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Accounting & Finance FinTech and Financial Analytics

Certificate for Module (Business Forecasting and Predictive Analytics for Financial Decision Making)
證書(單元:財務決策的商業分析與預測)

CEF Reimbursable Course

CEF Reimbursable Course

Course Code
FN082A
Application Code
2270-FN082A

Credit
6
Study mode
Part-time
Start Date
25 Feb 2025 (Tue)
Next intake(s)
May 2025
Duration
2 months to 4 months
Language
English
Course Fee
Course Fee: $9600 per programme (* course fees are subject to change without prior notice)
Deadline on 11 Feb 2025 (Tue)
Enquiries
2867 8331 / 2867 8424
2861 0278
Apply Now

Today and Upcoming Events

02
Dec 2024
(Mon)

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Join us for an exhilarating online talk show titled "Web3 and Blockchain IX". This session is designed to take you on a journey through the transformative landscape of blockchain technology, which is at the heart of a decentralized digital ecosystem—a significant leap from the interactive platforms of Web2. Bitcoin ETF Approval by the SEC: The crypto community is abuzz with the news that the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has given the green light to a Bitcoin ETF. This approval is expected to drive significant institutional investment into the cryptocurrency market, potentially boosting Bitcoin's price and bringing it further into the financial mainstream. Hong Kong's Push for Virtual Asset Regulations: In a recent move, Hong Kong has unveiled a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets, aiming to bolster investor protection and foster innovation. The new guidelines provide clear rules for cryptocurrency exchanges and digital asset service providers, signaling Hong Kong's commitment to becoming a leading hub for blockchain and fintech development. China's Digital Yuan Gains Traction: China's central bank digital currency, the digital yuan, is gaining significant traction as more businesses and consumers adopt it for everyday transactions. This development is seen as a major step towards mainstream acceptance of digital currencies and is influencing global financial systems to consider their own digital currency initiatives. Hong Kong Steps Boldly into the Cryptocurrency Spotlight: In an exciting development, Hong Kong has given initial approval to its first bitcoin and ether spot ETFs. This pioneering move paves the way for a broader acceptance of cryptocurrencies within the region’s mainstream financial systems, underscoring a significant shift towards more regulated and accessible digital asset investments. Bitcoin Halving Event: The crypto community is abuzz as the Bitcoin halving is done; this is a critical event that historically triggers a surge in Bitcoin's price by reducing the reward for mining new blocks by half. This anticipated change is stirring discussions about potential impacts on market dynamics and investment strategies. Innovative Regulatory Sandbox by HKMA: In a stride towards fostering innovation while ensuring security, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is set to introduce a "sandbox" for entities interested in issuing stablecoins. This initiative will allow participants to test their business models and risk management systems under manageable conditions, enhancing investor protection and promoting responsible business practices in the digital currency sphere. Join Our Captivating Session to delve deeper into the essence of Web3 and blockchain technologies with us. Discover how these advancements are reshaping the internet and what they mean for the future of finance, privacy, and online interaction. This is more than just a talk – it's an opportunity to be part of the next digital revolution. Register now and be part of this transformative journey into Web 3.0. Language: Cantonese (Supplemented with English)  

Accept new applications for Feb 2025 intake! There are practical classes in the computer laboratory. Our professional lecturer will illustrate techniques of business forecasting as well as practical skills in data mining and predictive analytics for financial decision-making. Business trend analysis, market index forecasting, text analytics, web analytics, social network analysis, and the applications of Excel and Python will be discussed. Welcome to your online application!

Highlights

The programme aims to provide students with the basic knowledge of business forecasting and essential skills in predictive analytics for financial decision making. The programme illustrates techniques of data exploration and regression analysis, and discusses computational tools used to perform business forecasting and predictive analytics. Students can learn how to apply business forecasting through case studies and perform predictive analytics through practical classes in computer laboratories.

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Programme Details

On completion of the programme, students should be able to
1. describe the concept of business forecasting and explain data analytics for business;
2. outline various techniques for data exploration, regression analysis and business forecasting;    
3. apply computational tools to perform business forecasting and predictive analytics; and
4. discuss business implications of forecasting and practical applications of predictive analytics for financial decision making.

