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PPOL

Public Policy

PPOL 5110
Foundation in Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Co-list with
SOSC 5780
Exclusion(s)
SOSC 5780
Description
This course is required for all first-year MPhil/PhD students in Public Policy. The course will provide an advanced foundation in the study and practice of public policy at the level required for graduate study. The course will cover both the historic foundations of policy studies, as well as emerging approaches and directions. As the study of public policy is inherently interdisciplinary, it will include perspectives from political science, public policy, economics, business and other aspects of social science. It will take a broad view of public policy, including taking up some of the core literature on public management and public administration.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Demonstrate solid fundamental knowledge on how public policies are developed, approved and implemented.
- 2.
  Apply a public policy perspective to evaluate and compare core literature and current issues on public management and public administration.
- 3.
  Apply a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods to public research studies.
- 4.
  Develop holistic perspectives including political science, public policy, economics, business and other aspects of social science.
PPOL 5111
Foundation in Public Policy II
[3-0-0:3]
Prerequisite(s)
PPOL 5110
Description
This course will introduce postgraduate students to advanced topics in public policy theory. It will build on PPOL 5110, with a greater focus on key topics including public management and administration; multilevel and network governance; policy evaluation; institutional analysis; and regulatory structures and implementation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Critically assess debates in the public policy scholarship.
- 2.
  Apply public policy scholarship to analysis of policy issues in different problem, geographic, and institutional contexts.
- 3.
  Demonstrate capacity to choose appropriate analytical frameworks and approaches to apply to different policy problems.
- 4.
  Identify key gaps and problems in the existing policy scholarship in order to develop research questions
- 5.
  Express, orally and in writing, their analyses of the policy scholarship for a range of audiences (academic, policy maker, etc.).
PPOL 5120
Research Methods in Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Co-list with
SOSC 5790
Exclusion(s)
SOSC 5790
Description
This course is required for all first-year MPhil/PhD students in Public Policy. The purposes of the course are to introduce to students the key concepts in research methods, and to help them develop skills in the design of empirical research used in the analysis of policy problems. The course aims to train students to be able to apply various research designs in conducting rigorous policy research in their chosen fields, as well as develop the ability to critically evaluate policy research products. A specific emphasis will be on the use of quasi-experimental designs in policy research, as well as on their potentials and limitations.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify the logic of policy research on causal relationship.
- 2.
  Demonstrate solid knowledge on key research designs for generalized causal inference and their potentials and limitations.
- 3.
  Design and develop a research proposal on a given research topic in their chosen fields.
- 4.
  Apply practical experiences and techniques in conducting qualitative analysis.
PPOL 5130
Microeconomics and Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Description
The course covers Microeconomic core modules concerning consumer, firm, and market with emphasis on public policy application. A policy topic follows each module enquires students to apply economic model to analyze real world cases and evaluate policies.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Apply economic reasoning to the analysis of selected contemporary economic problems.
- 2.
  Compare and exemplify how individual, business and government interact in various market structures to determine pricing and quantity of goods and services produced and consumed.
- 3.
  Analyze the efficiency and equity implications of government interference in markets.
- 4.
  Apply economic problem solving skills to evaluate the opportunities and challenges of the increasing globalization of the world economy.
PPOL 5140
Quantitative Analysis and Empirical Methods
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course will introduce students to quantitative and empirical methods used by public policy analysts. The course will provide an introduction to probability, statistics, and decision analysis, with a focus on the application of these techniques to policy problems. The course will also introduce students to software commonly used to analyze quantitative data.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify what is evidence-based policy analysis.
- 2.
  Interpret basic quantitative analysis results in policy reports.
- 3.
  Distinguish good from bad policy research from a critical viewpoint.
- 4.
  Write policy papers which assess effects of governments programs.
PPOL 5150
Public Policy Analysis
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course provides students with practical methods for analyzing public policy issues. It develops a policy research and modeling skillset in considering complex, real-world issues involving multiple actors with diverse interests, information uncertainty, institutional complexity, and ethical controversy. The analytical framework used in this course is inter- and multi-disciplinary. The course builds such an understanding of the complexity of policy problems in which the different branches of economics and social sciences have equal roles.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify the importance of political, administrative and analytical capacity in shaping policy development.
- 2.
  Explain key challenges in various key tasks in policy development.
- 3.
  Sharpen their analytical skills in leading and managing key tasks in policy development.
- 4.
  Improve their skills in crafting policy messages and communicating more effectively with different stakeholders in policy development and policy process.
