Dept of Real Estate & Construction

DEPT OF REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Researcher : Cai Q

List of Research Outputs

Ding Z., Ng F.F. and Cai Q., Personal constructs affecting interpersonal trust and willingness to share knowledge between architects in project design team, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. UK, Taylor and Francis, 2007, 25: 937-950.

Researcher : Chau KW

Project Title:	Sources of productivity growth in Hong Kong's construction industry
Investigator(s):	Chau KW
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2003

Abstract:

To investigate the factors that affect the total factor productivity (TFP) in the Hong Kong's construction industry over the past 30 years.

Project Title:	Industry level productivity trends in Hong Kong's construction industry
Investigator(s):	Chau KW, Ganesan S
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2003

Abstract:

To investigate the factors that affect the industry level total factor productivity (TFP) in the Hong Kong's construction industry over the past 30 years (1972-2001). To accomplish this goal, the following objectives have to be achieved; 1) to measure the industry level total factor productivity in the construction industry(TC); to identify and factors affecting the (TC); to test empirically the effects of the factors identifies in (2) on the TC.

Project Title:	The characteristics of the production technologies in Hong Kong's construction industry
Investigator(s):	Chau KW, Ganesan S
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2004

Abstract:

To investigate the degree of substitutability between different types of construction resource in Hong Kong's construction industry; to analyze the nature and characteristics of technological progress in Hong Kong's construction industry.

Project Title:	Proposal from the sustainable cities research theme group
Investigator(s):	Chau KW, Chan ATY, Hau TD, Jim CY, Kwan AKH, Lai LWC
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding for Strategic Research Theme
Start Date:	05/2005

Abstract:

The strategic goup to encourage and support scholarly activities that advance HKU's international standing in Sustainable Cities research; build on existing strengths; are interdisciplinary in nature; and are of relevance to the community.

Project Title:	A test of property market efficiency using simulated air quality in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Chau KW, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

Good air quality is a highly valued good, especially in a compact city with high density development such as Hong Kong. In a world with zero information cost, variations in air quality in different areas should be reflected in property prices. However, in the absence of publicly available information on air quality, it is uncertain whether variations in air quality will be factored into property prices even in a very liquid and efficient market. Empirical findings in Hong Kong suggested that the district level Air Pollution Index (API) has an impact on relative property prices in different districts. It is, however, uncertain whether the variations in property prices are due to the availability of the district level API to the general public or a genuine response of market participants to variations in air quality. The latter implies a much stronger form of market efficiency than that is known today. Moreover, there were also problems in using district-level data by previous studies because the wide variation in many attributes of properties in the same district may introduce too much noise to their models and thus invalidate their results.In order to test the efficiency of the property market, this research aims to:- simulate street level air quality of an densely populated area using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model; - analyze the relationship between air quality and property prices at a microscopic level to eliminate the district level noise; and- examine whether the variations in property prices are to residents' genuine response to variations in air quality.

Project Title:	Market Sentiment, Winners Curse, and Bidding Strategy in Auctions of Developable Land'
Investigator(s):	Chau KW, Wong SK, Tse KS, Pretorius FIH
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The objective of this study is to examine the factors affecting bidders' bidding strategies in land auctions and how the stock market reacts to the bidding strategies. In particular, we are interested to examine: 1 whether bidders have adjusted for potential winner's course 2 whether real estate market sentiment affect the adjustment for potential winner's course 3 degree of competition affects bidding strategies 4 joint bidding suppresses bid prices 5 stock market sentiment are affected by bidding strategies 6 share price of the winning company is affected by its bidding strategy.

Project Title:	Pre-sale practices in the real estate market and building quality
Investigator(s):	Chau KW, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2006

Abstract:

Selling unfinished properties (pre-sale) is a common practice in many real estate markets. Pre-sale of properties allows both buyers and sellers to hedge against future price changes. However, one major problem of pre-sale is that buyers of an unfinished property cannot easily assess its quality. Although there is normally some form of warranty in a pre-sale contract, which typically last for 12 months after completion, buyer are not sufficiently protected since many building defects may not be noticeable until many years later. Many previous studies argue that the pre-sold properties are of lower quality due to the moral hazard problem. This problem, in the extreme case, would lead to extinction of the pre-sale market. In a more realistic scenario, the moral hazard problem implies that high quality properties are less likely to be pre-sold. Nonetheless, not only that pre-sale is a very common practice and it is an equally popular practice for low and high quality properties. We hypothesize that real estate developers' reputations have an important role to play in signalling the quality of pre-sold units to the perspective buyers and therefore mitigates the moral hazard problem. This project aims to theoretically explain and empirically test (1) whether developer's reputation is priced in the pre-sale market and (2) whether the expected quality of the a pre-sale property is consistent with the actual quality of the completed property.

List of Research Outputs

Arner D.W., Chau K.W., Hsu B.F.C., Pretorius F.I.H., Pu L. and Tse K.S., Basel II and Its Impact on the Property Market in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Banking Law Journal. U.S.A., A.S. Pratt & Sons, 2008, 125: 527-550.

Chau K.W., Co-editor, Journal of Construction Research. Singapore, World Scientific Press, 2007.

Chau K.W., Editorial Board Member , Journal of Real Estate Literature, Boston, Mass: American Real Estate Society. . American Real Estate Society, Boston, Mass, 2007.

Chau K.W., Editorial Board Member, International Journal of Construction Management. Hong Kong, Chinese Research Institute of Construction Management, 2007.

Chau K.W., Editorial Board Member, Journal of Financial Management of Property and Construction. Glasgow, UK, Glasgow Caledonian University, 2007.

Chau K.W., Editorial Board Member, Pacific Rim Property Research Journal. Sydney: Australia, Pacific Rim Real Estate Society Journal, 2007.

Chau K.W., Wong S.K., Yiu C.Y. and Yu M.K.W., Estimating the Intergenerational Discount Rate: A Case in Hong Kong, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. 2007.

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W., Cheung A.K.C., Yau Y., Wong S.K., Leung H.F., Lau S.S.Y. and Wong W.S., A Survey Of The Health And Safety Conditions Of Apartment Buildings In Hong Kong, Building and Environment. Elsevier, 2008, 43(5): 764-775.

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W. and Yau Y., Benchmarking Building Management and Upkeep: The Building Quality Index Research Project by the University of Hong Kong, Housing Express. Hong Kong, Chartered Institute of Housing, 2008, 9-17.

Ho D.C.W. and Chau K.W., Project - 'Real Estate Development and Management: How FM Can Help Enhance Your Return and Reduce Your Risk’, funded by the Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme (PSDAS), Business and Services Promotion Unit, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, HKSAR Government, 2008.

Lai L.W.C., Wong S.K., Ho C.K. and Chau K.W., Time is of the Essence? An Empirical Application of the Corollary of the Coase Theorem, Review of Urban and Regional Development Studies. London, Blackwell, 2007, 20(1): 34-51.

Newell G.J., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., The significance and performance of infrastructure in China, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. Macau, 2007.

Newell G.J., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., The significance and performance of the emerging property markets in Asia, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. Macau, 2007.

Wong S.K., Wong K.C., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Ho D.C.W., DOES STUDENT QUALITY FLUCTUATE WITH REAL ESTATE PRICES? , In: William Hardin III, Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. ARES, 2008, 11.

Wong S.K., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Yu M...K...W..., Intergenerational Discounting: A Case from Hong Kong, Habitat International. 2007, 32: 283-292.

Wong S.K., Yiu C.Y. and Chau K.W., Price information-induced heteroskedasticity in the repeat-sales index: some empirical evidence, Dauphine Real Estate Workshop. 2007.

Wong S.K., Chau K.W. and Yiu C.Y., Volatility Transmission in the Real Estate Spot and Forward Markets , Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. 2007, 35.: 281-293.

Yau Y., Chau K.W., Ho D.C.W. and Wong S.K., An Empirical Study on the Positive Externality of Building Refurbishment, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis. 2008, 11: 19-32.

Yiu C.Y., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., Model of Volume Based WLS of Repeat Sales Index, APRU Real Estate Research Symposium 2007.

Researcher : Cheung AKC

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W., Cheung A.K.C., Yau Y., Wong S.K., Leung H.F., Lau S.S.Y. and Wong W.S., A Survey Of The Health And Safety Conditions Of Apartment Buildings In Hong Kong, Building and Environment. Elsevier, 2008, 43(5): 764-775.

Researcher : Ding Z

List of Research Outputs

Ding Z., Ng F.F. and Cai Q., Personal constructs affecting interpersonal trust and willingness to share knowledge between architects in project design team, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. UK, Taylor and Francis, 2007, 25: 937-950.

Ding Z. and Ng F.F., Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of McAllister's trust scale, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. UK, Taylor and Francis, 2007, 25: 1107-1117.

Researcher : Fellows RF

List of Research Outputs

Fellows R.F., Outstanding Reviewer Award, In: Professor R. McCaffer Professor A. Thorpe, Emerald Literati Network. 2007.

Fellows R.F. and Liu A.M.M., The Way We Behave: propaganda and organizational citizenship behaviour , CME25 Conference, Construction Management and Economics ‘Past, Present and Future’. 2007, CD-Rom.

Researcher : Hastings EM

Project Title:	An examination of the participation, role and professional achievements of women in the surveying profession in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Hastings EM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	RSS Grant Distributed via Faculty
Start Date:	11/1994

Abstract:

To examine the perceptions and professional achievements of women involved in surveying in Hong Kong and to identify the implications for the future development of the profession.

Researcher : Ho CK

List of Research Outputs

Lai L.W.C., Wong S.K., Ho C.K. and Chau K.W., Time is of the Essence? An Empirical Application of the Corollary of the Coase Theorem, Review of Urban and Regional Development Studies. London, Blackwell, 2007, 20(1): 34-51.

Lai L.W.C., Yung P. and Ho C.K., Time is of the essence Part I: The idea of the corollary of the Coase Theorem and a possible application , Review of Urban & Regional Development Studies. Blackwell Publishing, 2007, 19(3): 224-232.

Researcher : Ho DCW

Project Title:	Developing performance specifications and testing and acceptance criteria of external wall finishes in high-rise residential buildings
Investigator(s):	Ho DCW
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	The Housing Authority Research Fund
Start Date:	09/2002

Abstract:

To investigate the reasons for external wall finishes failure; to develop the best practice specifications and testing procedures for use in Hong Kong; to standardize acceptance criteria in assessing conditions of external wall finishes for buildings in Hong Kong.