Application Code 2270-FN082A Apply Online Now
Apply Online Now

Days / Time
  • Tue, Thu, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Duration
  • 30 hours
Venue
  • Hong Kong Island Campus
  • Kowloon East Campus
  • Kowloon West Campus

Modules

Syllabus:

(1) Fundamentals of business forecasting and data analytics

  • Introduction to data science and related career development
    • Data science powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence
    • Job descriptions of data analyst, business analyst, data scientist and business intelligence engineer
    • Career development in data science
  • Overview of data analytics for business
    • Descriptive analytics
    • Diagnostic analytics
    • Predictive analytics
    • Prescriptive analytics
  • Principles of business forecasting and data analytics
  • Introduction to computational tools for business forecasting and data analytics
  • Managerial challenges and business opportunities with data analytics
  • Ethical use of data and data privity

 

(2) Techniques of business forecasting and predictive analytics

  • Overview of business statistical concepts
  • Sources of data and data integrity
  • Fundamentals of predictive analytics
  • Introduction to business forecasting and model building using Excel
  • Introduction to Python for statistics and data analytics
  • Techniques of data exploration and regression analysis
    • Exploring data patterns and data visualization
    • Simple linear regression
    • Multiple regression
    • Moving averages and smoothing methods
    • Time series and their components
    • Regression with time series data
  • Business forecasting techniques
    • Quantitative techniques
    • Qualitative techniques
  • Applications of predictive analytics and data mining for business
  • Applications of computational tools for business forecasting and predictive analytics

 

(3) Applications of business forecasting and predictive analytics

  • Business implications and issues of forecasting
  • Business trend analysis and model building
  • Market index forecasting and investment
  • Text analytics and sentiment analysis for finance and investment
  • Web analytics and social network analysis for financial market
  • Business forecasting and financial decision making
  • Managerial issues and data-driven decision-making with predictive analytics

 Assessment method: Two in-class exercise + Group Project Presentation

Upon successful completion of the programme, students who have passed the continuous assessment and final assessment with attendance no less than 70% will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE a Certificate for Module (Business Forecasting and Predictive Analytics for Financial Decision Making).

Teacher

Dr. Jason Liao
Dr. Liao obtained his Bachelor and Master degrees from Tsinghua University and PhD from HKUST. He is a Qlik Sense Data Architect with certification. He has lots of working experience and wide expertise in big data, business intelligence, machine learning and FinTech innovation. He is proficient in BI data model/dashboard development, R, Python, SQL, etc. During his past working experience, either internal or external training took a rather large portion, and he elicited favorable comments froms trainees.

Mr. Ferrix Lau
Mr. Lau has over 10 years’ teaching experience in business, accounting and finance modules at tertiary level. He teaches Financial Analysis, Financial Risk Management, Quantitative Analysis, Financial Accounting, Cost and Management Accounting as well as Corporate Governance. Moreover, he is a co-author of a Statistics book, Quantitative Analysis for Professional Studies and Projects. Furthermore, he has strong interests in the areas of Statistical Analysis, Quantitative Finance and Machine Intelligence. Mr. Lau has earned a Bachelor's Degree in Social Science from The Chinese University of Hong Kong, major in Economics and minor in Computer Science. Besides, he holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration with Distinction from The University of Hong Kong, concentrating on the theme of Accounting Control and Financial Management.

Class Details

Timetable

Feb 2025
 

Lecture Date Time
1 25 Feb 25 (Tue) 19:00-22:00
2 27 Feb 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
3 4 Mar 25 (Tue) 19:00-22:00
4 6 Mar 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
5 11 Mar 25 (Tue) 19:00-22:00
6 13 Mar 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
7 18 Mar 25 (Tue) 19:00-22:00
8 20 Mar 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00
9 25 Mar 25 (Tue) 19:00-22:00
10 27 Mar 25 (Thu) 19:00-22:00

-Tentative timetable is subject to change, and course commencement is subject to sufficient enrollment numbers.
-For the health and safety of teachers and students, the School may substitute face-to-face classes with online teaching if the face-to-face classes cannot be held. 

