Degree
Regulations
and
Course
Descriptions
1999-2000
(See also General Regulations)
Any publication based on work approved for a higher degree should contain a reference to the effect that the work was submitted to the University of Hong Kong for the award of the degree.
Admission requirements 1
Ar35. To be eligible for admission to the curriculum for the degree of Master of Science in Construction Project Management a candidate
| (a) | shall comply with the General Regulations; | |
| (b) | shall hold | |
| (i) | a degree or other qualification of equivalent standard awarded by this University or by another university or comparable institution accepted for this purpose; or | |
| (ii) | a professional qualification and membership of an appropriate professional body accepted for this purpose; and | |
| (c) | shall satisfy the examiners in a qualifying examination if required. | |
Qualifying examination
Ar36.
| (a) | A qualifying examination may be set to test a candidate's formal academic ability or his ability to follow the courses of study prescribed: such an examination shall consist of one or more written papers or their equivalent and may include a project report. |
| (b) | A candidate who is required to satisfy the examiners in a qualifying examination shall not be permitted to register until he has satisfied the examiners in the examination. |
Award of degree
Ar37. To be eligible for the award of the degree of Master of Science in Construction Project Management a candidate
| (a) | shall comply with the General Regulations; and |
| (b) | shall complete the curriculum and satisfy the examiners in accordance with the regulations set out below. |
Curriculum
Ar38.
| (a) | The curriculum shall extend over not less than one academic year of full-time study, or two academic years of part-time study, with a minimum of 300 hours of prescribed work, and shall include all examinations, a workshop report and a dissertation as detailed below. | |
| (b) | To complete the curriculum a candidate | |
| (i) | shall follow courses of instruction and complete satisfactorily all prescribed written work and practical work where appropriate; | |
| (ii) | shall satisfy the examiners in each of the following Core Modules: Real estate economics |
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and each of three Electives selected from the modular programmes and any other courses of study in the University approved from time to time. Candidates without an economics background shall be required to study Economics for professional as a programme prerequisite;
| (iii) | shall satisfy the examiners in each of the modules followed either by a written paper, or an assessment of coursework, or a combination of these methods; | |
| (iv) | shall complete and present a dissertation which satisfies the examiners; and | |
| (v) | shall complete and present a workshop report which satisfies the examiners. |
The examiners may at their discretion prescribe an oral examination in any module or on the dissertation.
Selection of Electives shall be made in consultation with the programme co-ordinators concerned and be subject to the approval of the Committee for Postgraduate Modular Programmes.
Dissertation
Ar39. The dissertation shall be on an approved topic relevant to the curriculum and shall be not less than 10,000 and not more than 20,000 words. The title of the dissertation shall be submitted for approval not later than December 31 for full-time students or June 30 for part-time students in their first year of study, and the dissertation shall be presented not later than December 31 of the following year. The candidate shall submit a statement that the dissertation represents his own work undertaken after registration as a candidate for the degree.
Examinations
Ar40. A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in more than three modules shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G12. A candidate who has failed to satisfy the examiners in not more than three modules may be permitted to present himself for re-examination in the modules of failure in the following August/September; and should he again fail to satisfy the examiners in any module at the second attempt he shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G12.2
Ar41. A candidate who has presented an unsatisfactory dissertation, but has satisfied the examiners at the written examination or re-examination, may be permitted to revise the dissertation and to re-present it within a specified period of not more than four months after receipt of a notice that it is unsatisfactory. A candidate who has presented an unsatisfactory dissertation for a second time shall be recommended for discontinuation of studies under the provisions of General Regulation G12.
Examination results
Ar42. Following presentation of the dissertation, a list shall be published showing in alphabetical order those candidates who have successfully completed the curriculum. A candidate who has shown exceptional merit may be awarded a mark of distinction, and this mark shall be recorded on the candidate's degree diploma.