Project Title:	Building safety index: a pilot scheme
Investigator(s):	Ho DCW
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To develop an assessment scheme to classify buildings in respect of safety.

Project Title:	Constructing a health and hygiene index for residential buildings in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Ho DCW, Chau KW, Wong WS, Leung HF, Wong SK, Lau SSY
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	10/2004

Abstract:

To inform occupants and the public of the health and hygiene risk associated with their living environment by constructing a < and I>hygiene Index (BHHI).

Project Title:	The relationship between building conditions and management structures in multi-owned apartment buildings
Investigator(s):	Ho DCW, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

In Hong Kong, the majority of households live in multi-storey apartment buildings under co-ownership arrangements. Generally speaking, the owners of individual units are co-owners of their buildings with undivided shares corresponding to the size of their units. They have exclusive rights over their individual units, and they are also collectively responsible for the management of the common parts of their buildings. A major challenge to managing the common parts of multi-ownership buildings is the difficulty of reaching collective decisions by co-owners. The absence of a consensus has often resulted in problems such as under-maintenance and the proliferation of unauthorized building works. The tribulations of building neglect were further exacerbated by the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in early 2003. In view of these problems, the government has encouraged owners to participate in building management (e.g. forming Owners’ Corporations) and employ property management companies. But so far, there has been no empirical evidence on whether changing the building management structures can bring improvement to building performance. This research aims to empirically test the relationship between building management structures and the physical conditions of private apartment buildings in Hong Kong by: 1) Reviewing the legal and operational issues of building management in Hong Kong; 2) Conducting a conditions survey for a group of apartment buildings in Hong Kong; and 3) Evaluating the relationship between building conditions and management structures through statistical modeling.

Project Title:	Constructing a Safety and Conditions Index for Multi-storey Residential Buildings in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Ho DCW, Chau KW, Lau SSY, Lo SM, Wong WS, Leung HF, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2005

Abstract:

The objective of this project is to develop an assessment scheme to classify multi-storey residential buildings in Hong Kong in respect of the building safety and conditions.

Project Title:	Evaluating the Management Performance of Multi-storey Residential Buildings in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Ho DCW, Chau KW, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

In Hong Kong, the majority of households live in multi-storey apartment buildings under co-ownership arrangement. Such kind of arrangement often leads to challenges in the management of the common parts of multi-ownership buildings because it is difficult to reach collective decisions by the co-owners. The absence of a consensus has often resulted in problems such as under-maintenance and the proliferation of unauthorized building works. To alleviate this problem, better building management is needed. Building management performance was usually measured by key performance indicators, which are either input-based (e.g. maintenance expenditure), process-based (e.g. workflow) or output-based (e.g. occupants’ satisfaction). However, whether these indicators enable like-with-lie comparisons across buildings is questionable. It is flawed thinking to attribute a more “satisfactory” building to better management performance with holding other exogenous factors (e.g. building age) constant. Besides, management fees are not a good measure of management performance as they vary greatly with the quantity, not quality of the services provided. In our study, we propose a residual concept to extract building management performance. A regression model that relates an output measure (e.g. building conditions) to a building’s inborn attributes (e.g. building age), residents’ characteristics (e.g. household income) and coordination mechanisms (e.g. formation of owners’ association) will be developed. The residual of the model is impliedly the pure management performance of a building. This research aims to empirically evaluate the management performance of private apartment buildings in Hong Kong by: 1) formulating a novel framework to assess and compare building management performance in Hong Kong using a residual concept; 2) conducting a conditions survey for a group of apartment buildings in Hong Kong; and 3) evaluating the relationship between management performance and property prices

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W., Cheung A.K.C., Yau Y., Wong S.K., Leung H.F., Lau S.S.Y. and Wong W.S., A Survey Of The Health And Safety Conditions Of Apartment Buildings In Hong Kong, Building and Environment. Elsevier, 2008, 43(5): 764-775.

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W. and Yau Y., Benchmarking Building Management and Upkeep: The Building Quality Index Research Project by the University of Hong Kong, Housing Express. Hong Kong, Chartered Institute of Housing, 2008, 9-17.

Ho D.C.W. and Chau K.W., Project - 'Real Estate Development and Management: How FM Can Help Enhance Your Return and Reduce Your Risk’, funded by the Professional Services Development Assistance Scheme (PSDAS), Business and Services Promotion Unit, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, HKSAR Government, 2008.

Lai L.W.C., Ho D.C.W. and Leung H.F., Speaker and moderator of Press Conference held by the External Relations Office, HKU on ‘HKU Scholars Propose on Ensuring the Compliance with “Planning Conditions” in Property Development’ for the Department of Real Estate & Construction, Faculty of Architecture, 15 February 2008., 2008.

Lai L.W.C. and Ho D.C.W., The Guns of Pottinger: a Snapshot of the Maritime Defence of Colonial Hong Kong and Ideas for Conserving a Heritage Site, Cantonese documentary with English subtitles. (About 90 minutes). Available in the University of Hong Kong Library., funded by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, 2007, 2007 , 2007.

Lai L.W.C. and Ho D.C.W., The Guns of Pottinger: a Snapshot of the Maritime Defence of Colonial Hong Kong and Ideas for Conserving a Heritage Site, English documentary with Chinese sub-titles. (About 90 minutes). Available in the University of Hong Kong Library., funded by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, 2007. 2007.

Lai L.W.C. and Ho D.C.W., The Guns of Pottinger: a Snapshot of the Maritime Defence of Colonial Hong Kong and Ideas for Conserving a Heritage Site, Mandarin documentary with English subtitles. (About 90 minutes). Available in the University of Hong Kong Library., funded by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, 2007. 2007.

Lai L.W.C., Yung P., Li Y.M. and Ho D.C.W., The Private Supply of and Public Demand for Planning: Compliance with Planning Conditions in the Absence of Direct Statutory Enforcement Measures, Planning Policy and Research. Carfax Publishing, 2007, 22(4): 535-557.

Wong S.K., Wong K.C., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Ho D.C.W., DOES STUDENT QUALITY FLUCTUATE WITH REAL ESTATE PRICES? , In: William Hardin III, Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. ARES, 2008, 11.

Wu M. and Ho D.C.W., Real time building energy effectiveness assessment model, In: E.K.Zavadskas, A.Kaklauskas, M.J.Skibniewski, Internal Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2008) . Vilnius, Lithuania, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 2008, 1: 411-421.

Yau Y., Chau K.W., Ho D.C.W. and Wong S.K., An Empirical Study on the Positive Externality of Building Refurbishment, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis. 2008, 11: 19-32.

Yiu C.Y., Ho D.C.W. and Lo S.M., Weathering Effects on External Wall Tiling Systems, Construction and Building Materials. Elsevier, 2007, 21: 594-600.

Researcher : Hsu BFC

Project Title:	Real estate cycles and credit ratings of banks in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Hsu BFC, Chau KW, Pretorius FIH, Tse KS
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To develop an analytical framework that will allow financial and economic policymakers to evaluate the impact of real estate market on the financial health, as gauged by the credit ratings of a bank, and hence the overall banking system in Hong Kong.

List of Research Outputs

Arner D.W., Chau K.W., Hsu B.F.C., Pretorius F.I.H., Pu L. and Tse K.S., Basel II and Its Impact on the Property Market in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Banking Law Journal. U.S.A., A.S. Pratt & Sons, 2008, 125: 527-550.

Arner D.W., Booth C.D., Lejot P.L. and Hsu B.F.C., Property Rights, Collateral, Creditor Rights and Insolvency in East Asia, Texas Inernational Law Journal. U.S.A., University of Texas at Austin, 2007, 42: 515-559.

Hsu B.F.C., Arner D.W. and Wan Q., Financial Restructuring and China's Asset Management Companies, In: J. Barth, Z. Zhou, D. Arner, B. Hsu, and W. Wang, Financial Restructuring and Reform in Post-WTO China. The Netherlands, Kluwer Law, 2007, 123-170.

Pretorius F.I.H., Lejot P.L., McInnis A., Arner D.W. and Hsu B.F.C., Project Finance for Construction and Infrastructure. United Kingdom, Blackwell, 2007, 384pp.

Pretorius F.I.H., Lejot P.L., Arner D.W. and Hsu B.F.C., Project Finance for Infrastructure and Construction: Principles and Cases , London, Blackwell Publishing, 2008.

Researcher : Hung WY

List of Research Outputs

Lai L.W.C. and Hung W.Y., The Inner Logic of the Coase Theorem and a Coasian Planning Research Agenda, Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design. London, Pion, 2008, 35(2): 207-226.

Researcher : Lai LWC

Project Title:	Sustainable development control in Hong Kong: a case study
Investigator(s):	Lai LWC
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2005

Abstract:

The objective of this proposal is to statistically evaluate the sustainability of a development control system in terms of self-financing, control of externalities and efficiency using publicly available data. The key issues would be the justification relevant evaluation criteria and the design of the statistical method to carry out the evaluation. The problem is largely a matter of the time consuming nature of data collection and data analysis. In addition, it is worth interviewing practitioners, developers and officials but work of this nature will be performed by tyhe investigators, not the RA1.

Project Title:	Urban planning and innovations for sustainable city development: an analytical and empirical analysis of master layout plans for comprehensive development areas
Investigator(s):	Lai LWC, Chau KW, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Public Policy Research
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

Primary purpose: To study, evaluate and report on the contribution of statutory town planning to environmental improvements and sustainable development by an empirical study on planning conditions and master layout plans for a major class of zones for comprehensive development, Comprehensive Development Areas, which govern major development in Hong Kong. Specific Objecitves: To examine for the selected class of zones during the study period (1 Jan 01 to 31 Aug 05): 1. the nature of planning conditions in terms of sustainability; 2. the factual compliance with planning conditions; 3. the environmental effects of planning conditions in master layout plans for the immediate neighbourhood in terms of environmental complaints; 4. the value effects of planning conditions in master layout plans for the immediate neighbourhood in terms of property value appreciation (depreciation); and 5. the innovations that come about by way of imposition of planning conditions.

