociological viewpoints. 4 Evaluate data and literature researched by self or in a group, 2 and organise the information to present in class effectively. 5 Apply the knowledge and critical perspective to view and assess incidents and phenomenon occurring in daily life. 2
(: Relatively most focused CILOs; 2: moderately focused CILOs; 1: Less focused CILOs) 4. Teaching and Learning Activities (TLAs) (designed to facilitate students achievement of the CILOs - Some TLAs may address more than one CILO.) Lectures Case Study Group Discussion Team Presentation and Report CILO 1 CILO 2 CILO CILO 4 CILO 5 1. Lecture: held by instructor primarily and appropriate guest speakers, essential concepts and some classical theories in the business and society related field are introduced to equip students with knowledge and information. 2. Case Study: adopting multiple-media forms (e.g. newspapers and magazines, video, select significant commercial events) students will explore issues and dilemmas through the study, reflection and critical analysis of recent illustrative cases, and be guided to apply these principles to other local and international situations.. Group Discussion: students debate cases and share their views on various scenarios with peers in class, integrating their own experience and learning to acquire broader knowledge on specific contemporary topics. 4. Team Presentation and Report: requires students to form a team (about 6 students), self-source/identify and select a business-related event or incident with social or policy implications, conduct basic investigation and analysis, share and convey the results of the independent research. Aims to strengthen students abilities in researching, evaluating, summarizing, reasoning and presenting information and data. 5. Assessment Tasks/Activities (designed to assess how well the students achieve the CILOs Some assessment tasks/activities may address more than one CILO.) Team Presentation Team Report Peer Evaluation Quiz CILO 1 CILO 2 CILO CILO 4 CILO 5 1. Team Presentation (20%): students would be expected to present a summary of the results of their research on a contemporary case. The content as well as the delivery performance in the presentation would be graded. Feedback on the presentations will be provided to students to guide their work and progress on the Team Written Report.
2. Team Written Report (20%): students would be required to rigorously analyse and prepare a written report on the contemporary case in Hong Kong.. Two Peer Evaluations (10% and 10%): to encourage responsibility and accountability, there will be two peer evaluations of contributions and performance by each individual team member on all other team members. The first peer evaluation will be conducted around mid-semester, with feedback given to students shortly thereafter to facilitate continuous improvement in performance and contributions. The second peer evaluation will be conducted at the end of the semester upon completion of all assignments. 4. Quiz (40%): during the semester students would be tested on the extent of their mastery of basic theory and contents in this course. 6. Grading of Student Achievement: Refer to Grading of Courses in the Academic Regulations. ASSESSING AND GRADING TEAM PRESENTATION Category Marginal Adequate Good Excellent D C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A A+ 1.0 1.7 2.0 2. 2.7.0..7 4.0 4. Statement of The introduction is The introduction issues and poor information limited in has good very good background value; is not information value; is information value; information value; is structured and not reasonably structured is well-structured very well-structured very coherently and comprehensibly and clearly and presented with presented. presented. presented. absolute clarity. Research, Pieces of evidence The evidence is The topic is well The topic is analysis and are relevant, but are relevant and covers a extensively discussions isolated, addressing fair number of points. good coverage of a limited number of Demonstration of There is excellent coverage of declarative good integration There is Demonstration of understanding of a and application of strong integration and understanding of reasonable number of the concepts to the application of the issues in a Able to issue, with concepts to the issue, minimally discuss issues but rigorous analysis with high degree of acceptable way. with little integration of the case. rigour and critical Poor coverage and or rigour. analysis of the case. weak analysis. interesting. acceptable. captivating. unclear. 4
Team views Weakly argued and Reasonably argued Strongly argued Very strongly argued and presented team and presented team and presented and presented team conclusions views, conclusions, views, conclusions, team views, views, conclusions, or solutions conclusions, or recommendations recommendat ions ASSESSING AND GRADING TEAM WRITTEN REPORT Category Marginal Adequate Good Excellent D C- C C+ B- B B+ A- A A+ 1.0 1.7 2.0 2. 2.7.0..7 4.0 4. Statement of The introduction The introduction issues and poor information has limited has good very good information background value; is not very information value; information value; is concisely clearly written. is reasonably value; is clear written with absolute clearly written. and well-written. clarity. Research, Pieces of evidence are The evidence is The topic is well The topic is extensively analysis and relevant, but are relevant and covers discussions isolated, addressing a a fair number of good coverage of excellent coverage of limited number of points. There is There is strong Demonstration Demonstration of good integration integration and of understanding of declarative and application application of the issues in a minimally understanding of a of the concepts concepts to the situation. acceptable way. Poor reasonable number to the situation. Demonstration of high coverage, weak of Able to Demonstration degree of rigour and analysis, and weak discuss issues but of rigorous critical analysis of the ability to express your with little analysis of the Clearly views in written form. integration. Quite Clearly structured and clearly written. written. stylistically well-written. Team views and Weakly argued team Reasonably argued Strongly argued Very strongly and conclusions or views and team views and team views and concisely argued team conclusions, solutions conclusions, conclusions, views and conclusions, recommendations or recommendation 5
Part III Keyword Syllabus: Please provide information about the tentative weekly schedule under Part B of the Annex to this Form. Historical development; economic structure; business organisational forms; laissez-faire economy; sociological theories on capitalism; role of government; non-government organisations; labour market and workforce; culture and values of Hong Kong people; social analysis; business ethics and corporate social responsibility; Hong Kong external economic relations. Recommended Reading: Text(s): Cheng, J.Y.S. (Ed) (201) The Second Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR: Evaluating the Tsang Years 2005-2012. Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong Press. Chiu, S.W.K and Wong, S.L. (Eds.) (2012) Repositioning the Hong Kong Government: Social Foundations and Political Challenges. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. Li, K.W. (2012) Knowledge-based, Human Capital and Freedom in Economic Freedom: Lessons of Hong Kong. Singapore: World Scientific. Steiner, J.F. and Steiner, G.A. (2012) Business, Government and Society: A Managerial Perspective. New York: McGraw-Hill. Yu, T.F.L. (2006) Studies in Entrepreneurship, Business and Government in Hong Kong. New York: The Edwin Mellen Press. 6