PPOL 5160
Evidence in Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Prerequisite(s)
PPOL 5140
Description
What kind of evidence is used to support policy decision making? This course will introduce students to the different sorts of data and evidence used by policy analysts, including census data, spatial data, surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, and policy experiments. Students will also be introduced to some basic modeling approaches used in policy analysis (statistical models, economic models, systems dynamics etc). Students will learn about the strengths and weaknesses of different types of information, and different analytical and visualization techniques that analysts use to incorporate evidence into their work.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Define the terminology that is used in public policy research.
- 2.
  Identify the methods of data collecting for policy analysis.
- 3.
  Design and conduct research to analyze policy problems.
- 4.
  Use cost-benefit analysis to analyze policy problems.
- 5.
  Present policy research findings with reasons and evidence.
PPOL 5170
Public Management and Leadership
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course offers an applied introduction to the field of public management and leadership. The course is designed to allow students to explore the challenges of implementing policy and to facilitate critical questioning of the techniques used by central and local governments to achieve these policies in both developed and developing countries. It will have a particular focus on public management and leadership in policy contexts that are characterized by complex systems, and policy areas that are characterized by a highly scientific/technical nature (energy systems, large scale infrastructure engineering projects/management, sustainable development, emergence of new technologies and risks, etc.).
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify key concepts and doctrinal debates in public management and leadership.
- 2.
  Compare the conceptual differences across literature and their application in public management.
- 3.
  Analyze some of the most important areas in public management with an applied approach.
- 4.
  Apply public management concepts to real world cases, especially those characterized by complexity and uncertainty.
PPOL 5180
Risk and Regulation
[3-0-0:3]
Description
The emergence of regulatory systems is one of the major government advances of the 20th and 21st century. These regulatory regimes are responses to different types of risks-economic/financial, environmental, health, safety and others. This course will examine the concept of risk, and introduce students to the different types of regulatory structures that have been developed to address these.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Critically review a selected body of literature on risk and regulation drawn from multiple disciplines.
- 2.
  Apply the concepts, theories and methods used in the study of regulation for the analysis of regulatory institutions, practices and ideas.
- 3.
  Apply the traditional and contemporary literature to reflect and critically assess the regulatory systems.
- 4.
  Critically assess the existing theory and practice in light of new, emerging risks.
PPOL 5190
Policy Analysis and Design for Sustainable Development
[3-0-0:3]
Exclusion(s)
SOSC 5770 (prior to 2022-23)
Background
Previous study of sustainable development and/or public policy at an undergraduate level; or professional experience in these areas
Description
Sustainable development problems pose some of the greatest challenges for policy makers around the world, and effective policy design requires analysts with strong subject matter understanding, creativity, and the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives and approaches. The goal of this course is to advance students' abilities to apply tools and methods, including analytical techniques and presentation skills, which are required for effective policy analysis and decision making in this area. Coursework in the course will be largely case based, and topical issues will be presented and mastered alongside different analytical skills and techniques.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Differentiate and use different core sustainability concepts.
- 2.
  Choose and use appropriate analytical methodologies for policy design and analysis.
- 3.
  Effectively communicate sustainable development policy recommendations to diverse audiences.
- 4.
  Critically assess and use different forms of knowledge in the development of effective sustainable development policy proposals.
- 5.
  Design policy to be effective in the complex adaptive systems typical of sustainable development problems.
- 6.
  Articulate the value of complex adaptive systems (human-environment systems) perspectives in their analysis of policy problems.
PPOL 5200
Applied Demography
[3-0-0:3]
Mode of Delivery
[BLD] Blended learning
Description
Changes in population size and structure represent a very significant input to policy and planning decision making. This can be for both the public and the private sector; and at a local, regional or national scale. This course is an introduction to applied demography; namely an exploration of the key issues involved in the relationship between population change, policy and planning. Students will gain an understanding of the role of population change in the design and development of policies and programs, and learn demographic techniques used to both identify trends and challenges, as well as monitor and evaluate interventions.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Describe the components of the planning process for program development, implementation and evaluation.
- 2.
  Explain the ways by which population change interacts with program planning.
- 3.
  Describe the drivers of population change.
- 4.
  Evaluate and analyze extant measures of demographic change; and perform calculations of fertility, migration and mortality.
- 5.
  Perform population projections to determine demand for public- and private-sector services.
PPOL 5210
Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course is intended for students interested in environmental policies and management of the natural environment and its resources. The course provides students with a basic toolkit of quantitative and qualitative techniques used in resource planning and analysis, together with case studies with which to gain experience of their application. Students will also gain knowledge of regional and global directives affecting the environment, as well as approaches to policy evaluation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Articulate the most common causes of environmental and natural resource policy problems.
- 2.