Project Title:	The Facts and Myths of the Battle of Hong Kong: an Aerial Photographic and Land Suveying Analysis of the Gin Drinkers' Line
Investigator(s):	Lai LWC
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	09/2006

Abstract:

PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES: This purpose of this proposed study is to gather and interpret evidence from post war low attitude (3000 to 4000 feet) aerial photo images of and field study on the military installations in the Gin Drinkers' Line using land surveying techniques with the objective of informing the emerging historical debate on the Battle of Hong Kong with a focus on the Shing Mun Redoubt of the Line as a matter of heritage conservation and the proper reconstruction of history based on facts. CREDENTIALS OF THE PI: The PI has outside practice experinece as an expert witness in aerial photo interpretaton and have published works on the subject and has been awarded two Lord Wilson Heritage Trust grants (in collaboration with Dr. Daniel Ho) for land surveying and conservation research of the military sites on Devil's Peak. BACKGROUND: There has been a resurgence of community interest in the past of Hong Kong and the SAR Government has taken the opportunity to promote heritage conservation, cultural tourism and research. The Battle of Hong Kong fought in December 1941 is surely an important link in these arena. However, academic and professional discussion on the Battle has not been illuminated by any serious concern for the accurate location of battle fields or installations. Most illustrative materials in books and journal articles were drawn to such a small-scale or at such a broad brush "strategic" or "policy" level that little direct use can be made of them for conservation or tourism planning purposes, not to mention on a discussion on the actual conduct of war. Many key research questions of signficnace for the historians cannot be answered in the absence of accurate large scale survey plans and to-scale 3-D drawings. The questions surrounding the famous Gin Drinkers' Line, the so-called Maginot of the East, is a case in point. The Gin Drinkers' Line is a system of "pillboxes" [machine gun strongpoints built of reinforced concrete in key hilly and coastal positions stretching from Kwai Chung to Port Shelter] and related defence structures. The Shing Mun Redoubt was a major bastion of this Line but it fell within the first 48 hours of the 18-day Battle of Hong Kong. KEY ISSUES: ACADEMIC & TECHNICAL The key academic research issue that this study would address is be the validity and nature of several "received" views about the conduct of the Battle in terms of the Gin Drinkers' Line with the Shing Mun Redoubt as the focal point. These views have actually been derived from second hand reports released post war. Neither the public record office in UK nor in Hong Kong has any accurate measured drawing or plan of the Line, not to mention the redoubt (for which there is only a skematic design scheme). One such view is that the Line fell at once after the collapse of the Redoubt and the Golden Hill area. But how extensive was the battle field? And what sense could we make of the alleged discovery of dead bodies in pillboxes in the Sai King area after the surrender? The received view is that the Line was no longer manned once the order to evacuate Kowloon was made. But if that was so, then any evidence that pillboxes in other locations revealed scars of hostility would be counter-factual. The technical issue or challenge for this study would be: how can we reconstruct history of more than 60 years from the battle itself? The methodolgy used to reconstruct history with a high degree of duplicable accuracy is to consult aerial photos. The R C Hunting survey of Hong Kong in 1963 generated the best post-war series of aerial photos. As then the countryside of Hong Kong had not been disturbed by either revegetation or urban sprawling, these photos contain images of war ruins and battle fields. The photos can be portion enlarged to reveal clearly objects (such as the air shaft for an air raid tunnel or a pillbox). These black and white photos were also taken at a time when the air quality in Hong Kong was excellent. Recent coloured photos are inferior in many ways: destruction of relics as a result of urban growth; thicker vegetation cover; poor visibility due to pollution etc.

List of Research Outputs

Lai L.W.C., Davies S.N.G. and Tan Y.K., Analysis of the Japanese attack on the Gin Drinker’s Line, Hong Kong, in December 1941, British Archaeology, June. Web publication. 2008.

Lai L.W.C., Liu K.T. and Yung P., Planning Conditions for Comprehensive Development Area Zones: a technical note on a survey on factual compliance and the depositing of associated master layout plans at the Land Registry, Planning and Development. 2008, 23: forthcoming.

Lai L.W.C., Ho D.C.W. and Leung H.F., Speaker and moderator of Press Conference held by the External Relations Office, HKU on ‘HKU Scholars Propose on Ensuring the Compliance with “Planning Conditions” in Property Development’ for the Department of Real Estate & Construction, Faculty of Architecture, 15 February 2008., 2008.

Lai L.W.C., Ng W.N.C. and Yung P., The Coase Theorem and a Coasian construction economics and management research agenda, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. Construction Management and Economics, 2007, 26(1): 29-46.

Lai L.W.C. and Ho D.C.W., The Guns of Pottinger: a Snapshot of the Maritime Defence of Colonial Hong Kong and Ideas for Conserving a Heritage Site, Cantonese documentary with English subtitles. (About 90 minutes). Available in the University of Hong Kong Library., funded by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, 2007, 2007 , 2007.

Lai L.W.C. and Ho D.C.W., The Guns of Pottinger: a Snapshot of the Maritime Defence of Colonial Hong Kong and Ideas for Conserving a Heritage Site, English documentary with Chinese sub-titles. (About 90 minutes). Available in the University of Hong Kong Library., funded by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, 2007. 2007.

Lai L.W.C. and Ho D.C.W., The Guns of Pottinger: a Snapshot of the Maritime Defence of Colonial Hong Kong and Ideas for Conserving a Heritage Site, Mandarin documentary with English subtitles. (About 90 minutes). Available in the University of Hong Kong Library., funded by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, 2007. 2007.

Lai L.W.C. and Hung W.Y., The Inner Logic of the Coase Theorem and a Coasian Planning Research Agenda, Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design. London, Pion, 2008, 35(2): 207-226.

Lai L.W.C., Yung P., Li Y.M. and Ho D.C.W., The Private Supply of and Public Demand for Planning: Compliance with Planning Conditions in the Absence of Direct Statutory Enforcement Measures, Planning Policy and Research. Carfax Publishing, 2007, 22(4): 535-557.

Lai L.W.C., Wong S.K., Ho C.K. and Chau K.W., Time is of the Essence? An Empirical Application of the Corollary of the Coase Theorem, Review of Urban and Regional Development Studies. London, Blackwell, 2007, 20(1): 34-51.

Lai L.W.C., Yung P. and Ho C.K., Time is of the essence Part I: The idea of the corollary of the Coase Theorem and a possible application , Review of Urban & Regional Development Studies. Blackwell Publishing, 2007, 19(3): 224-232.

Yung P. and Lai L.W.C., Supervising for Quality: An Empirical Examination of Institutional Arrangements in China’s Construction Industry, Construction Management and Economics. E&FP Spon, 2008, 26(7): 727-737.

Researcher : Leung HF

Project Title:	Factors affecting land resumption compensation in lands tribunal cases in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Leung HF
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To study the rules of law governing the amount of compensation in land resumption cases under the Lands Resumption Ordinance; to identify observable factors that may affect the amount of compensation determined by the Lands Tribunal; to construct an empirical model that predicts the amount of compensation using the observable factors.

Project Title:	A Study on the Feasibility on the Use of Mediation for Construction Disputes in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Leung HF
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2006

Abstract:

The use of mediation has been assisted by the Government of Hong Kong for many years. Since the early nineties, the use of mediation has been included in the Government General Conditions of Contract for Building Works. In 2005, mediation has been included in the private sector of the construction industry of Hong Kong in its new standard form of building contract. Despite all the good intent and purposes in the promotion of the use of mediation, and despite the advocacy that it is a more economical and speedy method to resolve disputes than litigation if settlement can be reached, mediation has not been able to gain its popularity as expected in the past. In recent years, mediation has become widely used in different kinds of cases such as insurance, construction, family, community, shipping, personal injuries and general commercial disputes in many places in the world. Classic examples include USA, Australia and UK. In New Zealand, mediation has been used for personal injuries claims cases to an extent that there are very few personal injuries litigation cases very year. In Hong Kong, a pilot scheme for the use of mediation has been introduced for family cases in the courts has been introduced few years ago. Earlier this year, there has been a consultation paper on a practice direction on the use of mediation for cases under the Construction and Arbitraiton List of the Court of First Instance, which consultation has led to the practice direction to be in effect from September, 2006. It is expected that there will be more mediation cases coming. Despite the fact that there has been much effort spent by various bodies in promoting the use of mediation, the practice remains in the hands of a few vanguards in the few and disputants can hardly have any in-depth knowledge in the process. It is therefore important that experience in the use of mediation in other countries should be brought to the attention of users and practitioners in Hong Kong and also for the purpose of improving the system already and to be imposed by the judiciary. The objectives of this study are therefore to: 1. to find out the experience in the use of mediation for construction disputes in other countries including but not limited to USA, Australia and UK 2. to identify the strengths and limitations of mediation when being put into actual use 3. to study the feasibility in the use of mediation for construction disputes in Hong Kong by reference to the experience in other countries 4. to make recommendations in the use of mediation for construction industry in Hong Kong.

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W., Cheung A.K.C., Yau Y., Wong S.K., Leung H.F., Lau S.S.Y. and Wong W.S., A Survey Of The Health And Safety Conditions Of Apartment Buildings In Hong Kong, Building and Environment. Elsevier, 2008, 43(5): 764-775.

Lai L.W.C., Ho D.C.W. and Leung H.F., Speaker and moderator of Press Conference held by the External Relations Office, HKU on ‘HKU Scholars Propose on Ensuring the Compliance with “Planning Conditions” in Property Development’ for the Department of Real Estate & Construction, Faculty of Architecture, 15 February 2008., 2008.

Leung H.F., Mediation and Building Management, "Mediation in Hong Kong, The Way Forward" organized by Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre; Judiciary, HKSAR; Department of Justice, HKSAR; Hong Kong Mediation Centre; Hong Kong Mediation Council; The Law Society of Hong Kong; The Bar Association; The University of Hong Kong . 2007.

Leung H.F., The New Standard Form of Building Contract - Dispute Resolution, Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. 2007.

Leung H.F., The Role and Responsibility of Expert Witness, Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. 2007.

Leung H.F., The Role of the Judiciary and Statutes in Relation to Mediation, In: Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre; Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, East Asia Branch; Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators and Hong Kong Mediation Council, Asian Dispute Review. Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, 2007, October 2007: 128-131.

Researcher : Li LH

Project Title:	Impact of social housings on private residential market in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Li LH
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2002

Abstract:

To ascertain the effects of environmental factors (both physical and social) on the capital value levels of private housing estates; to investigate the effect, either positive or negative, of the existence of social welfare housing developments on the level of private housing values; to carry out an international survey on the empirical analyses of similar situation in other parts of the world; to analyse the result of the empirical studies on the above issue.

Project Title:	Community quotient and housing demand
Investigator(s):	Li LH
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To compute community quotient for major private and public housing communities in Hong Kong; to assess the correlation between community quotient and housing choice and prices in Hong Kong.

Project Title:	Impact of infrastructure on property market - the case of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau bridge
Investigator(s):	Li LH
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To examine the extent to which property market in Hong Kong adjusts to possible changes to be brought about by the proposed Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.