SYLLABUSES FOR THE MODULAR MASTERS DEGREES PROGRAMMES IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT,REAL ESTATE AND URBAN DESIGN 3
The aim of the Modular Programmes, on a faculty-wide basis, is to provide advanced tuition in all aspects of the project and land development processes, allowing students maximum flexibility in modules selection within their chosen disciplines. Where appropriate the Programmes will be related to developments not only in Hong Kong but also the Peoples' Republic of China and the Southeast Asian region.
| ARCH 6032 | Urban design I |
The course covers basic theory and practice of urban design. Topics include history of urban form; Hong Kong's urban form, buildings and spaces; urban design analysis; urban design approaches; efficiency of urban design and evaluation criteria; case studies.
| ARCH 6033 | Land use and infrastructure design |
Against relevant aspects of land use theory and implications for site planning, the course introduces the principles and practice of site planning and infrastructure design for large urban developments. Topics include reclamation, land use and density thresholds, settlement capacity, infrastructure master planning, utilities planning, site layout and future design trends.
| ARCH 6034 | Urban development and the real estate industry |
The course reviews the operations of the real estate industry in the context of the urbanization and development process. Topics include the urbanization process, urban development policy and controls, the financial and commercial context of development, the real estate business, the development process, resources and community issues and the relevant legal and institutional framework.
| ARCH 6035 | Urban design II |
This advanced course in urban design attempts to build a coherent theory of urban form from the historical and material conditions of production. Hence the lectures/seminars progress in three main stages. Firstly, the economic and political determinants in the production of urban space are considered (urban politics, the state, ideology, social class, professionalism etc.). Secondly, considerations in the technology of form (forms of space, analogical models, and problems of aesthetics). Thirdly, a case study of Hong Kong which moves from the realm of theory into concrete social practices - urban planning, high-density development, public housing, and the other formal properties of a major world city.
| ARCH 6036 | Landscape planning and design |
The course reviews the history, theory and methods of landscape planning and design. Topics include social context for landscape design, aesthetic theories, landscape and physical planning, and approaches to design. Case studies of physical planning and landscape design will be presented.
| ARCH 6037 | Real estate investment analysis |
This course reviews emergent trends in project finance and investment appraisal. Emphasis is on private developments and joint ventures; capital budgeting, privatization, financial engineering, international funding and implications, deal structuring; case studies.
| ARCH 6038 | Market analysis in urban design |
The course focuses on trends in demand and supply of developments, considering location, patterns of regional changes, national economic cycles, technology and quality with a view to evolving marketable designs. Emphasis is on evaluation of design process from the perspective of a private developer, emphasizing inter-relationship of efficient form, function and financial returns.
| ARCH 6039 | Design and construction management |
The course examines key management tasks in the design and construction process related to urban projects. Topics include cost planning and design management, design and construction coordination, organization of a mega project, contractual systems and implications for productivity and cost, project planning, site organization and management.
| ARCH 6040 | Location and transport in urban design |
The course analyses location as a measure of urban efficiency and resource conservation, in particular as a factor affecting employment, transport, amenity and demand for energy in urban design. Inter- relationship of land use, housing, transport and economic activity, measured in terms of overall settlement capacity; and economy in physical design and operation, will be emphasized.
| ARCH 6041 | Techniques in urban design |
The course seeks an understanding of logic, methods and skills required in advanced urban design. Emphasis is on methods of evaluation of project and context; design methods and principles; computer - aided design; information base; formulation of policies; evaluation and phasing of designs in terms of costs, benefits, and practicability.
| ARCH 6042 | Seminars in urban design and development |
A series of seminars on current research topics and recent developments in urban design and development.
| ARCH 6043 | Urban design studio I |
Introduction to urban design graphics and computer - aided design: an introduction to basic drafting, graphics and computer-related tools and techniques in professional practice.
Urban design project 1: a series of sessions encompassing practical drawing and sketches of urban design proposals for selected sites in Hong Kong.
Urban design project 2: a group project which will normally be a real-life large-scale urban design and development project involving land reclamation and infrastructure provision leading to a 3-D built form. Designed to professional standards involving relevant urban design theory and implementation criteria, and conducted with participation of professionals in both public and private sectors.
| ARCH 6044 | Urban design studio II |
Urban design project 3: a series of sessions encompassing the practical management and implementation of urban design proposals involving larger sites, taking into account issues such as land acquisition, planning approvals, concept development, financing, the consultancy team, construction, marketing among others. Participants normally undertake at least two urban design sketch exercises to further develop conceptual design skills.
| ARCH 6045 | Physical environment and site planning |
The course reviews theory and methods of land use, site planning and design, and focuses on the interaction with the physical environment. Topics include location and site analyses; land use planning and programme development; environmental standards and facilities; infrastructure for urban and rural development; site formation and landscape planning.