  Explain the strengths and weaknesses of major policy options in dealing with an environmental or natural resource problem.
- 3.
  Diagnose a given environmental or natural resource policy problem.
- 4.
  Analyze the political economy of designing and implementing environmental and natural resource policies in a given political, economic and social environment.
PPOL 5220
Complex Systems for Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Description
Many of the problems facing policy makers are considered to be complex, dynamic, socio-technical systems that display emergent structures and behaviors. This requires policy makers and administrators to develop competencies in both analysis and management. The course will focus on applications in policy, with a focus on science and technology such as natural systems with policy making, and complex engineering systems. Students will be introduced to some of the key elements of complex systems, including non-linearities, emergence, networks, and system dynamics. They will also learn about management techniques, specifically learning and adaptive management, that are needed for policy related to complex systems.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain how decision-makers and professionals (individually and in groups) process uncertain scientific and engineering knowledge.
- 2.
  Critically assess the importance of decision and policy analysis (including evaluation and impact assessment), in particular in the context of managing risks in complex systems.
- 3.
  Interpret both quantitative and qualitative data derived from natural, technical and social components of socio-technical systems.
- 4.
  Apply methods of 'integrated assessment' to policy scenarios.
- 5.
  Use different analytical tools in complex policy problems.
PPOL 5230
Technology, Innovation and Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course will explore the nature of science and technology, their funding, and their use in policy. The course will have two parts: technology and innovation policy. In the first part, students will learn about how science, technology and innovation are influenced by policy, including R&D funding, education, and other policies that governments use to promote the development of new knowledge. In the second part, which will focus on how knowledge and expertise are used by policy makers, students will investigate how science and engineering (quantitative) evidence and knowledge are integrated with social science (quantitative and qualitative) knowledge, and the limitations and types of uncertainty attached to different types of knowledge.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Describe the history of technology and innovation policy (post-war to the present) and the 'science-technology-innovation society settlement'.
- 2.
  Compare systems for promoting innovation and the impacts of science and technology on society's development.
- 3.
  Evaluate how science impacts on policy and how research is utilized.
- 4.
  Assess how knowledge systems and policies as system interventions.
- 5.
  Appraise the complex relationship between science, technology, innovation and public policy.
PPOL 5240
Advanced Analytical Methods for Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Prerequisite(s)
PPOL 5140
Description
This course will build on the core methodology and data analysis courses, and enable students to develop the ability to use a range of different analytical methodologies for the assessment of public policies for recommendation, decision making and evaluation. The emphasis is on application in policy problems, and a focus on dealing with complexity and uncertainty. Methods presented in the course will include both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and will be taught using case studies and modeling exercises.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Assess a range of techniques, in order to choose the best approach(es) for a particular policy analysis problem of interest.
- 2.
  Critique the analytical approaches used in existing policy analysis.
- 3.
  Apply techniques and frameworks presented in the course to actual policy analysis problems.
- 4.
  Integrate considerations of complexity and uncertainty into analytical problems.
PPOL 5250
Innovation and Sustainability
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course examines the role of innovation in achieving sustainability. Among the issues to be discussed include models of technological change, systems approaches to innovation, intellectual property rights, research and development, and case studies in various sectors concerning sustainability. The mechanisms of co-evolution of technology and institutions in facilitating innovation for sustainability are examined from a global perspective.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify and explain the mechanisms and processes of creating innovation.
- 2.
  Identify key opportunities and challenges in promoting sustainability in society.
- 3.
  Apply robust knowledge of innovation systems for addressing sustainability issues.
- 4.
  Develop feasible proposals for public policy and institutional design for sustainability challenges.
- 5.
  Present policy proposals with solid evidence and engaging communication skills.
PPOL 5260
Public Management: Theories and Practices
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course combines theoretical training with practical applications. It introduces students to key concepts in the discipline of public management and covers major approaches to management in the public sector. The course begins with a review of the evolution of thinking from public administration to public management. It allows students to explore the changes of responsibilities and skills of public managers. From that basis, we move to look at tools in important functional areas of public management and investigate how to critically apply a range of mechanisms to improve the performance of public managers.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of key theories in public management.
- 2.
  Define the types of management capacity required to implement public policy.
- 3.
  Identify the institutional, organizational and structural challenges that public organizations face when managing and implementing complex policy portfolios.
- 4.
  Apply scholarly theories and perspectives to real-world cases and own experiences, to enhance problem solving capacity and improve public management practice.
- 5.
  Develop and apply public management skills required for senior management roles.