Project Title:	Land Price Changes in Beijing
Investigator(s):	Li LH
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

1) To examine the changes in land price behaviour in Beijing over the last decade; 2)To examine the changes in bid rent curve in urban Beijing in the recent years and provide a rationale for these changes; Key issues and problems: 1) How to formulate an ideal reform programmes in the urban land economy in China that suit the special characteristics of this nation? 2) How should the government see their own role in the land market where they own the final legal title of all land? 3) How should land market mature in an emerging economy where uncertainties are more common to encounter than most other economies?

Project Title:	Innovative planning tools for urban renewal in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Li LH, Hastings EM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Public Policy Research
Start Date:	04/2006

Abstract:

To analyse the extent to which innovative urban planning tools such as the Land Readjustment Model(LRM) and Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) can assist the authority in formulating an effective urban renewal mechanism that can be cost-effective and will secure full and willing cooperation from the sitting tenants; to examine the policy adjustments needed for successful applications of these innovative planning tools in Hong Kong ;to apply a theoretical framework in the context of political economy to discuss how these planning tools can internalise the conflicts arising from conventional urban renewal process and how they can help minimise the transaction costs in such process to the parties involved.

List of Research Outputs

Li L.H., The Physical Environment and a “Sense of Neighborhood” in Residential Communities in Hong Kong, In: Frances Plimmer, Property Management. UK, Emerald, 2008, 26: 7-24.

Researcher : Li YM

List of Research Outputs

Lai L.W.C., Yung P., Li Y.M. and Ho D.C.W., The Private Supply of and Public Demand for Planning: Compliance with Planning Conditions in the Absence of Direct Statutory Enforcement Measures, Planning Policy and Research. Carfax Publishing, 2007, 22(4): 535-557.

Li Y.M. and Poon S.W., A Critical Review of Construction Safety Motivation in Hong Kong, In: Tianjin University, Proceedings of Academic Forum for Management Science and Engineering. China, Tianjin University, 2007, 13-19.

Li Y.M. and Poon S.W., Effectiveness of Safety Measures in Reducing Construction Accidents in Hong Kong, In: Prof Albert PC Chan and Dr. Daniel WM Chan, Proceedings of CII HK Conference 2007 - Never Safe Enough: A Wider Look at Construction Safety and Health. Hong Kong, Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong, 2007, 177-185.

Researcher : Li YM

List of Research Outputs

Researcher : Liu AMM

Project Title:	The impact of organizational culture on organizational effectiveness: a study of Chinese contractors
Investigator(s):	Liu AMM, Fellows RF
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To formulate a theoretical framework that examines how organizational culture influences the behaviour of the organization's members and, accordingly, the organizational effectiveness - as the final outcome; examine the culture profile of Chinese contractors; to examine the culture profile of Chinese contractors; to investigate the organizational effectiveness of those Contractors; to determine any relationships between these two organizational variables.

Project Title:	Effect of work empowerment on commitment of project participants in construction
Investigator(s):	Liu AMM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

KEY ISSUE: In the Hong Kong environment where the economic, political and social systems have been changing, the workforce faces dynamism with relatively unpredictable outcomes that might deter their commitment to their organizations, e.g. when will I lose my job; when will I face a salary cut; when will I be asked to undertake more overtime without pay etc.? Even the apparent economic recovery has been viewed with skepticism. The construction industry has faced a major downturn with lower/decreased property prices in the last few years. It is timely to investigate organisational commitment levels of project participants in the construction industry and to investigate the antecedents to commitment and organisational effectiveness. The key issue is to examine if effectiveness of the porject organization can be improved by increasing project participants’ commitment through work empowerment. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES: Since employees’ commitment contribute to organisational effectiveness, it is desirable for the construction project participants to investigate means of sustaining organisational commitment; hence, the research objectives are: 1. To investigate project participants' perceived means and levels of work empowerment in the various organisational types where they are employed. 2. To examine whether work empowerment is an antecedent of organisational commitment in construction projects. 3. To explore if the above antecedent, if exists, is applicable beyond HKSAR, i.e. whether HK is increasingly pulsing in tune with the mainland, or vice-versa, so much that project participants' behavioural patterns are similar. PROBLEMS: Both commitment and work empowerment are alleged to be attributable to organizational effectiveness. In the context of the construction industry, the research problems are: (1) what are the factors that contribute to commitment? (2) can work empowerment increase commitment? (3) what is the relationship between work empowerment and commitment? (4) can we increase commitment through work empowerment in order to imporve organizational effectiveness in the construction industry? Commitment to an organization reflects the relative strength of an individual’s identification with and involvement in that organization (Steers 1977). However, some theorists suggest that a high level of commitment may not be beneficial to an organization. High levels of commitment, especially continuance commitment, may hinder/limit opportunities for mobility and may result in unquestioning obedience that may suppress creativity and innovation (Suliman and Iles, 1999). Allen and Meyer (1990) identify 19 variables as antecedents to different types of commitment but the 19 variables are, arguably, similar to the dimensions of work empowerment, including opportunity (Kirkman and Rosen 1999), information (Lawler 1992), support (Spreitzer 1996) and resources (Kanter 1977). It is generally agreed that work empowerment brings about effectiveness in an organization (Kanter 1983) but the link between these two concepts are intuitively perceived. Organizational effectiveness is measured in terms of productivity (Kirkman and Rosen 1999), quality (Cohen, Ledford and Spreitzer 1996), job satisfaction and organizational commitment (Wilson and Laschinger 1994, Locke, Schweiger and Latham, 1986, Tao, Takagi, Ishida and Masuda,1998). Empowerment is one of the means to maintain the internal consistency of an organisation to accomplish objectives and productivity. Empowered individuals have control over opportunities, information, support and resources, thus, organizational effectiveness is improved through individuals' motivation and power sharing/amassing with others. RATIONALE: Work empowerment is referred as a motivational construct (Conger and Kanungo 1988) while commitment is regarded as a measures of organisational effectiveness (Laschinger 1996) whereby the willingness of social actors (the project participants) to give their energy and loyalty to the social system (organization) is defined (Kanter 1968). A consequence of specialisation in the construction industry is the dependencies of the activities and the necessary integration to obtain the desired construction output. Such integration leads to power structuring in project organization due to the dependencies. However, such structuring is dynamic in construction projects and so, the shifting multi-goal coalition which results reflects the changing power structure of the main actors (Walker and Newcombe 2000). Emerson (1962) proposed a model of social exchanges via analysis of power differentials and dependencies between people. Clearly, power imbalances are not always equalised. Generally, the greater the dependency, the greater the power of the agent. Contrary to the Machiavellian approach, modern management literature suggests the practice of empowerment (e.g. Kanter 1983). Empowerment is the act of strengthening an individual’s beliefs in his/her sense of effectiveness – a process of changing the internal beliefs of people (Conger and Kanungo 1988) or self efficacy (see Bandura 1986 on social cognitive theory for self efficacy). The sense of powerlessness maximises feelings of inadequacy and lower self-confidence which, in turn, lessen motivation and effectiveness (Conger 1989) and may reduce the sense of organisational commitment. REFERENCES: Allen N.J., Meyer J.P. (1996), Affective, continuance and normative commitment ot the organisation: an examination of construct validity. Journal of vocational behaviour. 49, 3, 252-276 Bandura A. (1986) Social foundations of thought and action: a social cognitive theory, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall. Cohen S.G., Ledford G.E., Spreitzer G.M. (1996), A predictive model of self managing work team effectiveness. Human Relations. 49, 5, 643-676 Conger J.A. (1989), Leadership: the art of empowering others. Academy of Management Executive,(3) 1, 17-24 Conger J.A., Kanungo R.N. (1988), The empowerment process: integrating theory and practice. Academy of Management Review, (13) 3, pp 471-482 Emerson, R. M. (1962) Power-dependence relations, American Socialogical Review, 27, 31-40. Kanter R.M. (1983), The Change Masters. New York: Simon and Schuster. Kanter R.M.(1977), Men and women of the corporation. New York: Basic Books Kirkman B.L., Rosen B. (1999), Beyond self management: antecedents and consequences of team empowerment. Academy of Management Journal. 42, 1, 58-74 Laschinger H.K.S. (1996), A theoretical approach to studying work empowerment in nursing: a review of studies testing Kanter’s theory of structural power in organisations. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 20 (2), 25-41 Lawler E.J. (1992), Affective attachment to nested groups: a choice process theory. American Sociological Review.57, 3, 327-339 Locke E.A., Schweiger D.M., Latham G.P., (1986), Participation in decision making: when should it be used? Organisational Dynamics.14, 4, 65-79 Spreitzer G.M. (1996), Social structural characteristics of psychological empowerment. Academy of Management Journal. 39, 2, 483-504 Steers R.M. (1977), Antecedents and outcomes and organsiational commitment. Administrative Science Quarterly. 22, 1, 46-56 Suliman A., Iles P., (1999), Is continuance commitment beneficial to organizations? Commitment-performance relationship: a new look. Journal of Managerial Psychology. 15, 5, 407-426 Tao M., Takagi H., Ishida M., Masuda K. (1998), A study of antecedents of organisational commitment. Japanese Psychological Research.4, 4, 198-205 Walker, A., Newcombe, R. (2000) The positive use of power on a major construction project. Construction management and Economics; London, Jan/Feb. Wilson B., Laschinger H.K. (1994), Staff nurse perception of job empowerment and organisational commitment: a test of Kanter’s theory of structural power in organizations. Journal of Nursing Administration. 24, 4, 39-47

List of Research Outputs

Fellows R.F. and Liu A.M.M., The Way We Behave: propaganda and organizational citizenship behaviour , CME25 Conference, Construction Management and Economics ‘Past, Present and Future’. 2007, CD-Rom.

Researcher : McKinnell KG

Project Title:	Commercial property cycles in China
Investigator(s):	McKinnell KG, Wu H, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To obtain a better understanding of the defining characteristics and underlying mechanisms of cyclical fluctuations in the commercial property market system in China in the context of a unique socio-economic transition.