Fee

Application Fee

HK$150 (Non-refundable)

Course Fee
  • Course Fee: $9600 per programme (* course fees are subject to change without prior notice)

Entry Requirements

Applicants should hold an Advanced Diploma, a Higher Diploma or an Associate Degree awarded by a recognised institution. Those with a business, IT or computer science background would have an advantage.

Applicants with other equivalent qualifications will be considered on individual merit.

CEF

  • The CEF Institution Code of HKU SPACE is 100
CEF Courses
Certificate for Module (Business Forecasting and Predictive Analytics for Financial Decision Making)
證書(單元:財務決策的商業分析與預測)
COURSE CODE 33C140357 FEES $9,600 ENQUIRY 2867-8331
Continuing Education Fund Continuing Education Fund
This course has been included in the list of reimbursable courses under the Continuing Education Fund.

Certificate for Module (Business Forecasting and Predictive Analytics for Financial Decision Making)

  • This course is recognised under the Qualifications Framework (QF Level [5])

Apply

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Download Application Form

Enrolment Method
Payment Method
1. Cash, EPS, WeChat Pay Or Alipay

Course fees can be paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay or Alipay at any HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres.

2. Cheque Or Bank draft

Course fees can also be paid by crossed cheque or bank draft made payable to “HKU SPACE”. Please specify the programme title(s) for application and applicant’s name. You may either:

  • bring the completed form(s), together with the appropriate course or application fees in the form of a cheque, and any required supporting documents to any of the HKU SPACE enrolment centres;
  • or mail the above documents to any of the HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres, specifying “Course Application” on the envelope. HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of personal information and payment sent by mail.
3. VISA/Mastercard

Applicants may also pay the course fee by VISA or Mastercard, including the “HKU SPACE Mastercard”, at any HKU SPACE enrolment centres. Holders of the HKU SPACE Mastercard can enjoy a 10-month interest-free instalment period for courses with a tuition fee worth a minimum of HK$2,000; however, the course applicant must also be the cardholder himself/herself. For enquiries, please contact our staff at any enrolment centres.

4. Online Payment

Online application / enrolment is offered for most open admission courses (enrolled on first come, first served basis) and selected award-bearing programmes. Application fees and course fees of these programmes/courses can be settled by using "PPS by Internet" (not available via mobile phones), VISA or Mastercard. In addition to the aforesaid online payment channels, new and continuing students of award-bearing programmes with available online service, they may also pay their course fees by Online WeChat Pay, Online Alipay or Faster Payment System (FPS). Please refer to Enrolment Methods - Online Enrolment  for details.

Notes

  • If the programme/course is starting within five working days, application by post is not recommended to avoid any delays. Applicants are advised to enrol in person at HKU SPACE Enrolment Centres and avoid making cheque payment under this circumstance.

  • Fees paid are not refundable except under very exceptional circumstances (e.g. course cancellation due to insufficient enrolment), subject to the School’s discretion. In exceptional cases where a refund is approved, fees paid by cash, EPS, WeChat Pay, Alipay, cheque, FPS or PPS by Internet will be reimbursed by a cheque, and fees paid by credit card will be reimbursed to the credit card account used for payment. 

  • In addition to the published fees, there may be additional costs associated with individual programmes. Please refer to the relevant course brochures or direct any enquiries to the relevant programme team for details.
  • Fees and places on courses cannot be transferrable from one applicant to another. Once accepted onto a course, the student may not change to another course without approval from HKU SPACE. A processing fee of HK$120 will be levied on each approved transfer.
  • HKU SPACE will not be responsible for any loss of payment, receipt, or personal information sent by mail.
  • For payment certification, please submit a completed form, a sufficiently stamped and self-addressed envelope, and a crossed cheque for HK$30 per copy made payable to “HKU SPACE” to any of our enrolment centres.