PPOL 5270
Finance, Financial Crises and Economic Development
[3-0-0:3]
Description
The global financial crisis was not just an economic calamity. It also precipitated a crisis in economic and political ideas. The pre-crisis faith that free markets produce optimal outcomes has been significantly eroded. A decade on, global policymakers still struggle to engage with a more empirically-grounded and less dogmatic brand of economics, and the differing prescriptions that it might suggest. Students of economics need to have an overview of the causes and consequences of the crisis, the ideas that contributed to it, and how those ideas and their policy implications are being challenged and debated. Most importantly, students of public policy need to be able to understand what went wrong – both in economics, and in policy.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain key concepts in finance and the major market failures that characterize this industry and justify government regulation/intervention.
- 2.
  Analyze the multiple causes of the global financial crisis.
- 3.
  Describe how global finance has evolved after the financial crisis.
- 4.
  Analyze financial and macroeconomic risks in a country.
- 5.
  Analyze the relationship between finance and economic development.
- 6.
  Define complexity science and its applications in finance and public policy.
PPOL 5280
Economic Reasoning for Public Management
[3-0-0:3]
Description
Public sector managers are tasked with handling a wide range of issues with economic implications. These issues often involve the allocation of resources (not just governmental resources, but also society’s) and have implications for efficiency and equity. Sometimes, these issues involve difficult trade-offs between efficiency and equity. How are we to decide? Should efficiency consideration always trump equity ones? The course is designed to familiarize students with the methods, strengths and limitations of economic reasoning in addressing these issues. Concepts covered in this course are drawn from both micro- and macroeconomics. Illustrations are conducted in an interactive manner using cases studies as well as widely cited examples in public management.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Think, reason and speak like economists
- 2.
  Apply key economics concepts in public policy and public management contexts
- 3.
  Appreciate diversity of economic ideas and how they have evolved
- 4.
  Explain non-standard approaches in economics, e.g. Keynesian, behavioral approaches
- 5.
  Identify the interconnections between economics and other disciplines
PPOL 5290
Managing for Sustainability
[3-0-0:3]
Description
Sustainable development problems pose some of the greatest challenges for both private and public sector organizations around the world, and effective policy design requires manager with strong subject matter understanding, creativity, and the ability to incorporate diverse perspectives and approaches to sustainability. The goal of this course is to advance students’ abilities to apply managerial principle, tools and methods to ensure sustainable development at organizational, sector and system levels.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify the complex nature of sustainability issues
- 2.
  Identify the government’s role in managing for sustainability
- 3.
  Classify and apply analytical tools to the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability
- 4.
  Work effectively with stakeholders on sustainability
- 5.
  Competently deal with uncertainties and transition in sustainability
PPOL 5300
Managing the Policy Process
[3-0-0:3]
Description
The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principal elements of policy analysis and program evaluation. It introduces key concepts and tools from professional practices in the public sector. Main topics covered include process of policy analysis, market failures, governmental failures, information structuring, data collection methods, decision matrices, cost-benefit analysis, and program evaluation. Upon completing the course, students will develop the skills to analyze and evaluate policy programs.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Define stages of the policy cycle and specifics of each stage
- 2.
  Analyze the social, economic, political and cultural contexts in which governments operate and the influence of these factors on managing public policy
- 3.
  Apply basic techniques of policy analysis and program evaluation to real policy problems
- 4.
  Explain the external and institutional politics of policy-making and implementation
PPOL 5310
Public Management for Technology Innovation
[3-0-0:3]
Description
While advancements in science and technology have been rapidly expanding the range of solutions for tackling these challenges, science and technology innovations have also raised a set of emerging ethical, institutional and legal issues for government, non-profit and private entities. The course aims to help students familiarize with opportunities and challenges brought about by advances in science and technology and analytical approaches for developing appropriate public policy and governance structure to harness the full potentials of these advances. Major topics covered include science and technology policy, regulations of the uses and applications of new technologies, smart cities, the applications of big data, and the management and governance of new media.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Think strategically and imaginatively in order to tackle science and technology related public problems and solutions
- 2.
  Develop a toolkit of innovative approaches to achieve meaningful outcomes for citizens
- 3.
  Identify the importance of context in leading, managing and communication with regards to science and technology
- 4.
  Develop their potential to become successful public sector entrepreneurs
- 5.
  Write succinct, clear memos and communicate effectively on issues of complex science and technology related issues
PPOL 5320
Urban Economics and Urban Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course focuses on urban policy as it is examined in the context of general economic, social and spatial trends in metropolitan settings. Particular attention is placed on the decision-making process and how it affects policy choices. Students will develop an understanding of relevant urban theories, and apply them in the exploration of various urban issues around the world.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain contemporary urban theories and concepts.