Project Title:	The Impact of Corporate Governance Structures on the Relationship between Direct and Indirect Real Estate in the People's Republic of China
Investigator(s):	McKinnell KG
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

Aim: To investigate whether corporate governance structures affect the linkage between direct and indirect real estate in the People’s Republic of China. Reasons for undertaking the project: 1)While both the economy and the real estate industry have expanded substantially and rapidly in China over recent years, little is known about the direct and indirect real estate markets and whether there is any linkage. 2) Recent events such as the stock manipulations by a tycoon in Shanghai have raised concerns over the effectiveness of corporate governance in China’s stock markets. 3) The lack of research in this area will considerably hinder the development of the real estate market in China into one that is sufficiently mature to attract international investors. Key issues and problems: 1) Compare the corporate governance structures (e.g. listing rules, disclosure requirements, accounting systems, and ownership structures) of the stock markets in Mainland China and Hong Kong. 2) Identify companies that 1) are listed in Mainland China or Hong Kong and 2) have a core business in real estate investment in Mainland China. 3) Examine the linkage between the performance of direct real estate investment in Mainland China’s property markets and those identified property companies using such methods as correlation analysis, the Granger causality test, and variance decomposition. 4) Test whether the differences in corporate governance structures lead to a stronger direct-indirect linkage for Hong Kong-listed companies over those listed on the Mainland stock exchanges. (

Project Title:	The impact of corporate governance structures on the relationship between direct and indirect real estate in the People's Republic of China
Investigator(s):	McKinnell KG, Chau KW, Li LH, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

(1) Aim: To investigate whether corporate governance structures affect the linkage between direct and indirect real estate in the People's Republic of China. (2) Reasons for undertaking the project: - While both the economy and the real estate industry have expanded substantially and rapidly in China over recent years, little is known about the direct and indirect real estate markets and whether there is any linkage. - Recent events such as the stock manipulations by a tycoon in Shanghai have raised concerns over the effectiveness of corporate governance in China's stock markets. - The lack of research in this area will considerably hinder the development of the real estate market in China into one that is sufficiently mature to attract international investors.(3)Key issues and problems: - Compare the corporate governance structures (e.g. listing rules, disclosure requirements, accounting systems, and ownership structures) of the stock markets in Mainland China and Hong Kong. - Identify companies that 1) are listed in Mainland China or Hong Kong and 2) have a core business in real estate investment in Mainland China. - Examine the linkage between the performance of direct real estate investment in Mainland China's property markets and those identified property companies using such methods as correlation analysis, the Granger causality test, and variance decomposition. - Test whether the differences in corporate governance structures lead to a stronger direct-indirect linkage for Hong Kong-listed companies over those listed on the Mainland stock exchanges. (4)Significance and implications: - The research will provide significant insights into the structure and dynamics of the direct and indirect real estate markets in China for both researchers and investors. - The research will shed light on the question as to whether investing in listed real estate companies is a good substitute for direct real estate investment in China. This question becomes increasingly important to international investors and regulators, given the recent development of REITs in other parts of Asia and thus the anticipated international real estate funds management opportunities in China in the near future. - The research will open up a new research area on price discovery and liquidity in emerging real estate markets such as China.

Researcher : Mckinnell KG

Project Title:	Commercial property cycles in China
Investigator(s):	McKinnell KG, Wu H, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

Project Title:	The Impact of Corporate Governance Structures on the Relationship between Direct and Indirect Real Estate in the People's Republic of China
Investigator(s):	McKinnell KG
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2005

Abstract:

Project Title:	The impact of corporate governance structures on the relationship between direct and indirect real estate in the People's Republic of China
Investigator(s):	McKinnell KG, Chau KW, Li LH, Wong SK
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	12/2006

Abstract:

Researcher : Newell GJ

List of Research Outputs

Newell G.J., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., The significance and performance of infrastructure in China, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. Macau, 2007.

Newell G.J., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., The significance and performance of the emerging property markets in Asia, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. Macau, 2007.

Researcher : Ng FF

Project Title:	Impact of knowledge reuse on the effectiveness of collaborative work in construction
Investigator(s):	Ng FF
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To investigate the impact of knowledge reuse on the effectiveness of collaborative work in construction.

Project Title:	Exploring the knowledge orientation and learning landscape of organizations in the construction industry
Investigator(s):	Ng FF
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The objective of this research is to explore the diversity and complexity of knowledge orientation and learning landscape of organizations in the construction industry. So far, similar researches in the construction industry have been limited. This research will attempt to analyze the current knowledge practices and management from an organizational learning perspective.

Project Title:	Information cultures of business oganizations in the construction industry
Investigator(s):	Ng FF
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	02/2007

Abstract:

The objective of this research is to explore how different information cultures are structured and their impact on organizational learning and performance of companies in the construction industry. Information culture is about the roles of information as a resource, evaluated through its use in different business processes, such as strategic planning, marketing and production. It is also about gaining access to the knowledge held by individuals in the organization, since those individuals are the 'knowledge processors' of the organization. Discovering what people know and incorporating that knowledge into the strategic planning process is especially difficult. In this study, information culture will be reviewed by looking at aspects of the information environment and the learning organization, and how information is communicated in different business processes.

List of Research Outputs

Ding Z., Ng F.F. and Cai Q., Personal constructs affecting interpersonal trust and willingness to share knowledge between architects in project design team, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. UK, Taylor and Francis, 2007, 25: 937-950.

Ding Z. and Ng F.F., Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of McAllister's trust scale, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. UK, Taylor and Francis, 2007, 25: 1107-1117.

Ng F.F., Dialogue Mapping and Collaborative Learning, In: Rocci Luppicini, Handbook of Conversation Design for Instructional Applications. Hershey, Information Science Reference, 2008, 403-418.

Ng F.F., Dialogue Mapping in Facilitating Small Group Discussion (Paper Presentation), In: Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong, CITE Research Symposium 2008. HK, 2008.

Researcher : Ng HF

List of Research Outputs

Yiu C.Y. and Ng H.F., Cultural Heritage in Shamshuipo - A Chapter on Building Heritage, 活在系列, 活在西九(二),西九樓計色
, Society For Community Organization (SoCO) . 香港社區組織協會(社協), Hong Kong, Society For Community Organization, 2008, 14-44.

Researcher : Ng WNC

List of Research Outputs

Lai L.W.C., Ng W.N.C. and Yung P., The Coase Theorem and a Coasian construction economics and management research agenda, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. Construction Management and Economics, 2007, 26(1): 29-46.

Researcher : Poon SW

Project Title:	Safety assessment of falsework construction in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Poon SW, Fellows RF
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To analyse the procedural causes of falsework failures; to determine the impact of procedural errors on safety of the falsework; to compare the effectiveness of different control systems on the design and construction of falsework; to develop a model to assess the safety condition of the falsework at different stages.

Project Title:	Effectiveness of construction safety measures
Investigator(s):	Poon SW
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	01/2006

Abstract:

The construction accident rate in Hong Kong had been topped during mid-nineties and since then various safety measures such as mandatory training for workers, submission of site safety supervision plan, operation of safety management system and lately developers' initiative to pay for safety scheme have been implemented. These measures should contribute or should have contributed to the lowering of the accident rate from the peak of over 300 accidents per 1000 workers per annum to less than 100 per 1000 workers lately. This research study will examine the impact of implementing various safety mesaures in the Hong Kong construction industry. A ranking list of the measures will be derived.

Project Title:	Sustainable construction for quarries in Hong Kong
Investigator(s):	Poon SW
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	10/2006

Abstract:

Quarries have been in existence and in operation in Hong Kong since 1840s. As reported, six out of twenty villages with a workforce of 1,655, i.e. 20% of the population, were involved in rock quarrying, The quarried materials were used for construction work in Hong Kong and for export to nearby cities in China, and as far away as the Netherlands. At present only three quarries remain in operation and produce half of the amount needed in the territory. The rest is supplied by quarries in Zhuhai, Shenzhen and Macao. During the last hundred and fifty years, the management of quarries has been changing signficantly in the methods of rock breaking, management of the operations, method of levy, safety supervision and more importantly in the restoration of the quarried area as a response to the legislation requirements in the nineteen nineties. In recent years sustainable development has received much attention not just because of the need for the construction industry to satisfy the environmental protection requirements but to ensure the future generations can enjoy the same degree of quality of life as a result of construction activites. However, the operation of quarries will always lead to significant permanent damages in the environment, yet the assessment of quarrying operations in Hong Kong conforming to sustainable construction remains untouched. Kibert of University of California in 1996 proposed a set of principles, for sustainable construction, which includes conservation, reuse, renew/recycle, nature protection, non-toxics, economics and quality environment. A conceptual model for sustainable construction was also derived. The purpose of this research is to apply Kibert's model to assess the quarrying work in Hong Kong.

List of Research Outputs

Li Y.M. and Poon S.W., A Critical Review of Construction Safety Motivation in Hong Kong, In: Tianjin University, Proceedings of Academic Forum for Management Science and Engineering. China, Tianjin University, 2007, 13-19.

Li Y.M. and Poon S.W., Effectiveness of Safety Measures in Reducing Construction Accidents in Hong Kong, In: Prof Albert PC Chan and Dr. Daniel WM Chan, Proceedings of CII HK Conference 2007 - Never Safe Enough: A Wider Look at Construction Safety and Health. Hong Kong, Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong, 2007, 177-185.

Poon S.W. and Price A.D.F., Inspection and Appraisal of Falsework Structures, In: Asst Prof Murude Celikag, Proceedings of 11th International Conference on Inspection, Appraisal, Repairs and Maintenance of Structures . Singapore, CI-Premier Pte Ltd, 2007, 29-42.

Poon S.W., Tang S.L. and Wong F.K.W., Management and Economics of Construction Safety in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong Press, 2008, 172.

Poon S.W., Risk Assessment of a Bottom-up Basement Construction in Hong Kong, In: Prof Albert PC Chan and Dr. Daniel WM Chan, Proceedings of CII HK Conference 2007 - Never Safe Enough: A Wider Look at Construction Safety and health. Hong Kong, Construction Industry Institute, Hong Kong, 2007, 307-316.

Rowlinson S.M., Poon S.W. and Yip B.L.P., Safety initiative effectiveness in Hong Kong , Construction Industry Institution – Hong Kong. 2008.

Yu H., Zhang T. and Poon S.W., Research on Safety Management Control Systems of Form Scaffold , In: China Construction Association Construction Economy Sub-Association and China Architectural Design Institute , Construction Economy . Beijing, China, China Construction Industry Publisher, 2007, Special Edition 2 (S2): 29 - 32.

Researcher : Pretorius FIH

Project Title:	An empirical investigation into project finance (PF) arrangements in bank-dominated financial systems
Investigator(s):	Pretorius FIH, Chau KW, Hsu BFC
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	09/2003

Abstract:

To test empirically selected realtionships surrounding PF arrangements in Asian developing countries, focusing on two phenomena: the financial structure of PFs (specially the level of debt), and transaction costs of PF arrangements when legal, regulatory and political institutions are underdeveloped. Two questions are to be addressed empirically: 1) is the institutional and informational infrastructure in transition economies stable enough to finance a project through PF arrangements? 2) Can the specially designed institutions and additional financial intermediaries control the transaction costs of PF arrangements in poor institutional environment?

