Design Strategies has a flexible approach to learning for engaged professionals. Subjects are taught on weekends with most subjects taken in any order after the completion of a selection of core subjects. For example, a typical 3-credit subject requires three weekends spread over a 4–5 week period. Not a studio program, the purpose of this specialism is academic — to deepen design understanding and integrate design in its business and technological context through reading, thinking, discussing, and writing. The program concludes with a report that synthesizes individual experience and interests with program materials leading to strategic development for an organization or in the pursuit of social or cultural goals.

The MDes Strategies course ends with a final paper SD5301. The student can choose and develop the topic under faculty guidance. The goal of the paper is to reflect on the student’s professional background, what they have learned in the programme, and a broader understanding of design in relation to some topic. The following papers offer a glimpse into the concerns of the students in this programme as revealed by their final papers.

Student: Celia, Au Sau Yin, 2007
Tutor: Sharon Poggenpohl Title: From Legend to Lenovo—From Trading Business to Global Brand

Abstract
A Chinese success story is analysed from the standpoint of its milestones, strategic planning, technology, collaborative communication, organizational management, and product development. The paper gives an interesting look into a high technology enterprise that tries to balance technology and business growth with the development of human capital.

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Student: Stephen, Ho Kin-wai, 2008
Tutor: Sharon Poggenpohl
Title: Bread Plus: Strategies for a Social Enterprise in the 4 th Wave Conceptual Economy

Abstract
There are different ways to determine the sophistication of a society. Overall economic and standard of living is one; environmental and social awareness are another. A society that has matured into a developed economy tends to become more aware of the sustainable implications of its actions. Social enterprise as a concept is just becoming hot in Hong Kong. This report aims to focus on key issues driving social sustainability; to investigate and explore the potentials and difficulties in developing social enterprise business, and to map out the design and business strategies through an emerging case: Bread Plus.

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