FHDDBP Higher Diploma in Digital Business Practice

In today's rapidly evolving business environment, digital transformation has become essential for the survival and growth of enterprises. Artificial intelligence (AI), business process automation, and data-driven decision-making are comprehensively reshaping how industries operate.

The Higher Diploma in Digital Business Practices focuses on equipping students with the critical skills to integrate digital technologies into business management, enabling enterprises to achieve digital transformation through AI and Business Intelligence (BI). The programme is designed to align with the Hong Kong SAR government's initiatives to promote technological innovation and smart city development, aiming to nurture digital professionals who meet market demands.

The curriculum covers data analytics, business process automation, cloud services, and ethical AI implementation, with an emphasis on the practical application of AI and BI. It helps students optimize business processes, create new business models, and develop the key competencies needed to address modern commercial challenges. Additionally, the program collaborates with Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology (SZIIT), where students can study at SZIIT's campus, utilizing its state-of-the-art facilities for hands-on learning and enhancing their professional capabilities and international perspectives.

Graduates will possess the core competencies to drive digital transformation in enterprises, becoming key talents leading future business innovation.

Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology (SZIIT) is a public institution committed to providing full-time higher education. It is operated under the administration of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government. SZIIT has been recognized as part of the first batch of schools included in the High-Level Higher Vocational School and Disciplinary Development Plan with Chinese Characteristics, commonly known as the "Double High Plan," due to its exceptional ICT programs. The Institute's achievements have garnered national recognition, ranking 6th in the 2024 Golden Apple Ranking for overall competitiveness among all higher vocational schools and junior colleges in China. The Guangdong Provincial Department of Education has completed the public announcement for upgrading, and the school will be elevated to a bachelor's degree-granting institution.

The School of Computer Science and Software, which collaborates with our institution to develop programme, is one of the first National Pilot Software Engineering School. It has received first and second prizes in national teaching achievement awards. Additionally, it is among the first group of national-level vocational education teacher innovation teams and leads the nationwide Artificial Intelligence Teaching Collaboration Community.

The school offers six major programmes: Computer Application Technology, Software Technology, Information Security Technology Applications, Mobile Internet Application Technology, Computer Network Technology, and Blockchain Technology Applications. Among these, the Software Technology programme cluster is part of the "Double High Plan" for high-level specialized programmes and has been recognized as outstanding by the state. According to the Golden Apple Ranking, this programme cluster ranks first in comprehensive competitiveness among similar clusters. The Software Technology and Computer Application Technology programmes have ranked first nationwide for four consecutive years out of more than 700 institutions. Furthermore, 63.83% of the teaching team holds doctoral degrees or have completed post-doctoral research.

Objectives

Upon completion of the programme, participants should be able to:

• Apply a range of generic skills, including communication, problem-solving, analytical thinking, and information technology, to support personal development, further studies, and future employment;

• Understand core business and e-commerce concepts, including business models, digital marketing strategies, and technologies to optimize operations and achieve online success;

• Apply digital technologies, data analytics, and visualization tools to optimize business operations, derive actionable insights, and support effective decision-making;

• Implement business process automation, cloud services, and digital tools to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and ensure compliance;

• Develop and use AI tools responsibly, considering ethical principles and mitigating biases;

• Navigate the digital business landscape by leveraging ICT to contribute innovation and organisational growth.

Programme Features

• Graduates possess core skills in e-commerce, data analysis, and business automation, enabling them to quickly adapt to the work environment in the digital economy era.

• Collaboration with Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology (SZIIT) allows students to engage in cross-border learning and gain exposure to real-world business cases and cutting-edge technologies.

• Students complete the programme in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, experiencing different regional business cultures and technological applications.

• Graduates can progress to bachelor's degree programs at several local universities for further studies in digital business, e-commerce, or related fields.

• The course adopts a diversified assessment approach, focusing on case studies, group projects, and practical applications rather than relying solely on exams.