| ARCH 6046 | Urban analysis and models |
This course examines the analytical models and methods in physical planning and development projects. The course presents techniques in population estimation, social and spatial analysis, economic studies, programme development, project appraisal and evaluation, urban dynamics and policy analysis.
| ARCH6047 | Planning law and practice |
This course focuses on physical planning legislation and professional planning practice in Hong Kong. It deals with legal aspects of planning and development in general, and focuses on: planning policies, historical trends, development controls, procedures, administration and related legislation in Hong Kong and case studies.
| ARCH 6048 | CAD in urban design |
The course focuses on computer-related tools and techniques in professional urban design practice, and enables designers to fully exploit computers as design and presentation tools: overview of computer graphics, hardware, software and their applications in urban design.
| ARCH 6049 | Design of cities |
This course reviews historical trends in design of cities in different countries and explores their underlying cultural, spatial, social and economic contexts. Special emphasis will be given to the evolution and future form of cities in the Asia-Pacific region with reference to their physical, functional, political, social and economical developments in recent decades.
| ARCH 6050 | Town planning in Hong Kong |
The course presents urban planning theory and examines planning practice especially in Hong Kong. Topics include contemporary urban planing theories, political, social and technological influences in planning, nature and functions of the planning process and basic approaches to practice from strategic planing to local and site planing. Case studies will be presented.
| ARCH 6051 | Urban design studio III |
Dissertation/design thesis: an in - depth investigation of urban design or development issues which relate directly to the physical planning problems and potentials of urban areas. The topic chosen should be both academic and practical in nature and a report not exceeding 20,000 words or equivalent is required.
| ARCH 6052 | Topics in architectural design |
The study of various types of architecture in urban development in Hong Kong and abroad. Architectural projects of various complexity will be used to illustrate the process of design development that an architect has to face as a designer. Seminars will be conducted for students to deal with different cases and to learn problem solving techniques in the larger urban design context.
| ARCH 6053 | Development management in urban design |
The course examines the role of a development manager in coordinating urban design and development projects. Topics include planning, the development process; site selection, land use planning; lease modifications and financial implications; development coordination, phasing, marketing, time and budget controls. Case studies of projects will be presented.
| ARCH 6054 | Economics for design and development |
This course introduces principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics relevant to the design and development professions. Topics include: constraints and economic choice; demand, supply, returns and cost; land and rent; capital and interest; resources and productivity; economics of firms; banking and financial markets; factor prices; national income and business fluctuations; aspects of design and development decisions.
| ARCH 6055 | Introduction to computers in urban design |
This is an introductory course dealing with the following topics: hardware and software basics, file management, network communications, office software; 2-D CAD drafting and 3-D CAD modelling; multimedia; statistics and database tools; presentation and image processing software.
| RECO 6001 | Urban planning: theory and practice |
The course examines urban planning theory and urban planning practice especially in Hong Kong. Topics include contemporary urban planning theories, political and social influences in planning, nature and functions of the planning process and basic approaches to practice from strategic planning to local and site planning. Case studies will be presented.
| RECO 6002 | Law and the real estate industry |
The course provides a study of the law as it affects the real estate development process. Acquisition, ownership, management and disposal of land and real estate; town planning; finance of development; employment law; building contracts (standard forms, comparative studies); revenue law and the real estate market; agency law.
| RECO 6003 | Economics for professionals |
Demand and supply model (consumer and producer surplus; gain from trade), theory of price control (non-exclusive income, minimum wage legislation, rent control legislation), rent-seeking and rent-dissipation model, welfare economics, Pigovian Theory (market failure: "external effects", "public goods", "monopoly"), welfare economics - Coasian critique, Neo-classical firm, Neo-classical firm - Critique.
| RECO 6004 | Construction economics |
Building cost control, life cycle costing, design economics, introduction to modelling, cost modelling - techniques, problems and recent developments, the Hong Kong construction industry.
| RECO 6005 | Contract strategies and project management techniques |
Risk analysis, contract strategy, organization form, planning techniques, value engineering, quality assurance, operations research.
| RECO 6006 | Management theory and construction projects |
The project organization, management theory: schools of thought, the project life cycle, organization structure, team roles, case studies of successful projects, project management tools.