- 2.
  Apply them to explore various urban issues in the real world.
- 3.
  Explore the way land use, transportation and economic development are connected to each other.
- 4.
  Explain the way various urban policies may be implemented to change people’s behavior and choices.
PPOL 5330
Ethics and Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
PPOL 6100A
Description
This course approaches public policy from the perspective of ethics, or moral philosophy. The overriding theme is to explore the moral debate surrounding some pressing policy issues in today’s world. The first part of the course introduces the essential moral concepts and theories for reasoning in ethics and public policy. The second part of the course discusses a selection of disputed policy issues through the application of moral concepts and theories. Students will benefit with the knowledge and skills necessary for policy argumentation from a moral perspective.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Discuss the key concepts and theories in moral philosophy.
- 2.
  Analyze and evaluate moral arguments underpinning policy decisions.
- 3.
  Apply concepts and theories in policy argumentation.
- 4.
  Construct, criticize and defend arguments.
- 5.
  Exercise independent and critical judgments in ethics and public policy.
- 6.
  Recognize the significance of moral philosophy in public policy.
PPOL 5340
China and the World: Policies and Development Strategies
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
PPOL 6100E
Description
This course will examine the rise of China and China’s development strategies. It will focus on critical assessment of China’s global vision, formulation, implementation, and performance of development strategies, and global reactions to such development. It will equip students with fundamental knowledge about China, and also with important theoretical foundations in theories of international relations, political economy and development to be able to think critically about China’s role in the world and in specific countries. The different tasks in the course will enable students to come up with detailed examinations and policy recommendations on China, and also critically evaluate analysis and policy briefs on China.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain and evaluate the policy process and implications of China opening its door to the world.
- 2.
  Utilize multidisciplinary theories to examine China’s unique development model and its implications.
- 3.
  Critically analyze the political and economic relations between China and other countries.
- 4.
  Critically assess development strategies and policy agendas.
- 5.
  Describe the relationship between China and other countries, and with international organizations.
- 6.
  Convey analysis, in writing and orally, of their critical assessments and recommendations.
PPOL 5350
Local and Regional Development
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
PPOL 6100C
Background
A background that includes courses such as undergraduate economics, economic geography, urban and regional planning is beneficial.
Description
This course provides students with a background in the theories of local and regional development, examines the rationales for the use of different approaches and introduces the policy instruments used to stimulate local and regional development. Students discover, compare and critique the use of local and regional policy instruments across the Greater Bay Area.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Exemplify the concepts of Public Policy through a problem-based experiential learning pedagogy.
- 2.
  Explain and classify the various approaches and topics related to local and regional development.
- 3.
  Develop effective skills in communication, analysis, information collection and presentation within the team to discuss the pressing local and regional topics related to public policy.
- 4.
  Explain the meaning and significance of public policy with regards to local and regional development.
- 5.
  Attribute the existing special topics related to local and regional development to public policy.
- 6.
  Use technical problem solving skills, solution design and stakeholder engagement to explore solutions to address and enhance the problem or issues.
PPOL 5351
Environmental Economics
[3-0-0:3]
Co-list with
ECON 5351
Exclusion(s)
ECON 5351, ENVR 5250
Description
This course is an introduction to an economics perspective of environmental problems, with attention to public policy solutions to pollution and climate change challenges. Part I will cover the ways in which markets fail to efficiently allocate resources in the presence of pollution along with the class of Pigouvian policies used to correct those failures. Part II will focus on the empirical techniques used by economists to assess the cost and benefits of environmental policies.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Apply economic analysis to the management of the environment and natural resources.
- 2.
  Appreciate theoretical and empirical research in environmental economics.
- 3.
  Use economic principles and non-market valuation techniques to address a variety of continuing and contemporary environmental issues.
- 4.
  Explain the method in policy evaluation and develop policy evaluation report(s).
- 5.
  Demonstrate effective writing and communication skills in report preparation and presentation.
PPOL 5360
Emerging Markets in Comparative Perspective
[3-0-0:3]
Description
Emerging markets are now the main engine of global GDP growth; most have also made rapid progress in poverty reduction and other development outcomes over the last three decades. At the same time, the pandemic has raised doubts about the prospects of emerging markets. Both the pandemic-induced global recession and the possible reversal of globalization threaten the gains emerging markets have made in recent decades. Using growth diagnostics, this course examines the economic prospects of the key emerging markets in Asia – China, India, the ASEAN-5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand), draws lessons for development policy, and examines the implications for emerging markets in a pandemic-disrupted world.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Think, reason, and argue as development economists.
- 2.
  Apply key concepts in development economics and political economy.
