Short Bio
Since joining the USJ faculty in 2013, Dr. Weng Chi (Florence) Lei 李頴芝博士 has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate economics courses, and has supervised a number of DBA, MBA, MGS, and MCD theses. Currently, Lei also serves as the Coordinator for the Master of Government Studies Programme.
Academic Qualifications: Ph.D. in Economics, M.A. in Economics, B.S. (honor and distinction in Economics, minor in Statistics), University of Washington, Seattle
Professional Affiliations: American Economic Association | Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society of Economics
Fellowships/Awards/Honors: Rector's Prize, Rector's Commendation for Teaching and Service, University of Saint Joseph, Macao, 2021 | James K. Hall Fellowship, University of Washington, Seattle, 2007 | Outstanding Paper Award, Department of Economics, University of Washington, Seattle, 2006
Research Grant: Economic Integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: An Assessment Study (2021-2023). Higher Education Fund of the Macao SAR Government 澳門特别行政區政府高等教育基金 (Project number 項目編號: HSS-USJ-2021-02).
Research Interests:
International Economics: F1 Trade (F12 Models of Trade with Imperfect Competition and Scale Economies • Fragmentation, F15 Economic Integration); F2 International Factor Movements and International Business (F23 Multinational Firms • International Business); F3 International Finance (F36 Financial Aspects of Economic Integration, F37 International Finance Forecasting and Simulation: Models and Applications; F38 International Financial Policy: Financial Transactions Tax; Capital Controls)
Industrial Organization: L1 Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance (L11 Production, Pricing, and Market Structure • Size Distribution of Firms, L13 Oligopoly and Other Imperfect Markets); L3 Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise (L31 Nonprofit Institutions • NGOs • Social Entrepreneurship)
See JEL Classification System for scholarly literature in the field of economics: here.
Publications
Lei, W. C., & Wang, X. R. (submitted for initial review). Digital Renminbi: Regime Switching of Economic Integration in the Greater Bay Area. China & World Economy.
Lei, W. C., & Lampo, A. (submitted for initial review). Fintech Adoption: A Study of Macao Users in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. In The 9th International Conference on Industrial and Business Engineering (ICIBE 2023) Proceedings.
Lei, W. C., & Wang, X. R. (submitted for initial review). Economic Integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area: an Empirical Assessment. The World Economy.
Lei, W. C., & Wang, X. R. (forthcoming). Digital Renminbi: Impacts on Economic Integration of the Greater Bay Area. In Economics and Finance Readings: Selected Papers Asia-Pacific Conference on Economics & Finance, 2022. Singapore: Springer.
Lei, W. C., & Wang, X. R. (2022). Economic Integration in the GBA: a Price-Based Assessment of Real and Financial Integration in the Greater Bay Area. In The 2022 13th International Conference on E-business, Management and Economics (ICEME 2022) Proceedings. (pp. 198-203). https://doi.org/10.1145/3556089.3556112
Chau, M., & Lei, W. C. (2021). Nowcasting Gross Domestic Product and Gross Gaming Revenue of Macau: a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework. In The 5th Academia-Industry Exchange Institute of International Business & Governance (IIBG) Symposium 2021. (pp. 113-136).
Lei, W. C. (2021). COVID-19: Short-Run Impacts of the Pandemic on the Integrated Resort Oligopoly of Macao. In Proceedings of the International Workshop Tourism and Hospitality Management (IWTHM2021). (pp. 121-137). https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.23820.23682
Lei, W. C. (2020). Oligopolistic Pricing Strategies in the Hospitality Industry of Macao During COVID-19. In The 4th Academia-Industry Exchange Institute of International Business & Governance (IIBG) Symposium 2020. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.18484.94080
Lei, W. C. (2020). The Road to Service Export Diversification – Gambling and Convention in Macao. In Economics and Finance Readings: Selected Papers Asia-Pacific Conference on Economics & Finance, 2019. (pp. 51-71). Singapore: Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-2906-1_4
Negreiros, J., & Lei, W. (2019). Web 2.0 Tool Recommendations for Teachers. International Journal of Innovation and Research in Educational Sciences, 6(4), 513-525.
Lei, W. C. (2018). Product Line Rivalry with Strategic Capacity Allocation. In Three Essays on Foreign Trade, Offshoring and International Rivalry (pp. 12-54). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Lei, W. C. (2018). Foreign Trade, Endogenous Fragmentation and Optimal Offshoring. In Three Essays on Foreign Trade, Offshoring and International Rivalry (pp. 55-90). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Lei, W. C. (2018). Strategic Export of Gambling and Convention Services: The Cases of Macao, Singapore and Osaka. In Three Essays on Foreign Trade, Offshoring and International Rivalry (pp. 91-114). ProQuest Dissertations Publishing.
Lei, W. C. (2013). Endogenous fragmented technology and optimal offshoring in large civil aircraft production. In The 9th Annual Conference of the Asia-Pacific Economic Association.
Working Papers
Lei, W. C. (2018, November). Evaluating the Double Bottom Line of Social Enterprises and Corporate Social Responsibility Programs in Macao. University of Saint Joseph, Macao. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.26873.54885
Dissertation Supervision
An, B. (in progress). A Study of Green Financial Technology Acceptance in the Tongzhou District of Beijing [MBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph].
Chau, M. (in progress). Short-Term Forecasting of Macau’s Gross Gaming Revenue Using Multivariate Econometric and Machine Learning Approaches [DBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph].
