Hong Kong Industry Project
January 2010
Applications now closed.
Applicants will be contacted by Friday 30 October as to the outcome of their application.
The Student Experience team in the Commerce Student Centre brings you a new capstone opportunity. You could be spending two weeks in Hong Kong, one of the world's leading financial and trading centres, working on a business challenge with your peers. This industry project aims to develop Bachelor of Commerce students' practical business competencies in an international setting and link with companies on projects related to their discipline.
Up to 12 students will be selected to travel to Hong Kong with an academic supervisor. Students will be allocated into teams of four, with each team working with a company on a business project over a two week period.
This industry project provides an in-country study experience where students experience culture, society and business practices at first hand whilst applying their business and management skills. The industry project is offered during the summer holidays to students entering their final year of the Bachelor of Commerce, or penultimate or final year of a Bachelor of Commerce combined degree.
What is the Hong Kong Industry Project?
The Hong Kong Industry Project is a capstone experience that gives commerce students the opportunity to complete an intensive business project overseas. The imdustry project will incorporate a 10-day industry project as well as sightseeing and cultural tours, and the opportunity to network with alumni in Hong Kong. Students will work in teams of four, with each team assigned to a host organisation and given a business challenge to work on. Teams will be required to present their findings to an academic supervisor and senior management at the host company, as well as a written report at the conclusion of the industry project.
This is not a for-credit subject but students will receive a certificate of participation from the Dean of the Faculty, Professor Margaret Abernethy at the conclusion of the program.
Preparatory Seminar
The industry project is preceded by a preparatory seminar held in Melbourne before the conclusion of the exam period for semester 2, 2009. The seminar will cover business practices in Hong Kong, including an introduction to the local economic, political and cultural environment. The seminar will also prepare you for your work project by covering topics such as team building, consulting report writing, presenting your findings and cross cultural communication. The seminar will take place in Melbourne.
Work projects
The Faculty of Economics and Commerce collaborates with a range of companies in Hong Kong. The companies involved in the January 2010 study tour are currently being finalised. The companies will provide business projects and problems they are currently facing, and may ask students to:
- examine a new business opportunity for their company
- undertake a business analysis exercise
- undertake financial analysis or model of current operations, products or services
- develop a marketing plan for the company
- undertake a business planning exercise or
- recommend operational efficiencies
Students in teams of four, will be assigned a company, given a project brief, work together as a team and then present their project findings and recommendations to senior company representatives on the final day of the project.
Each project will require students to draw upon multidisciplinary knowledge from accounting, finance, economics, management and marketing.
There will be a maximum of 12 students in the upcoming study tour, accompanied by a Faculty of Economics and Commerce academic staff member to provide on-the-ground support and assistance with the work project.
A selection panel will allocate students to project teams taking into consideration the scope of the project and the students’ academic discipline, background and professional experience. The groups will be made up of students from different degrees with varying academic and professional backgrounds. All teams and projects will be multi-disciplinary.
Aims of the Hong Kong Industry Placement
The aims of the industry placement include enhancing students’ understanding of the globalised economy as well as boosting their professional career opportunities. The industry placement will provide participants with the opportunity to be exposed to different cultures and business practices. The participants will:
- be exposed to international work practices
- have access to an increased global network
- prove their ability to work effectively in an international setting
- experience intensive teamwork in a time constrained environment
- be able to take part in a valuable travel experience.
Why go?
- Expand your horizons: Gain a deeper understanding of the international business world.
- Experience a dynamic and rich professional learning program.
- Enhance your employment options by gaining international professional experience.
- Develop your teamwork and cross cultural communication skills.
- Explore what it means to be a global citizen / student.
- Empower yourself - gain first-hand experience to take the lead professionally, academically and culturally.
Dates and itinerary
The Hong Kong Industry Project will run from 15 to 31 January 2010. Students will make their own travel arrangements and should ensure that they are in Hong Kong by the afternoon of Friday 15 January to check into the hotel.
Itinerary*
Friday Jan. 15 |
Check in to Hotel (afternoon) |
Saturday Jan. 16 |
City Tour |
Sunday Jan. 17 |
Briefing (morning) |
Monday Jan. 18 |
Work Placement Orientation |
Tuesday Jan. 19 |
Work Placement |
Wednesday Jan. 20 |
Work Placement |
Thursday Jan. 21 |
Work Placement |
Friday Jan. 22 |
Work Placement |
Saturday Jan. 23 |
Hong Kong Island Tour |
Sunday Jan. 24 |
Free Time |
Monday Jan. 25 |
Work Placement |
Tuesday Jan. 26 |
Work Placement |
Wednesday Jan. 27 |
Work Placement |
Thursday Jan. 28 |
Work Placement |
Friday Jan. 29 |
Work Placement (final presentation) / Evening River Cruise |
Saturday Jan. 30 |
Kowloon & New Territories Tour/ Farewell Dinner (evening) |
Sunday Jan. 31 |
Check out of Hotel (morning) |
*This itinerary is a draft only and is subject to change. A final itinerary will be supplied at the pre-departure briefing session.
Am I eligible and how will students be selected for this program?
- This industry project is only open to Bachelor of Commerce and BCom combined degree students. You must be in your final year of the Bachelor of Commerce, or penultimate or final year of a Bachelor of Commerce combined degree in 2010 to be considered.
- Students will be selected on the basis of University service and demonstrated leadership qualities. University service may include participation in clubs and societies and/or any of the Student Experience activities available to Bachelor of Commerce students at the University of Melbourne.
- There is a minimum academic merit requirement but this is NOT the main selection criteria.
Entry is competitive as places are limited. There are 12 places available. We are looking for a diverse group of students who will be ambassadors for the University of Melbourne.
Applicants may be required to attend a short group interview in the week commencing 2 November 2009.
How do I apply?
Applications are now closed. Applicants will be contacted by Friday 30 October.
How much does it cost?
The fee will be confirmed once accomodation and tours are finalised and may change if there is significant fluctuation in the value of the Australian dollar.
What is included?
- 16 nights accomodation including breakfast (in minimum 3-star equivalent accomodation based on a twin-share, air-conditioned ensuite room)
- Local sightseeing tours
The fee is estimated to be $1490.
What is not included?
- International airfare
- Local transportation
- Lunch, dinner and spending money
- Visa
- Additional personal insurance (the University offers a complimentary standard insurance policy)
Grant
Students will be eligible to receive a $750 grant for this program. In addition, students who receive Youth Allowance, Abstudy or who are Low Income Health Care Cardholders may be eligible for an additional $500 grant.
Queries
Please contact the Capstone Studies Coordinator via ecom-capstonestudies@unimelb.edu.au if you have any queries.