- 3.
  Explain growth diagnostics and how to use it.
- 4.
  Evaluate key emerging markets in Asia and speak intelligently about their prospect and risks.
- 5.
  Analyze the interconnections between development and technology and sustainability.
PPOL 5370
Singapore in Comparative Policy Perspective
[3-0-0:3]
Description
Singapore is often held up by policy scholars as a model of sound, rational, technocratic policymaking in which the relatively low level of democratic freedoms has not held back (and may even have contributed to) the city-state’s success. Like Hong Kong, it is also a global financial center, taxes wealth and income lightly, and embraces free trade and flexible markets. At the same time, the Singapore state is far more intrusive and paternalistic in certain policy domains, e.g. public housing, retirement financing, economic planning, and public sector ownership of businesses. These similarities and contrasts between Singapore and Hong Kong reveal both cities’ governing philosophies and provide insights into how history and context shape policy and outcomes. This course will include a four-day study trip to Singapore.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Analyze policies rigorously in comparative settings.
- 2.
  Recognize the policy successes and failings in Singapore, and the lessons for developing countries.
- 3.
  Describe the key challenges and opportunities facing Singapore (and Hong Kong).
- 4.
  Think and argue comparatively, drawing examples and parallels.
- 5.
  Appreciate how effective policy development is a complex adaptive process.
PPOL 5380
Technology Disruptions and Public Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
PPOL 6100B
Description
Rapid advances in disruptive technologies over the last two decades have significantly altered our lives. They have upended old business models, disintermediated incumbent firms in many industries, and disrupted supply chains. This module gives students a broad introduction to the key disruptive technologies that are likely to transform our economy and society in the next decade or so. We will examine the practical applications of these technologies and discuss their policy implications and socioeconomic impacts. We will also look at the potential for governments to leverage new digital technologies to deliver new services or improve existing ones and enhance public value. Above all, we will examine the implications for public policy and how government should respond.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Recognize and identify the key emerging disruptive technologies, their potential applications in business and government, and the attendant policy implications.
- 2.
  Exemplify and classify how the operating environment might change as a result of technology disruptions, and reflected on the policy or regulatory responses that would be required of governments.
- 3.
  Define, differentiate and analyze the various roles of the state in dealing with technology disruptions, and the policy options corresponding to each of these roles.
- 4.
  Apply the concepts/frameworks of public policy process to the applications of technological disruptions.
- 5.
  Apply and construct policy analysis and other analytical frameworks in assessing the effectiveness and efficacy of different policy options to disruptive technologies in a given context.
PPOL 5400
The Politics and Policy of Global Health
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
PPOL 6100F
Description
What is the relationship between global health and policy? What are the socioeconomic and political determinants of disease? How have such tiny microorganisms affected the government and politics of states, supranational institutions, and non-state actors throughout history and today? Who are the key actors involved in global health governance and security? And what are key political consequences and concerns of global health policy? This course grapples with these questions as an interdisciplinary take on the complex relationship between government, governance, health, and policy issues through the lens of public policy, political science, and public health. Theoretical concepts from all three fields will be studied and used to analyze real-world problems and evaluate policy options to deal with them from across the globe. The course does not assume any previous knowledge of microbiology, public health, or epidemiology.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Apply and generate the intersections between the health of infectious diseases and international relations in both the historic and contemporary era, and grasp relevant overlaps in the literature between science and technology studies, international relations, and global health governance.
- 2.
  Critique and judge the political and theoretical debates that underscore several case studies of political challenges associated with disease.
- 3.
  Exemplify national and international governance concerns and classify the complexity of the network of stakeholders involved in infectious disease issues.
- 4.
  Compare and evaluate the competing hypotheses about the political implications of disease by utilizing social science methodology.
- 5.
  Differentiate and define realistic policy proposals that are meant to address problems associated with disease (e.g. outbreaks, biothreats, the lack of certain public service provisions, state weakness and failure).
PPOL 5410
Public Management through the Lens of the Asian Development Bank
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
PPOL 6100G
Description
Taught by a former Asian Development Bank (ADB) Head of the Risk Management Unit of the Private Sector Operations Department, this course enables its students to go deep-dive to examine and discuss current public management strategies in dealing with major social issues at the ADB. Specific questions to be explored include: How are policies and processes formulated? How are projects and programs recommended, approved, implemented, monitored, and independently evaluated in an MDB (Multilateral Development Bank)? How results orientation is emphasized at ADB in achieving better quality projects and programs? And how institutional reforms take place at MDBs such as ADB which ensure improved staff resource reallocation and skills-mix changes in meeting evolving operational needs with efficiency and effectiveness? Specific cases will also be discussed to enhance professional skills valued at MDBs.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Develop and generate social issues in a constantly changing institutional and political context of public affairs.