Entry Requirement

Applicants are normally required to have either one of the following qualifications:  

• Level 2 in 5 HKDSE subjects (including English and Chinese)^; or

• Grade E in 1 HKALE A-Level (or an equivalent number of AS) subject(s); and
  (i) 5 passes in HKCEE including English and Chinese*; or
  (ii) 3 passes in HKCEE plus level 2 or above in English and Chinese*; or

• Satisfactory completion of a Pre-Associate Degree, Diploma or an equivalent programme (at QF level 3);

• Satisfactory completion of  Diploma Yi Jin ; or

• Other acceptable equivalent qualifications (including non-local qualifications obtained in or outside HK, or other qualifications / experience deemed to be equivalent); or

• Mature applicants who are 21 years of age or above with a minimum of 3 years' working experience will also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

^Applicants possessing an “Attained”, "Attained with Distinction (I)" and "Attained with Distinction (II)" in HKDSE Applied Learning (ApL) subject are regarded as equivalent to HKDSE subject at “Level 2”, “Level 3” and “Level 4” respectively, with a maximum of two ApL subjects can be counted for admission purpose.

* A pass in a quality-assured Applied Learning (ApL) subject is deemed to be a pass in one HKCEE subject. (Except Chinese Language and English Language)

Admission Interview: Applicants will be invited to an admission interview 

Core Courses

• Entrepreneurship in Practice 創業與實踐

• Business Organization and Management 商業組織及管理

• Marketing Management 營銷管理

• Principles of Human Resources Management 人力資源學概論

• Fundamental of Accounting 基礎會計學

• Business Economics 商業經濟學

• Work-integrated Learning – Business Management 工商管理實習

• Effective Chinese Communication Skills 應用中文傳意技巧

• English for Communication I, II & III英語溝通技巧(一)、(二)、(三)

• General Education Course 通識科目
  

Programme Specific Courses

• Cloud Service Basics 雲端服務基礎

• Information Security Basics 資訊安全基礎

• Business Data Analytics 商業數據分析

• AI in Business 商業中的人工智能

• Business Intelligence and Automation 商業智能與自動化

• Digital Marketing 數碼營銷

• E-Commerce 電子商務

[1] Students who have attained Level 3 or above in DSE English Language can be exempted from taking English for Communication I (ENGL3057EF).
[2] Non-Chinese speaking students can be exempted from taking Effective Chinese Communication Skills (CHIN4006CF). They will have to take a GE course as replacement for fulfilment of the overall credits for graduation.
[3] The four courses—Information Security Basics (IT4041BF) , Artificial Intelligence in Business (IT4042BF) , Fundamentals of Cloud Services (IT4043BF) , and Business Intelligence and Automation (IT4044BF) —will be taught by professors, researchers, and senior teachers from the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology (SZIIT).
[4] The courses Information Security Basics (IT4041BF) and Artificial Intelligence in Business (IT4042BF) will be conducted on the Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology (SZIIT) campus.

^The Work-integrated Learning in Business Management module must be completed before graduation and include not less than 100 practicum hour.

*The Institute has the final decision to the offering of specialist streams for each cohort, and reserves the final right to make any alternations to the Programme(s)/ Course(s).

Further Studies

Graduates may articulate to:

• Hong Kong Metropolitan University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Digital Business

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Business Management

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Corporate Governance

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Human Resource Management

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Global Business

• Hong Kong Baptist University

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Information Systems and Business Intelligence

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation Concentration

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Business Computing and Data Analytics 

• City University of Hong Kong

  • Bachelor of Business Administration Business Decision Analytics

• Lingnan University (LU)

  • Bachelor of Business Administration with Honours in Digital Business

Students will be required to comply with the admission requirements.

Graduates can find employment as trainees or assistants in digital business, e-commerce, and IT sectors. They can also work in general administrative support roles, including positions such as Digital Marketing Trainee, E-commerce Assistant, Business Operations Support Assistant, Data Analysis Assistant, and IT Administrative Assistant.