Elective Courses

The course offers students data-driven approaches to examine the trends and patterns in the history of family businesses. Students will apply quantitative methods to historical data sets to identify the critical factors that have influenced the success or failure of family businesses over time. The course covers various topics, including economic growth, inequality, financial crises, and technological change. It enables students to develop a profound comprehension of how historical events have influenced the present family business landscape. Students will be competent to provide informed guidance to high-net-worth families in the present day.

The course explores family wealth management from the perspective of business history. It offers a historical perspective on the evolution of family businesses, their management, and their contribution to generating and preserving wealth over generations. Students will learn how lessons from business history can inform best practices in managing family wealth, such as the development of family constitutions, the establishment of family offices, and the implementation of effective governance structures. The course further encompasses the challenges and opportunities encountered by family businesses over time, including issues related to succession planning and corporate governance.

This course provides an in-depth exploration of how faith, religion, and leadership contribute to effective family wealth management. It will examine how values and beliefs shaped by faith and religion influence decision-making in managing family wealth across generations. Students will learn the essential leadership skills required to establish governance structures that ensure the continuity of family businesses. This will provide students with insights into how faith-based strategies can be used to promote ethical and socially responsible business practices that benefit not only family offices but also society at large.

This course will cover the key fundamental psychological principles that underpin human behaviour in groups, with a focus on family businesses. This course will equip students with the necessary techniques required to manage group dynamics effectively and efficiently. Through lectures, case studies, and workshops, students will develop skills in key areas such as leadership, motivation, communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution and learn how to effectively apply a wide range of strategies in managing family offices.

This course explores the challenges and opportunities presented by cross-cultural communication and management in family wealth management. Students will learn about the cultural nuances of different countries, including how wealth, inheritance, and family values are perceived across cultures. By understanding each family member's cultural context, students will develop strategies that align with their values and beliefs and learn essential skills to navigate communication barriers and conflicts in multicultural families. The course provides analytical frameworks for wealth management professionals to address challenges and threats in the family business environment.

The course helps students acquire a basic understanding of accounting, economics, statistics, and finance, which are essential for managing family wealth successfully. The syllabus encompasses subjects such as supply and demand, accounting principles, time value of money, and financial instruments. In addition to these fundamental notions, the course will cover market systems such as financial institutions, the global economy, and government policies that directly influence wealth management. The course highlights practical applications, offering students the chance to conduct simple financial analysis using tools common to the industry. It is strongly encouraged that students without prior financial studies or students looking to brush-up on their previous financial coursework to take this course.

This course examines the significance of hedge funds, private equity funds, and other alternative investments in managing family offices and their wealth. Students will learn how to diversify portfolios with these investments, access exclusive opportunities, and offer tax benefits in the context of the local market. The course will also cover the risks associated with alternative investments and how to manage them effectively, with a focus on the Guangdong–Hong KongMacao Greater Bay Area. Students will gain a holistic understanding of the role of alternative investments in family wealth management and be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills to manage them effectively.

The course emphasises the significance of investing in emerging markets and global investment opportunities for family wealth management. The course provides students with knowledge about the growth potential and diversification opportunities offered by these investments. It also highlights the potential risks and ways to navigate them with the help of experienced wealth managers and investment advisors. Additionally, the course sheds light on family offices in Hong Kong and how they can utilise emerging markets and global investment opportunities to accomplish their financial objectives.

This course delves into the ideas and actions behind philanthropy and sustainable investing in the context of Family Wealth/Office Management. The module focuses on families’ incorporation of concepts such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) into their businesses, investments, and legacy planning. It discusses the pragmatic aspects of ESG in business operations and investments, but also the softer elements of aligning investments and philanthropy with family values and legacy.