- 2.
  Attribute to the agenda to deal with social issues among stakeholders including nations and civil society.
- 3.
  Exemplify country partnership and regional cooperation strategies at the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
- 4.
  Analyze and appraise how projects and programs are prepared, approved, implemented, monitored and evaluated.
- 5.
  Develop and execute professional skills at Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), such as leadership, management, teamwork and communication, based on respect, openness and integrity.
PPOL 5420
Environmental Politics and Policy
[3-0-0:3]
Previous Course Code(s)
PPOL 6100H
Description
This course introduces students to the political dimensions of environmental policy. It explores how various political actors and institutions interact with each other in shaping environmental policy. The course is divided into two parts. First, it presents the normative and ideational foundations for environmental politics and discusses the major forms of collective action. Second, it analyzes the government’s policy responses to environmental ideas and collective action in the context of capitalist political economy. Students will benefit from the ability to think politically about the environment, which is essential for successful environmental policymaking in practice.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain the key ideas and issues in environmental politics and policy.
- 2.
  Analyze the roles and impacts of actors and institutions in environmental collective action and policy making.
- 3.
  Apply concepts and theories to evaluate the debates in environmental politics and policy.
- 4.
  Exercise independent and critical judgements as well as formulate and communicate arguments effectively.
PPOL 5430
Research, Analysis and Evaluation Methods: Survey and Interview Design
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course aims to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills for designing and conducting survey and interview research in various policy contexts and domains at a foundational level. Students will learn the theoretical foundations and practical applications of survey and interview methods, and how to use them to collect primary data from the public, stakeholders, and experts on diverse and contemporary policy issues and problems. Students will also learn how to critically evaluate the quality and validity of survey and interview data, and how to identify and address the sources of error and bias that may affect the results and their interpretation.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Explain the theoretical foundations and practical applications of survey and interview methods in policy research.
- 2.
  Design effective and ethical surveys and interviews that address specific policy issues and problems.
- 3.
  Apply appropriate sampling techniques and data collection strategies to ensure the validity, reliability, and representativeness of survey and interview data.
- 4.
  Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data from surveys and interviews using various statistical and thematic methods.
- 5.
  Evaluate the strengths and limitations of different survey and interview methods and their implications for policy decisions and outcomes.
- 6.
  Communicate clearly and respectfully with different audiences using survey and interview data.
- 7.
  Apply relevant perspectives and links to the professional practice of public policy and public management using survey and interview data.
PPOL 5440
Sustainable Urban Design and Development
[3-0-0:3]
Description
This course is designed for postgraduate students who want to learn about urban sustainability, an emerging and still developing field that draws on different disciplines, such as industrial ecology, urban political ecology, urban ecology, and planning and how public policy and public management approach it. It will explore how to make cities more sustainable in terms of environmental, social, and economic aspects and equip students with the theoretical and methodological tools to draft and analyze strategies and their viability. The course will also introduce and evaluate various approaches to foster more sustainable and resilient forms of urbanization and urban life, such as localization, industrial symbiosis, and ecological restoration and review processes of reducing the dependence on external resources and increasing the local production and consumption of goods and services. These approaches will be examined in different contexts and scales, from local to global, and from individual to collective.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Compare and contrast different models and theories of urban sustainability and their implications for urban policy and practice.
- 2.
  Explain and analyze the concept of urban sustainability and its social, economic and environmental dimensions.
- 3.
  Assess the strengths and weaknesses of different methods and tools for collecting and analyzing data on urban sustainability issues and solutions.
- 4.
  Develop strategies to counteract or mitigate the impact of urban population trends and climate change on urban sustainability and resilience.
- 5.
  Evaluate the benefits and challenges of various approaches to foster more sustainable and resilient forms of urbanization and urban life.
- 6.
  Develop and communicate interdisciplinary and integrative strategies to address complex urban challenges and opportunities.
- 7.
  Critically reflect on their own role and responsibility as urban citizens and professionals in promoting urban sustainability and resilience.
- 8.
  Demonstrate ethical and professional practices in working with diverse urban communities and stakeholders to promote urban sustainability and resilience.
PPOL 5770
Professional Development for Taught Postgraduate Students
[0 credit]
Description
This course aims at equipping taught postgraduate students with transferrable skills conducive to their professional and career developments. Students are required to attend a mandatory training session on topics including plagiarism, group work and approaching the case study methods as well as a series of compulsory and optional sessions of career talks, presentation skills and English enhancement workshops in their course of program study. Graded PP, P or F.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Develop a comprehensive set of essential transferrable skills to enhance professional development in the discipline.