| RECO 6007 | Real estate and construction management practice |
People in organizations, time management, leadership, motivation, conflict resolution, decision aiding technologies, decision making, negotiation, meetings, presentation techniques.
| RECO 6008 | Real estate and construction business management |
Hong Kong's economy, management theory - schools of thought, strategic management, marketing, forecasting and indices, financial performance, recruitment and human resources management, safety.
| RECO 6009 | Construction information management |
The course covers the basic concepts of information management and computerization in the construction industry. It also focuses on special application areas including computer-aided drafting and design, building information, geographic information, project management, property management, and facilities management systems.
| RECO 6010 | Development case studies |
This course examines in detail the interaction of the various components within the development process. It utilizes a series of case studies of actual projects of varying scale and complexity which will allow for an analysis of the essential inputs to the process and the effects these may have on outputs and the final product.
| RECO 6011 | Real estate economics |
This course deals with the economics and structure of the real estate industry with special reference to Hong Kong. It introduces the real estate sector as consisting of three interrelated subsectors, namely the market for real estate services, the market for real estate assets, and the real estate development market. The course also introduces principles of real estate market analysis and real estate project evaluation.
| RECO 6012 | Real estate maintenance management |
Principles of maintenance: scope, perspective, roles and objectives; maintenance management-policies, organization, legislation and implementation; maintenance contracts; information systems.
| RECO 6013 | Real estate investment and finance |
This course introduces real estate investments as part of the universe of investment opportunities. It further covers real estate investment decision-making under uncertainty. Principles of real estate investment and development project finance are also covered.
| RECO 6014 | Real estate management |
The course approaches real estate management from a total asset management viewpoint. It covers the real estate asset management environment, strategic decision-making in real estate, property asset management, and real estate portfolio management from corporate and institutional perspectives. It also deals with real estate agency and marketing principles.
| RECO 6015 | Real estate investment and the capital markets |
This course provides a framework for analyzing real estate investment within a capital markets theoretical framework. It deals with real estate investment and modern portfolio theory, the capital asset pricing model and portfolio performance measurement, and real estate market efficiency. The course highlights comparative problems in the application of modern investment theory to real estate investments and real estate markets.
| RECO 6016 | Land economics |
This course covers the fundamental determinants of location of economic activities: the concept of rent, marginal productivity and land rent, bid rent analysis and the formation of a land market, economic regions and retail locations, industrial locations, land use control, property rights and zoning, social cost and pollution problems, development timing and problems of urban redevelopment.
| RECO 6017 | Project finance |
This course deals with real estate project finance from an international financial markets perspective. It covers international project finance and principles of financial risk management. The course contains a substantial self-study component, and candidates are required to present a detailed case study as part of course requirements.
| RECO 6018 | Modern developments in the law of construction contracts |
Modern development in the laws of contract and torts; interpretation, comparison and application of various standard forms of building and civil engineering contracts and sub-contracts: programmes, interim certification, set-off of payments, pay when paid clause, variation and architect's instruction, delay and extension of time, liquidated damages; preparation, evaluation and presentation of claims; contractual, non-contractual and ex-gratia claims; global claims; advanced claims techniques; contractual and common law remedies; bankruptcy and insurance in the context of the construction industry.
| RECO 6019 | Workshop report |
Students are required to work on a group workshop project. For MUrban Design students the project will normally be a large scale urban design and development real-life exercise project involving land reclamation and infrastructure provision leading to a 3-D built form, designed to professional standards, involving relevant urban design theory and implementation criteria, and conducted with a participation of professionals in both public and private sectors.
For MSc students, the project reflects the inter-disciplinary nature of the curriculum and aims to synthesize and apply the theory taught in the lecture courses to a problem which in practice would engage the combined skills of a number of the professions which constitute the property and construction industries. Through this simulation students will experience the demands and importance of teamwork under the exigencies of actual commerce, and will appreciate the significance of their role and that of others in the context of the environment, planning, the property and construction industry and accountancy.
| RECO 6020 | Dissertation/research seminar |
This seminar series will examine the various stages in the preparation of a dissertation and introduce the theoretical and practical approaches available. Subjects covered include selection of a dissertation topic, definition of research goals, research methods in different disciplines, sources of data and a dissertation proposal will be prepared as part of this course. Seminars will be conducted by participating faculty and guest speakers.
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