Information Systems

Overview

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology 's Information Systems doctoral program is designed to enable students to gain a deep knowledge of management in general, to develop a concentration in a specialized field, and to provide opportunities for students to do significant original research in their chosen area. PhD students are offered intensive and targeted research training and exceptional collaboration opportunities with faculty to prepare them for their future careers in teaching and/or research in universities, research institutes, governmental or business organizations. It has a technology management perspective with a focus on economic modeling and behavioral research into the management, design, use, and socio-economic impact of information technology on individuals, organizations, and societies.

Research Foci

There are two key areas in the division of Information Systems: (1) Business IT

• Fintech: Big data analytics, AI, text and sentiment analysis, blockchain and cryptocurrency
• IT strategy and organization: Technology use and implementation, human computer interaction 
• IT policy: cybersecurity, privacy, technology regulation

 (2) Digital Platforms

• Crowdsourcing: Crowd funding, innovation contests, idea competitions
• Social media: Online sales and advertising, online communities, user generated content
• Electronic commerce: platform economics, mobile commerce, two-sided markets

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the PhD program, graduates will be able to:

• Have up-to-date and in-depth IS knowledge of their areas of specialization, leading to independent substantive scholarly research.

• Demonstrate a sound grasp of IS literature in their specialization.

• Apply their specialized knowledge to solve IS-related business problems in an innovative fashion. 

• Have an in depth understanding of contemporary business and organizational issues, within their area of specialization.

• Demonstrate a broad based knowledge of core business functions in IS.

• Integrate functional knowledge to solve IS-related business problems within their area of specialization.

• Equipped to perform all aspects of the role of faculty in academia, including pedagogical skills.

• Teach independent courses or lead lab/tutorial sessions effectively.

• Present their discipline knowledge in IS area clearly to layman.