- 2.
  Recognize the major issues and updated development in the area of public policy.
PPOL 6000
Independent Study
[1-3 credit(s)]
Description
Independent study in a designated subject under direct guidance of a faculty member to provide students the advanced knowledge and research skill sets on a public policy topic. Required readings, tutorial discussions, and submission of report(s) will be used for assessment. The course may be repeated for credit if different topics are studied. Graded P or F.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Appreciate the importance of global and regional public policy development.
- 2.
  Communicate complex ideas in professional and other settings.
- 3.
  Explain the core ideas and concepts of public policy impacts.
- 4.
  Identify the different levels of organization and structure within public policy.
- 5.
  Analyze the efficiency and equity implications of government interference in various markets/stakeholders.
PPOL 6100
Special Topics in Public Policy
[1-3credit(s)]
Description
This course covers emerging topics of public policy concerns not covered in the present curriculum. The course aims to provide students with the advanced knowledge and research skill sets on a public policy topic, Required readings, tutorial discussions, and submission of report(s) will be used for assessment. The course may be repeated for credit if different topics are studied.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Recognize the importance of global and regional public policy development in the topic concerned.
- 2.
  Communicate complex ideas related to the topic in professional and other settings.
- 3.
  Explain the core ideas and concepts of public policy impacts in the topic concerned.
- 4.
  Relate the concepts and methodologies in the course topic to practical implementation in public sector.
PPOL 6110
Policy Analysis Project
[6 credits]
Description
An independent group project carrying 6 credits cover two consecutive regular terms for students to work on selected topics in public policy under the supervision of a faculty member. The project is designed to help student learn how to identify some public policy problem and prepare, design and select public policy measure or program to mitigate/solve it. Participation of both internal communities of the university and external organizations in these projects will be highly encouraged. The responsibility of control, administration and assessment of the projects rest with the University. Students will hone their ability to work in team, analyze policy issues and develop concise report of their findings and recommendations. The paper should be written as though for a particular decision-maker in government or a nonprofit organization, with the writer assuming the role of a staff assistant to this decision-maker. This course is for MPP students only. May be graded PP.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Analyze the background of a policy problem from multiple perspectives and also the needs of the client.
- 2.
  Develop research questions and plans that articulate the client's needs.
- 3.
  Demonstrate clear and sound reasons for their literature selection and consideration for their methods adoption; which at the same time are adequate to address their client's policy problem.
- 4.
  Collect data that is appropriate to address the client's policy problem.
- 5.
  Systematically sort out collected data and use a comprehensive analytical framework to interpret the data.
- 6.
  Draw practical and theoretical inferences from the data analysis.
- 7.
  Construct cogent argument for policy decision.
- 8.
  Present confidently and persuasively.
PPOL 6120
Capstone Project
[3 Credits]
Description
Capstone project offers a unique opportunity for students to focus on specific areas of public policy and management in Hong Kong, China, or Asia and carry out in-depth studies. Students may expect discussions of issues that have been the cornerstones of the regions’ development that they choose. HKUST is well-positioned to share the experience of effective governance across Greater China in particular, and Asia-Pacific in general. Faculty supervisors will work with students to reach out to the practitioners in the public sector. Students will apply what they have learnt in class to analyze and solve the problems in the real and dynamic society. The project brings students to reflect on the overall training in the MPM Program and helps them consolidate their knowledge in the area.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Identify, design, and apply appropriate methods to conduct rigorous research.
- 2.
  Integrate and apply knowledge and skills gained in MPM courses to a public management problem.
- 3.
  Communicate complex research findings effectively.
- 4.
  Provide new information and analysis to inform policymaking.
PPOL 6770
Professional Development in Public Policy
[0-1-0:1]
Description
This one-credit course aims at providing research postgraduate students with basic training in career development and related professional skills. This course consists of a number of division-specific workshops. Graded PP, P or F.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Develop a comprehensive set of essential transferrable skills to enhance professional development in the discipline.
- 2.
  Recognize the major issues and updated development in the area of public policy.
PPOL 6990
MPhil Thesis Research
Description
Master's thesis research supervised by a faculty member. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Design, develop and conduct a research proposal on science/technology-based public policy research in their chosen fields.
PPOL 7990
Doctoral Thesis Research
Description
Original and independent doctoral thesis research. A successful defense of the thesis leads to the grade Pass. No course credit is assigned.
Intended Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
- 1.
  Design, develop and conduct a research proposal on science/technology-based public policy research in their chosen fields.

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