Abstract: Hong Kong citizens enjoy a high quality of health care service. However, it mainly relies on government subsidy through public health services, particularly in hospital utilisation. After years of healthcare reform process, a new government-regulated voluntary health insurance scheme has been proposed for public consultation. In the neighbouring Taiwan and Singapore, innovative and practical healthcare financing systems have been shown to be working well for their communities. In this essay, the authors reveal that there are lessons of learning for the Hong Kong Government and community. A new department is recommended to manage the new insurance scheme to make the health care system sustainable within an ageing population. Nonetheless, people need to bear some of the responsibility because health is essentially a personal affair.
Abstract: The present study reports on the findings of the functional text analysis of Chinese adolescent ESL learners L2 writing. I will start with a presentation of literature that focuses on studies of text types and genres in language learning, which helps conceptualize and frame the research questions that pertain to the domain of functional text analysis. Then, I will explain the methodology and theoretical framework: context-based text typology adopted by the present study. After that, I will summarize the results and findings by mapping out the contextual parameters that the students deployed. Finally, I will discuss the features and problems that have been identified in this study.
Abstract: An increasing body of work has identified 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR) as an institution, and has suggested that its institutionalised form may be deployed to pursue traditional business imperatives and avoid burdensome legislation. This article will examine how responsible gambling is understood in Macao's gambling industry and why firms in Macao's gambling industry engage in responsible gambling (RG). This study is primarily based on an in-depth examination and analysis of Macao's gambling industry with 49 semi-structured interviews. This study gives an account of the 'responsible gambling' practised in the gambling industry in Macao to show that gambling companies make use of the institutionalized (unstated) characteristics of CSR to leverage political and economic privileges. Responsible gambling is presented as the central component of CSR, articulated through varied stakeholders, while responsible gambling in practice focuses symbolically and solely on employee protection. The study shows that gambling companies derive substantial legitimacy benefits from the institution of CSR, thus positioned.
Abstract: The convergence of IT and marketing leads to the rising demand of digital marketers. Tertiary marketing education plays a crucial role in preparing students to grasp the knowledge and skills and to possess the attitude so necessary to contemporary marketing industry. However, several reports highlight that the shortages are significant in this sector. Both academics and practitioners are the key stakeholders to solve this disconnection. Although there are many studies investigating the relationship between marketing education and marketing practice, there are only a few quantitative studies focusing on digital marketing. Drawing on the literature and the standards of digital marketers' professional certifications, this study aims to develop a conceptual framework identifying the key attributes of an effective digital marketer. The proposed digital marketer model is composed of three key antecedents: (1) marketing knowledge and skills; (2) technical knowledge and skills; and (3) ethical knowledge and skills. First, marketing knowledge and skills refers to the communication, client engagement, strategic management and channel management. In order to practice data-driven marketing, digital marketers should also be equipped with technical knowledge and skills, including search engine optimization, statistical analysis, data mining, web and mobile apps. Similar to the professionals in other industries, digital marketers should uphold the code of ethics so as to protect the privacy of clients and the reputation of companies. The key finding provides insights to academics on how to revamp or streamline the marketing programmes and ultimately narrowing the gap between education and practice in the context of digital marketing.
Abstract: One of the major problems faced by professionals today is the problem of knowledge decay. In the provision of professional service, the problem of knowledge decay can lead to customer dissatisfaction, damage reputation and even human lives. Therefore, the problem of knowledge decay in the professional service provision service has been studied in various research. This article reviews the problem of knowledge decay and how e-learning can be used to minimise its effects. It will review the use of different types of e-learning for professional to acquire and retain their knowledge. These types of e-learning include Learning Management Systems, Massive Open Online Courses, Student Response Systems and Augmented Reality. Finally, it will suggest the integration of the various types of e-learning with the HRMIS (Human Resources Management Information System) of an organisation to enhance its competitive capability by aligning the professional development needs of its employees and the service delivery requirements of its customers.
Abstract: The prevalence of academic stress among the undergraduate students in Hong Kong is serious. The objective of this study is to discuss the causes and effects of academic stress among undergraduate students. It is found that the high expectation on their study, academic overload and friendship network are the major causes of academic stress. High academic stress has a negative impact on academic performance, and will also result in internet addiction, insufficient sleeping time, change in dietary behaviour and mental health problems. After reviewing the causes and effects of academic stress, and some relevant studies and reports of the situations in Hong Kong, recommendations to develop the strategies in dealing with academic stress are suggested.
