Expert: Tracey Drake - 8/10/2006

Question
Dear Yracey,

Hong Kong government, holds an annual exam which has a case and asks candidate to solve, testing analytical intelligence, political acumen, and problem solving ability.

I wish to ask what general preparation work can be
done to tackle such kind of political essay exam?

http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/exammat/353.html

Hope you may share your inspiration with me.
thanks.

Calvin

Answer
Calvin - Although I admittedly do not have a great deal of experience with Asian politics or employment issues, I have written many case study exams in business management. I looked over the URL you sent me and can offer the following advice and recommendations:

1) All of the links at the bottom of that page are very important. After I read through them, it is clear that many of the answers are within those documents. Pay special attention to the documents that discuss foreign investment, technological advancement for the region and demand for aviation related components. This seems to be a high growth sector and could be exceptionally good for the Southern region in terms of new jobs, economic advantages to the local economy etc.

2) You need to address the issue of the 10 years of no taxes that Aero-City is requesting. This is an important implication that must be addressed. It means that for the first 10 years, the city of Southorn will not benefit directly from the presence of Aero-city in terms of tax revenues. If they agreed to the terms, Southorn must match the investment so they are laying out large blocks of funds that will see no return from a tax benefit perspective for 10 years. The other consideration is that according to the documents, Southorn has the lowest taxation at 10%, so it will take several decades to totally recoup investment in money and lost taxes. Is it STILL beneficial for them to move forward - that is essentially what the case study is asking you to analyze and explain why or why not. How would they go about benefiting and what systems need to be put in place to ensure success.

3) You must also clearly address the question as to how Southorn would be impacted if a neighboring city won the contract instead. This would have serious and lasting effects on Southorn that should not be ignored in your answer.

4) If you want to do additional study, outside of the information provided, I would suggest looking for information on technology in Asia, foreign investment in Hong Kong and also economic development. Here are some links I found that may be useful in providing basic information and clarity:

http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=HongKong

http://www.edlb.gov.hk/edb/eng/welcome/index.htm

http://www.citb.gov.hk/about/index.htm

Best of luck and let me know how you make out!

Tracey Drake
GradResumes.com