List of Research Outputs

Arner D.W., Chau K.W., Hsu B.F.C., Pretorius F.I.H., Pu L. and Tse K.S., Basel II and Its Impact on the Property Market in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Banking Law Journal. U.S.A., A.S. Pratt & Sons, 2008, 125: 527-550.

Ng M.K. and Pretorius F.I.H., Mega Projects and Transport: the challenge of embedding sustainability in evaluating transport project viability, In: Harry Dimitriou, UCL OMEGA Centre Workshop. Naples, Italy, 2007.

Ng M.K. and Pretorius F.I.H., Planning, managing and financing mega urban transport projects in Hong Kong by the public sector and public-private partnership, In: Harry Dimitriou, UCL OMEGA Centre Workshop. Naples, Italy, 2007.

Pretorius F.I.H. and Ho M., Infrastructure Finance: The Sydney Cross City Tunnel, , Asia Case Research Centre. Hong Kong, School of Business, The University of Hong Kon, 2007, Ref: 07/324C.

Pretorius F.I.H., Panel Discussant, International Conference on "Language , Issues in English-medium Universities: A Global Concern", The University of Hong Kong, June, 2008.. 2008.

Pretorius F.I.H., Panel Discussant, International Conference on "Language Issues in English-medium Universities: A Global Concern", The University of Hong Kong, June, 2008.

Pretorius F.I.H., Lejot P.L., McInnis A., Arner D.W. and Hsu B.F.C., Project Finance for Construction and Infrastructure. United Kingdom, Blackwell, 2007, 384pp.

Pretorius F.I.H., Lejot P.L., Arner D.W. and Hsu B.F.C., Project Finance for Infrastructure and Construction: Principles and Cases , London, Blackwell Publishing, 2008.

Researcher : Pu L

List of Research Outputs

Arner D.W., Chau K.W., Hsu B.F.C., Pretorius F.I.H., Pu L. and Tse K.S., Basel II and Its Impact on the Property Market in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Banking Law Journal. U.S.A., A.S. Pratt & Sons, 2008, 125: 527-550.

Researcher : Rowlinson SM

Project Title:	Improving safety in Hong Kong's construction industry through the use of behavioural techniques
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Occupational Safety and Health Council - Research Grant Projects
Start Date:	09/1995

Abstract:

To introduce BM techniques to various Hong Kong contractors and assist them to implement such techniques on Hong Kong construction sites. The research output of this work will be to incorporate and compare the results of the contractor-based studies with the Department of Surveying's own results.

Project Title:	A transaction cost framework for optimal organisation of construction projects
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM, Chau KW, Lai LWC
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2002

Abstract:

This research seeks to explore the transaction cost impact within the supply chains that may be observed on large projects. The aim is to develop a sustainable framework which will assess and facilitate optimum organisation of firms to reduce transaction costs in the construction supply chain without detriment to other project aims, e.g. time, quality, safety, etc.

Project Title:	Job burnout and construction project performance
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To determine the degree of burnout in the construction industry; to identify the sources and consequences of burnout among construction professionals in Hong Kong.

Project Title:	Value in project delivery systems: facilitating a change in culture
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2003

Abstract:

To examine how relational contracting can be moved down the value chain.

Project Title:	The impact of culture on project performance: an international comparison
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM, Phua FTT
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2004

Abstract:

To conduct an international comparison based on the development of a framework within which the determinants of performance in project teams can be assessed. The methodology currently being pursued allows for the testing of the proposition that national and organisational cultures, organisational structing, collaboration and commitment all interact to produce a project culture (see, for example, Phua, 2002 and Shields & West, 2003).

Project Title:	The impact of culture on project performance
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2005

Abstract:

To develop and test a framework within which the determinants of performance in project teams can be assessed; to investigate how such a culture may be developed and enhanced by considering, at project outset, the set of team characteristics; to understand how collaborative culture acts as a catalyst for improved project performance is to assess what vital characteristics of those collaborative practices at the project level that are associated with the production of innovations that lead to new understandings, negotiations, norms and practices.

Project Title:	Construction undergraduates' experiences of burnout
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Run Run Shaw Research and Teaching Endowment Fund - Teaching Grants
Start Date:	02/2005

Abstract:

To develop a research framework to determine the degree of burnout experienced by construction undergraduates in Hong Kong, in particular the extent to which those students have been engaged in paid employment during the period of their studies. There is inicreasing evidence suggesting that semester-time paid work undertaken by university students has a detrimental impact upon their studies and well-being (Hansen and Jarvis, 2000). However, little work has been done aimed at identifying the underlying cause of these problems.

Project Title:	Organisational risk perspecitves and risk management: from theory to practice
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	02/2006

Abstract:

This research aims to: establish the nature of risk culture; enhance understanding of the concepts of risk and culture; develop methodologies to study organisations at a distance; and benchmark organisation risk perceptions across sectors and national boundaries This research builds on existing research output in the field of health and safety management but addresses a fundamental issue, risk perception, which has a profound effect on the development and management of organisational safety culture and safety climate. Increasing emphasis has been put on health and safety objectives within organisations and, in particular, on developing a safety culture and a safety climate. However, much of this work has been pushed forward without going back to the very basics of risk, its perception and management, and its impact upon safety performance. Safety management is basically a domain bound concept whereas risk is pervasive across the whole organisation. Therefore, risk perception is the basic starting point for improving health and safety management. As such, it is important to study and define an organisation’s risk culture before moving on to define and mould its safety culture and safety climate. Currently, our understanding of the concepts of risk and culture are somewhat fuzzy. This research aims to put these issues into sharp focus. Currently, the concept of risk is undergoing considerable investigation in many fields. It is variously addressed by formulating the concept under, inter alia, risk-management, risk perception, risk taking and risk decision-making. This research aims to conceptualise and define risk perception within the organisational context. The research proposed here will improve our understanding of this concept and integrate the different and divergent conceptualisations which currently exist and which can be characterised on a spectrum of approaches from psychometric through to cultural theory. The research will provide a sound basis for conceptualising risk in organisations and within different cultural contexts and provide the opportunity to develop valid methodologies to manage risk in a manner which deals with health and safety issues, such as culture and climate, from a grounded perspective taking into account not just culture and perceptions but also industry and organisational contexts. Thus, a contribution will be made in terms of both theory and practice. This proposed project forms part of an international cluster of projects and so the synergy which can be developed from this research is extensive and the potential for broad ranging, high impact results is high.

Project Title:	Organisational risk perspectives and risk management: impact on safety and health management
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM, Poon SW
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

(1) Establish the nature of risk culture This research builds on existing research output in the field of health and safety management but addresses a fundamental issue, risk perception, which has a profound effect on the development and management of organizational safety culture and safety climate. Increasing emphasis has been put on health and safety objectives within organizations and, in particular, on developing a safety culture and as safety climate. However, much of this work has been pushed forward without going back to the very basics of risk, its perception and management, and its impact upon safety performance. Safety management is basically a domain bound concept whereas risk is pervasive across the whole organization. Therefore, risk perception is the basic starting point for improving health and safety management. As such, it is important to study and define an organisation’s risk culture before moving on to define and mould its safety culture and safety climate. (2) Enhance understanding of the concepts of risk and culture Currently, our understanding of the concepts of risk and culture are somewhat fuzzy. This research aims to put these issues into sharp focus. At the moment, the concept of risk is undergoing considerable investigation in many fields. It is variously addressed by formulating the concept under, inter alia, risk-management, risk perception, risk taking and risk decision-making. This research aims to conceptualise and define risk perception within the organizational context. The research proposed here will improve our understanding of this concept and integrate the different and divergent conceptualizations which currently exist and which can be characterized on a spectrum of approaches from psychometric through to cultural theory. The research will provide a sound basis for conceptualizing risk in organizations and within different cultural contexts and provide the opportunity to develop valid methodologies to manage risk in a manner which deals with health and safety issues, such as culture and climate, from a grounded perspective taking into account not just culture and perceptions but also industry and organizational contexts. (3) Benchmark organisation risk perceptions across sectors and national boundaries Scales have been developed under three main headings: safety climate; risk perception and risk management The safety climate items are for use with employees, while the risk perception and risk management items are for use with managers at all levels. The results of the research will be fed back to managers and the effects of the risk perception and management on the safety climate perceived by employees will be explored in the participating organisations. This will provide a valuable benchmarking exercise for the organisations and provide them with an opportunity to explore new directions in order to improve performance.

Project Title:	Valuation of Sustainable Practices in the Built Environment
Investigator(s):	Rowlinson SM
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	02/2007

Abstract:

The aim of the project is to develop and test a framework within which the criteria for successful sustainable practices can be assessed. This project will contribute to the research of sustainability with further understanding of different approaches to sustainability. The methodology proposed allows for the testing of the proposition that mindsets, organisational structure, regulations and financial resources all interact to influence the consequences of the uptake of sustainable practices and the choice of approaches to sustainability. Previous research indicates that change concepts are largely affected by cultural aspects (see Abrahamson 1996 for example). This project will explore how organisations in the built environment sector in three diverse cultures (Australia, Hong Kong and Sweden) engage and invest in sustainable practices. Scholars within the field of sustainability often complain about how difficult it is to get things done and how slow progress is. Organisations do not adopt sustainable practices fast or well enough. This project departs from the idea that the perceived slow progress partly depends on the characteristics of sustainability itself. There are arguably different approaches to sustainability among researchers and practitioners. Our study will further define and explore the different approaches to sustainability and in doing so facililtate a more focused approach to the study of sustainability related issues.

List of Research Outputs

Lingard H., Yip B.L.P., Rowlinson S.M. and Kvan T., The experience of burnout among future construction professionals: A cross-national study, Construction Management and Economics. 2007, 25(4): 345-357.

Lingard H., Yip B.L.P., Rowlinson S.M. and Kvan T., The experience of burnout among future construction professionals: a cross-national study. , Construction Management and Economics. 2007, 24, (11): 10-12.

Rowlinson S.M., CSR in the Hong Kong and Asia Pacific Construction Industry, Chapter 15, In: Murray, M. & Dainty A.J.R., Corporate Social Responsibility in the Construction Industry. London, Taylor & Francis, 2008.

Rowlinson S.M. and Yip B.L.P., Innovation management on project alliances: A case study, Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC). Antalya, Turkey, 2008.