Abstract: Corporations on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) engagement is determined by various factors including firm level factors such as size and financial performance of the firm (Vong and Wong, 2013), industry level factors includes competition level, industry nature and fit between issue and the industry (Coombs and Holladay, 2012). National factor is also a one of determinants for the company engaging in CSR (Waldman et al., 2006). National culture shapes which CSR concerns are addressed in particular countries and how they are addressed.
A framework is proposed to fill in the literature gap by investigating the effect of different dimensions of national culture on different aspects of CSR. It is found that there is a relationship between cultural factor index (CFI) and CSR practice. For example, in the individualism society like United States (High scores in CFI), employee working condition is always on the top agenda for CSR initiatives. Unlike United States, in the collectivist society like Japan (Low scores in CFI), harmonious environment is an important consideration.
Ford and Toyota are used as examples to demonstrate the findings.
One of the greatest challenges of global companies is to maintain consistent message in their global corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy and pay attention to the local stakeholders' expectations. Thus, implications are offered to managers for multi-national companies on their CSR strategy.
Abstract: This paper attempts to analyse the influence of Japanese culture in Hong Kong society, with particular reference to the adaptation and appropriation of Japanese kimono. I will present two aspects for discussion, namely the depiction of Japanese women in Hong Kong pop music videos, and the adoption of Japanese kimono by Hong Kong young couples when taking their pre-wedding photos. Further, I shall examine whether or not the adaptation of Japanese kimono by Hong Kong people is an authentic representation of the traditional Japanese costume, and how far this reveals the understanding of Hong Kong people towards Japanese culture.
Abstract: The flipped classroom provides an alternative teaching approach for diversified learning. Learning is not only the way of sitting in a classroom and listening to a lecture. This study aims to reflect the teaching process and learning outcomes after conducted the flipped classroom. A population of 29 students were investigate in a subject. Descriptive statistics and qualitative method were applied in this case study to demonstrate teaching reflection through the student feedback of the subject. Results showed that students were more active, involve, and willing to learn through technology in the flipped classroom even some disadvantages can be improved. This study concludes that the pedagogy of the flipped classroom is worth of promoting in tertiary education to bring creative thinking and practical knowledge for students' learning and career development.
Abstract: Fruits and vegetables are important parts of healthy eating and they provide excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber in our diet. According to the WHO, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables may contribute to as much as 14% of gastrointestinal cancer deaths and 11% of deaths resulted from ischemic heart disease worldwide. Higher risk of all-cause mortality is associated with insufficient fruits and vegetables consumption. Since 2011, Hong Kong has been promoting a 2 Plus 3 a day diet campaign aiming to raise the public's awareness on consuming a minimum of 2 portions of fruits and 3 portions of vegetables daily. Recent statistics showed that 81% of people aged 18 - 64 failed to meet this requirement. This finding suggested a strong demand to identify the underlying determinants that affect fruits and vegetables consumption behaviour that led to this result. This paper focuses on investigating these determinants among university students in Hong Kong. Surveys were conducted in 2015 with 600 participants randomly selected from universities across Hong Kong. The results indicated that 87% of students consuming fruits and vegetables regularly were due to the health benefits associated with fruits and vegetables, almost half of the students (47%) reported that taste of fruits and vegetables had led to their consumptions. Other factors such as gender, accessibility and parents' consumption behaviour were also found to play a role as determinants. Meanwhile, taste, cooking methods and texture of fruits and vegetables were found to play significant roles in preventing their consumptions.
Abstract: The study aims to investigate the current utilization of health information for disease prevention and health promotion among college students in Hong Kong, to understand how they acquire health information through different electronic media and to what extent they trust these health information. A cross-sectional study was performed between October and November 2015, 821 questionnaires were distributed to respondents in different tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, data were collected and analysed through SPSS programme. The findings showed that the respondents were mostly likely to look for health information when they were feeling sick (50.4%). Both male (63.5%) and female (64%) respondents reported that they lacked appropriate health knowledge and it was important for them to obtain this kind of information. A majority of respondents used internet (85.4%) and social media (67%) as their main sources of health information. There were also 60% of respondents who demonstrated doubts towards the reliability of information from the internet (23.3%) and social media (32.9%). There was no significant gender difference in terms of how this health information was acquired. These results showed that internet and social media were the principle sources of health information for college students in Hong Kong. However, most of them were unsure about the validity and trustworthiness of this information. To prevent students from obtaining potentially unreliable health information on the internet or from social media platforms, more health promotion is recommended to be carried out among local tertiary institutions on enhancing students' awareness in obtaining reliable health information.
