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PIA6020 - SSP Capstone Project

Offering Academic Unit
Department of Public and International Affairs
Credit Units
4
Course Duration
Three Semesters [Semester A (1 credit) + Semester B (2 credits) + Summer Term (1 credit)]
Exclusive Courses:
Course Offering Term*:
Semester A 2024/25, Semester B 2024/25, Summer 2025

* The offering term is subject to change without prior notice
 
Course Aims

This course intends to offer an interdisciplinary exploration and innovative problem solving opportunity for students to co-work as a team to address the sustainability policy and management challenges. A small group of students, drawing on knowledge acquired in the programme and advised by a supervisor, will be challenged to identify a sustainability challenge in developing countries (e.g. Asian countries) and develop an argument as to whether a new policy approach could be effected. The learning task is not meant to reinforce the status quo. Students can devise new or revised approaches in this policy area or critique the policy intention, explaining how unequipped society is to execute the necessary changes.

The course will enable students to undertake an original piece of group research in sustainability policy and management. The team of 3-5 students will tackle a real-world problem, engaging with competing schools of thought and collecting primary research to substantiate their position. The project will strengthen the student’s research portfolio, which may prove valuable in their job search and could be included in doctoral study applications. Students are motivated to think critically and reflect on both theoretical and practical questions arising from sustainability policy and management discipline.

Student will take advantage of Hong Kong’s location and networks to closely follow the development of sustainability practices, governance, and emerging technologies that could drive the sustainability agenda in China and the wider Asian region, informed at the same time by larger global processes. The supervisor will keep the capstone project work focused, relevant and productive. Sustainability practitioners serve an integral role too. Key figures from diverse sustainability fields in Hong Kong will deliver guest lectures, present policy case studies and serve as panel members at the final symposium, where they will offer critical feedback on the findings of all teams.

The development of the capstone project proceeds through six stages: 

selection of a project topic
approval of a project proposal 
extensive primary and secondary research, including working with industry or a public sector organization or sustainability practitioner to resolve a practical sustainability problem, wherever possible 
presentation of findings/outcomes/experiences at a symposium
active symposium participation through comments/questions on other group presentations
submission of the completed project in the form of an edited volume

Assessment (Indicative only, please check the detailed course information)

Continuous Assessment: 100%
 
Detailed Course Information

PIA6020.pdf

Useful Links

Department of Public and International Affairs