Rowlinson S.M., Poon S.W. and Yip B.L.P., Safety initiative effectiveness in Hong Kong , Construction Industry Institution – Hong Kong. 2008.

Rowlinson S.M. and Cheung Y. .K. .F., Stakeholder management through empowerment: modelling project success, Construction Management and Economics. London, Taylor & Francis, 2008, 26(6): 611-23.

Walker D.H.T. and Rowlinson S.M., Walker, D. H. T. and Rowlinson, S., Eds. (2007, Nov). Procurement Systems – A Cross Industry Project Management Perspective, Taylor & Francis, London, London, Taylor & Francis, 2007, 444.

Wu M. and Rowlinson S.M., An intelligent approach for managing materials purchasing in the RMC industry, Internal Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2008). Vilnius, Lithuania, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 2008, 1: 515-520.

Yip B.L.P. and Rowlinson S.M., Construction Safety In Hong Kong: The Way Forward, In: Linda Fan and K. P. Yim, Construction Management and Civil Engineering Practice in Hong Kong. Hong Kong, Association of Engineering Professional in Society Ltd, 2008, 67-86.

Yip B.L.P., Rowlinson S.M. and Siu O.L., Coping strategies as moderators in the relationship between role overload and burnout, Construction Management and Economic. UK, 2008, 26, (8): 871-882.

Yip B.L.P. and Rowlinson S.M., Innovation and its diffusion in construction project teams: The role of relationship management, Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), 23-25th June 2008, Antalya, Turkey. Antalya, Turkey, 2008.

Researcher : Walker RM

Project Title:	Strategic research areas: theme on social and public policy
Investigator(s):	Walker RM, Lai LWC, Thomas ND, Curley MG, Siu AKF, Chan JCW
Department:	Ctr of Urban Planning & Env Mangt
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding for Strategic Research Theme
Start Date:	05/2005

Abstract:

Social and public policy themes are important at the global, national, regional and local levels. To understand why specific issues enter onto the policy agenda, why some policies are implemented and not others, and the consequences of policies requires an understanding of the overall context within which policies are implemented and why responses to particular problems were chosen.

Researcher : Wan Q

List of Research Outputs

Hsu B.F.C., Arner D.W. and Wan Q., Financial Restructuring and China's Asset Management Companies, In: J. Barth, Z. Zhou, D. Arner, B. Hsu, and W. Wang, Financial Restructuring and Reform in Post-WTO China. The Netherlands, Kluwer Law, 2007, 123-170.

Researcher : Wong KC

List of Research Outputs

Wong S.K., Wong K.C., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Ho D.C.W., DOES STUDENT QUALITY FLUCTUATE WITH REAL ESTATE PRICES? , In: William Hardin III, Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. ARES, 2008, 11.

Researcher : Wong SK

Project Title:	Information asymmetry in the real estate market
Investigator(s):	Wong SK, Chau KW, Yiu CY
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Small Project Funding
Start Date:	11/2006

Abstract:

Information asymmetry refers to the situation in which one party involved in a transaction possesses more information than the other. This often occurs in used-good markets because sellers have used their goods for a period of time and are generally better informed on the quality of the goods than buyers. An oft-cited example is the second-hand automobile market. Under information asymmetry, prices cannot reflect the true quality of goods, resulting in the emergence of more low-quality goods (lemons) and fewer high quality goods in the used-good market. If this process continues, lower quality goods will drive out higher quality goods, and eventually no second-hand market can exist at all. But this kind of logic seems inapplicable to the real estate market. Casual observations in Hong Kong suggest that the secondary (second-hand) real estate market not only exists, but also prevails over the primary (first-hand) real estate market, which is more information-symmetric due to the presence of guarantees, defect liability periods, and brand-names. This opens up an interesting research question that this proposal aims to answer. Specifically, the objectives of this proposal are: 1) to deduce the conditions under which high quality goods may be transacted under information asymmetry; and 2) to test whether these conditions have any effect on secondary real estate transactions.

List of Research Outputs

Chau K.W., Wong S.K., Yiu C.Y. and Yu M.K.W., Estimating the Intergenerational Discount Rate: A Case in Hong Kong, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. 2007.

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W., Cheung A.K.C., Yau Y., Wong S.K., Leung H.F., Lau S.S.Y. and Wong W.S., A Survey Of The Health And Safety Conditions Of Apartment Buildings In Hong Kong, Building and Environment. Elsevier, 2008, 43(5): 764-775.

Hui E.C.M., Ooi J.T.L. and Wong S.K., Economic performance of property companies in Hong Kong, Journal of Property Research. 2007, 24(2): 139-157.

Lai L.W.C., Wong S.K., Ho C.K. and Chau K.W., Time is of the Essence? An Empirical Application of the Corollary of the Coase Theorem, Review of Urban and Regional Development Studies. London, Blackwell, 2007, 20(1): 34-51.

Leung C.K.Y., Wong S.K. and Cheung P., On the stability of the implicit prices of housing attributes: a dynamic theory and some evidence, International Real Estate Review. 2007, 10(2): 66-93.

Newell G.J., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., The significance and performance of infrastructure in China, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. Macau, 2007.

Newell G.J., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., The significance and performance of the emerging property markets in Asia, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. Macau, 2007.

Wong S.K., A review of the discounted cash flow model, guest seminar at the University of Melbourne. 2007.

Wong S.K., Wong K.C., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Ho D.C.W., DOES STUDENT QUALITY FLUCTUATE WITH REAL ESTATE PRICES? , In: William Hardin III, Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. ARES, 2008, 11.

Wong S.K., Fulbright Senior Scholar Award, Fulbright Hong Kong Senior Scholar Program. 2008.

Wong S.K., Information asymmetry in the housing market: some Hong Kong evidence, invited speech for a research workshop at the University of Melbourne. 2007.

Wong S.K., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Yu M...K...W..., Intergenerational Discounting: A Case from Hong Kong, Habitat International. 2007, 32: 283-292.

Wong S.K., Yiu C.Y. and Chau K.W., Price information-induced heteroskedasticity in the repeat-sales index: some empirical evidence, Dauphine Real Estate Workshop. 2007.

Wong S.K., Statistical approaches to property, guest seminar at the University of Melbourne. 2007.

Wong S.K., The demand for and supply of real estate: a theoretical framework, guest seminar at the University of Melbourne. 2007.

Wong S.K., Tie-in sale of seaview and flat size – initial ideas, Speech for the inauguration of the Hong Kong Real Estate Research Workshop. 2007.

Wong S.K., Chau K.W. and Yiu C.Y., Volatility Transmission in the Real Estate Spot and Forward Markets , Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. 2007, 35.: 281-293.

Yau Y., Chau K.W., Ho D.C.W. and Wong S.K., An Empirical Study on the Positive Externality of Building Refurbishment, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis. 2008, 11: 19-32.

Yiu C.Y., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., Model of Volume Based WLS of Repeat Sales Index, APRU Real Estate Research Symposium 2007.

Researcher : Wu M

List of Research Outputs

Wu M. and Rowlinson S.M., An intelligent approach for managing materials purchasing in the RMC industry, Internal Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2008). Vilnius, Lithuania, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 2008, 1: 515-520.

Wu M., Invited research lecturer on "An intelligent material purchasing control platform for highway or bridge construction projects", School of software engineering, Tsing Hua University, invited by Prof. Dong Xiang. 2008.

Wu M. and Ho D.C.W., Real time building energy effectiveness assessment model, In: E.K.Zavadskas, A.Kaklauskas, M.J.Skibniewski, Internal Symposium on Automation and Robotics in Construction (ISARC 2008) . Vilnius, Lithuania, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, 2008, 1: 411-421.

Researcher : Yau Y

List of Research Outputs

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W., Cheung A.K.C., Yau Y., Wong S.K., Leung H.F., Lau S.S.Y. and Wong W.S., A Survey Of The Health And Safety Conditions Of Apartment Buildings In Hong Kong, Building and Environment. Elsevier, 2008, 43(5): 764-775.

Ho D.C.W., Chau K.W. and Yau Y., Benchmarking Building Management and Upkeep: The Building Quality Index Research Project by the University of Hong Kong, Housing Express. Hong Kong, Chartered Institute of Housing, 2008, 9-17.

Yau Y., Chau K.W., Ho D.C.W. and Wong S.K., An Empirical Study on the Positive Externality of Building Refurbishment, International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis. 2008, 11: 19-32.

Researcher : Yip BLP

List of Research Outputs

Lingard H., Yip B.L.P., Rowlinson S.M. and Kvan T., The experience of burnout among future construction professionals: A cross-national study, Construction Management and Economics. 2007, 25(4): 345-357.

Lingard H., Yip B.L.P., Rowlinson S.M. and Kvan T., The experience of burnout among future construction professionals: a cross-national study. , Construction Management and Economics. 2007, 24, (11): 10-12.

Rowlinson S.M. and Yip B.L.P., Innovation management on project alliances: A case study, Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC). Antalya, Turkey, 2008.

Rowlinson S.M., Poon S.W. and Yip B.L.P., Safety initiative effectiveness in Hong Kong , Construction Industry Institution – Hong Kong. 2008.

Yip B.L.P. and Rowlinson S.M., Construction Safety In Hong Kong: The Way Forward, In: Linda Fan and K. P. Yim, Construction Management and Civil Engineering Practice in Hong Kong. Hong Kong, Association of Engineering Professional in Society Ltd, 2008, 67-86.

Yip B.L.P., Rowlinson S.M. and Siu O.L., Coping strategies as moderators in the relationship between role overload and burnout, Construction Management and Economic. UK, 2008, 26, (8): 871-882.

Yip B.L.P., Improving accident rates: Working out what works, Construction Information Quarterly. UK, 2007, 9(2): 86-87.

Yip B.L.P. and Rowlinson S.M., Innovation and its diffusion in construction project teams: The role of relationship management, Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Innovation in Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC), 23-25th June 2008, Antalya, Turkey. Antalya, Turkey, 2008.

Yip B.L.P., Professional efficacy among construction professionals, Construct – Australian Institute of Building. 2008, 24-27.