Abstract: In Hong Kong, the need for psychiatric care has been increasing. However, a shortage of medical resources, separation of public psychiatric services from primary health care, imbalance of public-private psychiatric services, and inefficient education and professional training system have created challenges for the current mental health system. Though psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, medical social workers, and family doctors play the principal roles of medical service team in mental health system, their service capacity is limited. In order to improve the problematic and imperfect mental health system, several recommendations are proposed. Integrating mental health care in primary care and increasing service capacity of mental health professionals such as increasing the supply of and providing more training to clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses and psychiatrists are effective solutions. In the long term, a sustained effort in mental health promotion plays a critical role in the future. In return, mental well-being leads to a happy and prosperous society. The challenges are concerning all stake holders.
Abstract: The Hong Kong healthcare system is well-known for its good performance and supreme efficiency, but it is facing the problem of long-term sustainability. The shift of epidemiological pattern, increasing medical costs, and the imbalanced demands between the public and private sectors have caused huge financial burden on public healthcare services. There is also resource misallocation in the public system. Therefore, the Hong Kong healthcare system may be unsustainable in the long term. Re-structuring of the healthcare system and health reform are the effective ways for improving healthcare sustainability. Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme, performance measurement system, public private partnership, and fare adjustment scheme can be considered and implemented into the healthcare system for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of resource utilisation in future.
Abstract: This study adopts quantitative approach to compare the students' perceptions in terms of perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PE) of using mobile device-based student response system (SRS) and to investigate the difference in the effects of contributing factors on the students' perceptions at two higher education institutions in Hong Kong. Seventy-eight students were sampled from the two institutions which represent students at their early and final stages of study. The significance of this study is that its findings can help the education management to implement mobile device-based SRS for learning in classrooms at different stages of study. An online survey was conducted to capture the students' perceptions and their contributing factors. The Kruskal-Wallis test results showed that there was no significant difference between the students' perceptions in these two institutions. Multiple regression analysis was then performed to investigate whether other factors that contribute to PU and PE, as those in combining Park et al's (2012) and Venkatesh and Davis' (2000) models, are different in the two groups. The results revealed that the effect of PE on PU and the effect of self-efficacy on PE were larger at the early stage of study.
Abstract: Motion sensing technology is an interactive technology that provides a new channel for the users to communicate with the computer without using any physical controller devices. Because the user is not required to operate the keyboard or mouse, this technology is suitable for elderlies who are often not familiar with the operation of computers.
This article will focus on discovering the potential of applying motion-based technology into the learning and training processes. It will provide a better understanding of the future development in the motion-based application.
As developing a motion-based application is really difficult and there is no single unified platform for developer to work on it, this article will point out some basic motion-compare coding with development directions in order to improve the quality of the further development.
Abstract: Heritage Preservation and Revitalisation has become a controversial issue in Hong Kong since the last decade. There is an increasing trend in the local community to concern for the retention of historic buildings to preserve the history of Hong Kong. The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) is one of the major organisations to perform preservation and revitalisation (P&R) projects. However, criticisms received throughout the years reveal that it may not be an easy task for URA to deliver P&R projects smoothly. Based on a review of contemporary literature, this study aims to analyse the social values obtained from P&R projects in Hong Kong, explore the challenges encountered P&R and provide insights to minimise the impacts of the challenges in P&R projects. This study is expected to benefit the profession of building management at large by pointing out the problems encountered in P&R and providing insights for tackling these problems.
Abstract: This paper synthesizes the literature in genre studies in educational context, specifically focussing on genre in systemic functional linguistics tradition. I retrieved the literature mainly from journal articles, book chapters, and research reports. I compared the three traditions of genre at the beginning, explicating the commonalities and differences among the three schools of genre in terms of definition, theoretical framework, and goal. I then focused on research in genre in educational context from systemic functional linguistics. I answered four major research questions by synthesizing the results with the retrieved literature: (1) delineating the historical development of genre studies in educational context; (2) mapping out types of genres that have been studied; (3) exploring the focused areas of studies of these genres; and (4) finally, finding out the research gaps in the field. The synthesis revealed that SFL genre could be applied in a wider context, such as ESL. In addition, more studies in academic writing is highly recommended.
Abstract: Basically there are two different views on the argument realization of resultative V-V compounds in Mandarin Chinese. One derives the compounds in the lexicon, and the other in syntax. However, some crucial problems remained unclear either in a pure lexical analysis or in a pure syntactic approach. Following Hale and Keyser (1993), this paper adopts a lexical-syntactic approach to Mandarin resultative v-v compounds and assumes that all subject NPs are external to VP/AP but introduced and licensed by the little v, which is a new unsatured predicate resulting from incorporating a light verb with a root verb. Therefore, the external subject NP gets its semantic role through the predication relationship that holds between the subject NP and the little v phrase as a whole, which means that the subject NP should be semantically consistent with the little v, as well as the root verb. Such assumption hence not only account for the problems remained either in the lexical approach or the pure syntactic analysis, but also captures Chinese native speakers’ intuition that V2 plays an important role in the interpretation of V-V compounds.
Abstract: This paper tests the effectiveness of trading range break (TRB) trading rules in the Hang Seng index futures market. Such trading rules are linked up with a test using market high-time and market low-time. It is discovered that the market inefficiency observed by Mok, Li and Lam (2000) has no longer persisted in HSIF market. This particular example is interesting because the market inefficiency does not come together with any trading rule.
Abstract: This present study uses Japan (Eastern) and Italy (Western) to analyze the cultural factors and value perceptions towards purchase luxury handbags. The aim of this research is to employ Hofstede’s cultural dimension and value perception model as an approach to develop and compare Eastern and Western consumers towards purchase intention. The finding has indicated that Japan and Italy have different characteristics in culture but their value perception somehow similar in some areas. The literature review approach is appropriate for this study since it can give us a conceptual framework for research or project planning on the basis of existing literature. The previous study on the differences of luxury perceptions across the cross-context has inspired and provided us a deeply understanding on this study. This research contributes to international luxury handbag companies, which provide insights of consumer’s purchase intention of diverse cultural and implement appropriate marketing strategies.
Abstract: “Globesity” has been coined by the World Health Organization to describe the increasing prevalence of overweight and obesity all over the world. Obesity is a condition involving personal and social dimensions. There are studies investigating different risk factors of obesity, including the history and behaviours of family members, unhealthy diet as well as inadequate exercise. In a fast food culture, people tend to eat various types of food containing higher proportion of fat, sugar and salt. Inadequate physical activities also increase the risk of overweight and obesity. Weight control is an important strategy of health promotion in the community. The Hong Kong government has implemented the nutrition labelling scheme in order to help customers make informed food choices. The Department of Health has co-operated with schools to promote healthy eating and adequate exercise as well as a comprehensive weight control education. However, community awareness is also an important component that can affect the long-term maintenance of weight control in Hong Kong. Factors influencing community awareness include low health literacy, inadequate personal interest, and insufficient allocation of technical and financial resources. In order to increase the effectiveness of weight control promotion, education of weight control should be strengthened to enhance health literacy in the society. The health professionals should be encouraged to enrich and acquire more professional knowledge in obesity and weight management. To alleviate the prevalence of obesity continuously, the government, the schools and the public should take initiatives in the promotion of weight control in Hong Kong.
Abstract: The “EatSmart@restaurant.hk” Campaign has been launched since 2007 in order to cultivate a healthy eating habit in Hong Kong. EatSmart restaurants provide customers with the healthier dishes, containing more vegetables and less oil, salt and sugar. This Campaign is a good way to encourage citizens to eat healthily and fit into their eating out culture. There are some deficiencies in its promotion, namely the sustainability of the Campaign. The supervision of EatSmart restaurants is not enough and can hardly guarantee the quality of healthier dishes. Moreover, it cannot attract restaurants to join due to the lack of incentives. The contents of promotion materials are also unclear. Although the Campaign has been implemented for around 9 years, the obesity rate is still increasing slightly. The majority of people consume inadequate daily fruits and vegetables intake even nowadays. Besides, there are very few restaurants participating in it. As a result, the effectiveness of the Campaign seems to be doubtful. As such, it is necessary to improve the Campaign. The Government plays the crucial role in this health promotional initiative, not only in its sustainably, but also provides a supporting policy, such as incentives to participate and regular checking of the EatSmart restaurants.
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