Researcher : Yiu CY

Project Title:	Benchmarking of the tenant-mix metric in shopping mall management
Investigator(s):	Yiu CY
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Seed Funding Programme for Basic Research
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

Key issues and problems: Tenant mix is commonly recognized as one of the most important criteria for the success of a shopping mall. Tenant mix strategy refers to a synergy plan of optimizing the combination of different trades in a mall to attract shoppers. However, there is so far no quantifiable metric for this variable, let alone any scientific study of its effects on the shoppers' flow. All practitioners are exercising gut feelings, experience or trial-and-error in planning the tenant mix of a mall. As a result, learning and improvement by benchmarking of tenant mix becomes impossible in the industry. Consultancy studies have been called upon by several different developers, especially those are interested in REITs. The PI of this proposal has been invited to make recommendations in at least two of them, and found that such knowledge is urgently requested by the industry. The difficulty does not only lie on the lack of a quantifiable metric for tenant mix, but also of the lack of a conceptual framework for the link between tenant mix and the success of a shopping mall. The PI has therefore developed the first eco-mall model based on an ecology metaphor. This proposal therefore further works on the tenant mix by an analogy of biodiversity in ecology study. The purposes of this study are: This proposal is probably the first study on a quanitifiable tenant mix metric, which paves the road for benchmarking and further scientific study of the effects of different tenant mix schemes. The purposes of this proposal include: 1. to develop a quanitifiable metric for the tenant mix of a shopping mall; 2. to evaluate shoppers' satisfaction level on shopping malls of different tenant mix scheme; 3. to benchmark tenant mix level of shopping malls in Hong Kong.

Project Title:	The effects of socio-economic, demographic and mobility changes on housing price gradient changes between Hong Kong and Macau
Investigator(s):	Yiu CY, Wong SK, Chau KW
Department:	Real Estate & Construction
Source(s) of Funding:	Competitive Earmarked Research Grants (CERG)
Start Date:	01/2007

Abstract:

1. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of socio-economic, demographic and mobility factors on housing price gradient changes between Hong Kong and Macau. To achieve this objective, a real inter-city spatial-temporal housing price contour has to be established. Correspondingly, socio-economic, demographic and mobility level contours will have to be identified. The price contour allow a spatial and temporal analysis of the change of the price gradient, which is an effective way to conduct a ceteris paribus test of the hypothesis. Private housing developments around the landing points of the HKZM Bridge and/or the CBDs of the two cities are chosen as private housing developments in the two cities provide a highly homogeneous property characteristics and districts chosen provide similar ease of transportation and level of economic activities. They also provide sufficient number of transactions or official price indices for analysis. 2. The previous CERG project has derived a multiple-workplace theoretical model and a price gradient analytical model for this purpose. A forward-contracts repeat-sale method is also developed to produce constant-quality price indices. These tools are applied to an inter-city setting with the following four key issues: (i) To estimate the housing price gradient change over time between Hong Kong and Macau empirically; (ii) to identify the socio-economic, demographic and mobility changes over time between the two cities; (iii) to study the effects of socio-economic and demongraphic changes on housing price gradient changes between the two cities, keeping transportation factor constant; and (iv) to test the hypothesis that the expected improvement in mobility across the boundary will make the housing price gradient flatter, keeping socio-economic and demographic factors constant. 3. In accomplishing the above objectives, we expect to have the following outcomes: 1. A spatial-temporal constant-quality price contour between the CBDs and/or the landing points of the HKZM Bridge of the two cities; 2. spatial-temporal socio-economic and demographic contours; 3. an urban spatial structure modeled by socio-economic and demographic factors; and 4. a test result of the hypothesis that expected improvement in factor mobility makes the price gradient flatter. 4. The study results are promising and will have long-term impact on town planning, housing and transportation policies in the coming decades. It provides a model for the evaluation of cost and benefit of mobility improvement across cities. Academically, it extends the economic study of urban spatial structure in polycentric region under the influence of decentralization of jobs.

List of Research Outputs

Chan D...W...M., Chan E...H...W..., Cheung E.S.T.H.E.R., Kwok A...W...K..., Lam E...W...M..., Yam M...C...H... and Yiu C.Y., Research Summary - Construction Safety Involving Working at Height for Residential Building Repair and Maintenance, Construction Industry Institute Hong Kong. Hong Kong, CII-HK, 2007, 9.

Chan E.D.W.I.N. and Yiu C.Y., Editor, In: Edwin Chan and Edward Yiu, Contractual and Regulatory Innovations in Building and Real Estate. Hong Kong, PACE Publishing, 2008.

Chau K.W., Wong S.K., Yiu C.Y. and Yu M.K.W., Estimating the Intergenerational Discount Rate: A Case in Hong Kong, The Joint 2007 AREUEA-AsRES International Conference. 2007.

Hung Y.Y., Liu L., Huang Y.H. and Yiu C.Y., In-situ Non-destructive Evaluation Of Concrete Structures Using Shearography, International Conference on Experimental Mechanics 2007.

Man K.F., Tse Y.C. and Yiu C.Y., The Impact of Housing and Financial Wealth on Household Consumption: Evidence from Hong Kong, Asian Real Estate Society Conference 2007.

Wong S.K., Wong K.C., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Ho D.C.W., DOES STUDENT QUALITY FLUCTUATE WITH REAL ESTATE PRICES? , In: William Hardin III, Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education. ARES, 2008, 11.

Wong S.K., Chau K.W., Yiu C.Y. and Yu M...K...W..., Intergenerational Discounting: A Case from Hong Kong, Habitat International. 2007, 32: 283-292.

Wong S.K., Yiu C.Y. and Chau K.W., Price information-induced heteroskedasticity in the repeat-sales index: some empirical evidence, Dauphine Real Estate Workshop. 2007.

Wong S.K., Chau K.W. and Yiu C.Y., Volatility Transmission in the Real Estate Spot and Forward Markets , Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. 2007, 35.: 281-293.

Yiu C.Y., A New Model to Train Professionalism and Professional Ethics, In: William G. Hardin, Journal of Real Estate Practice and Education . US, American Real Estate Society, 2008, 11(1): 41-56.

Yiu C.Y., Compensation of Land Resumption - A Chapter on Compensation Economics, Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. 2007.

Yiu C.Y. and Yau Y., Concrete Repair Strategies, Housing Department, Hong Kong SAR Government. 2007.

Yiu C.Y. and Ng H.F., Cultural Heritage in Shamshuipo - A Chapter on Building Heritage, 活在系列, 活在西九(二),西九樓計色
, Society For Community Organization (SoCO) . 香港社區組織協會(社協), Hong Kong, Society For Community Organization, 2008, 14-44.

Yiu C.Y., Governance of Building Fabrics Maintenance and Ageing Buildings in Hong Kong, Department of Building Services Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University. 2008.

Yiu C.Y., Housing Price Gradient Between Macau and Hong Kong, Asian Real Estate Society Conference 2007.

Yiu C.Y., Housing Price Gradient Changes between Macau and Hong Kong – Neigbhoring City Effect, In: Richard Reed, International Jounal of Housing Markets and Analysis. 2008, 1(2): 195-206.

Yiu C.Y., Intelligent Building Maintenance – a Novel Discipline, International Conference on Intelligent Systems, Structures and Facilities (ISSF) 2008 Conference. Hong Kong, AIIB, 2008, 58-71.

Yiu C.Y., Intelligent Building Maintenance – a Novel Discipline, In: Neil Henderson, Journal of Building Appraisal. USA, Palgrave, 2008, 3(4): 305-318.

Yiu C.Y., Chau K.W. and Wong S.K., Model of Volume Based WLS of Repeat Sales Index, APRU Real Estate Research Symposium 2007.

Yiu C.Y., Lee R.A.Y.M.O.N.D., Wong J.O.S.E.P.H., Lo T.O.M.M.Y., Lam P.A.U.L. and Leung A.Y.T., Riding Quality of Bridge Movement Joints (Phase II), Highways Department, Hong Kong SAR Government. 2007.

Yiu C.Y., The Emergence of a Performance-Based Building Control System, Contractual and Regulatory Innovations in Building and Real Estate. Hong Kong, Pace Publishing, 2008, 95-106.

Yiu C.Y., Ho D.C.W. and Lo S.M., Weathering Effects on External Wall Tiling Systems, Construction and Building Materials. Elsevier, 2007, 21: 594-600.

Yiu C.Y., the Chinese New Year Fair at Victoria Park in 1960 - the pioneer of Shopping Centres, 1960年的維園年宵市場－購物商場先驅, Historical Photo Research Competition 2008 – Open Section Second Prize. 歷史照片研究比賽 - 公開組第二名, 2008.

Yiu C.Y., 《給學生的信、給學生家長的信、給老師同工的信》徵文比賽 2007– 優異獎, 香港小童群益會與香港教育人員協會合辦夢想與堅持計劃, 2007.

Yiu C.Y., 不能報廢, In: 鄭惠君, 夢想與堅持, Hong Kong, 香港小童群益會, 2008, 81-85.

Researcher : Yu H

List of Research Outputs

Yu H., Zhang T. and Poon S.W., Research on Safety Management Control Systems of Form Scaffold , In: China Construction Association Construction Economy Sub-Association and China Architectural Design Institute , Construction Economy . Beijing, China, China Construction Industry Publisher, 2007, Special Edition 2 (S2): 29 - 32.

Researcher : Yung P

List of Research Outputs

Lai L.W.C., Liu K.T. and Yung P., Planning Conditions for Comprehensive Development Area Zones: a technical note on a survey on factual compliance and the depositing of associated master layout plans at the Land Registry, Planning and Development. 2008, 23: forthcoming.

Lai L.W.C., Ng W.N.C. and Yung P., The Coase Theorem and a Coasian construction economics and management research agenda, In: Will Hughes, Construction Management and Economics. Construction Management and Economics, 2007, 26(1): 29-46.

Lai L.W.C., Yung P., Li Y.M. and Ho D.C.W., The Private Supply of and Public Demand for Planning: Compliance with Planning Conditions in the Absence of Direct Statutory Enforcement Measures, Planning Policy and Research. Carfax Publishing, 2007, 22(4): 535-557.

Lai L.W.C., Yung P. and Ho C.K., Time is of the essence Part I: The idea of the corollary of the Coase Theorem and a possible application , Review of Urban & Regional Development Studies. Blackwell Publishing, 2007, 19(3): 224-232.

Yung P., Contractual loop of project team: a case study of an airport project in China, ICAN Conference 2007 - Mission Control: Power, knowledge and collaboration in project practice held in Sydney, Australia on 29-30 Nov 2007.. 2007.

Yung P. and Lai L.W.C., Supervising for Quality: An Empirical Examination of Institutional Arrangements in China’s Construction Industry, Construction Management and Economics. E&FP Spon, 2008, 26(7): 727-737.

Yung P., The Effects of Institutional Reforms on China's Construction Industry, Projects and Profits – Icfai University Press. 2008, VIII(5): 57-61.

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