Hoi, W. L. (in progress). Impacts of COVID-19 on Gender Inequality in the Labor Market [MCD dissertation, University of Saint Joseph].
Lo, H. I. (in progress). Digital Financial Infrastructure in the Greater Bay Area: A Comparative Policy Analysis of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau [MCD dissertation, University of Saint Joseph].
Tai, O. T. (in progress). Public Policies and Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles in Macau: Local Perspectives and Experiences [MGS dissertation, University of Saint Joseph].
Fong, C. C. (2023). Evaluating the Satisfaction of Local Road Users in Macau [MGS dissertation, University of Saint Joseph].
Cheong, K. I. (2022). Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme: Perspectives of Macau Employees [MGS dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. University of Saint Joseph Research Output. https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=201705&query_desc=an%3A%2282683%22
Kuan, C. H. (2022). Fintech Services in Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin: an Investigation of Macau Users' Adoption [MBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. University of Saint Joseph Research Output. https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=201691&query_desc=an%3A%2282683%22
Leong, C. L. (2021). Oligopolistic Strategies in the Gaming and Hospitality Industries of Macau [MBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=176657&query_desc=an%3A20696
Lou, K. H. (2021). Attitudes, Acceptance and Registration Toward Organ Donation in Macao [MGS dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=177021&query_desc=an%3A%2282683%22
Sin, I. (2021). The Impacts of the Influx of Mainland Chinese Free Individual Travelers on the Hotel Industry of Macao [MBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. https://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=176718&query_desc=an%3A%2282683%22
Couto, M. A. (2020). Approaches to Customer due Diligence of Anti-Money Laundering Compliance of Banks in Macau [MBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174841&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20university%20of%20saint%20joseph%20and%20kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20master%20of%20business%20administration
Wong, L. C. (2020). Socio-Economic Impacts of Low Unemployment in Macau [MBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. http://library-opac.usj.edu.mo/cgi-bin/koha/opac-detail.pl?biblionumber=174647&query_desc=kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20university%20of%20saint%20joseph%20and%20kw%2Cwrdl%3A%20master%20of%20business%20administration
Hoi, K. I. (2019). A Study of Anti-Money Laundering in the Greater Bay Area: Effectiveness, Strategies and Compliance [MBA dissertation, University of Saint Joseph]. http://mala.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1rvq6jf/853USJ_MARC173237
Modules
Year 1 Doctorate
This module aims to introduce participants to key elements of doctoral research in the broad sense of an Academic framework. It focuses on providing an understanding of the research support Mechanisms at USJ and in overviews of the main research specialisation fields within the University of Saint Joseph, namely Business Administration; Education; Global Studies; Government Studies; History; Information Systems; Psychology; Religious Studies; Science. The course also provides an opportunity for the students to present and discuss their own work in a seminar environment.
This Module provides an initial experience of supervised research work where students will work with their intended supervisor in a collaborative tutorial model that resembles the practice of Thesis Supervision. During the Module the intended supervisor will guide the student trough multiple meetings (up to 15) during a full academic year The students will conduct autonomous research that should result in a preliminary literature review, research contextualisation and a thesis proposal completely finished and prepared to be submitted to the Foundation Year Final thesis proposal review and assessment instances.
Year 1 Master
Students will examine the dynamics of organizations from the perspective of the new sciences of complexity. Special emphasis will be given to modern areas of research in economics, such as increasing returns and path dependence.
Students will become proficient in current methods of conducting research in the field: problem definition, construction of hypotheses, research design, sampling, data collection and evaluation, and interpretation of findings.
In this module students will explore the conditions that promote viable enterprises and increased employment in the community. Topics include: Principles of Economic Development and Growth (community history and community growth potential, the role of business, labor, & jobs, building sustainable systems, social capital); the Role of Community-Based Institutions (community support organizations, sources of funding); Economic Development Planning (local economic development incentives, building public/private collaboratives); The Economic Influence of Neighborhood and Building Design; and Measuring Economic Growth (data sources, methodology).
Students will become proficient in current methods of conducting research in Public Administration: problem definition, construction of hypotheses, research design, sampling, data collection and evaluation, and interpretation of findings.
Year 1 Bachelor
Having the module “Calculus 1” as the prerequisite, this module continues the discussion on more advanced topics in calculus, such as parametric equations, differential equations, and infinite series sequences and series, polar coordinates and multivariable calculus.
Calculus II - LIS205 / LMA202 / LAR223
This module is provided as the first module on calculus. It starts with real-world examples of calculus, explains why calculus works, and introduces the two big ideas of calculus: differentiation and integration. The discussion also covers common functions and their graphs, limits and continuity, integration and approximating area.
Calculus I - LIS204 / LMA201 / LAR222
This course surveys a number of comparative themes in the political economies of developing countries. The content is designed to examine patterns of politics, stratification, and state intervention in the economy that are to some extent shared by Late Developing Countries. There will be a particular emphasis on the countries of Southeast Asia.
Comparative Political Economy of Development - LGS201 / LGS224
Students will explore a series of questions and issues crucial to our understanding of the world. Who wins and who loses from the globalization of trade, finance, and production? Who sets the rules under which the game of international capitalism is played? How powerful are international organizations like the IMF, nation-states, or NGOs in the global economy? How valid are popular critiques of the WTO trade regime and globalization? This class explores these and other isues with reference to economic and political theories, drawing on both historical and contemporary data.
LGS209 International Political Economy (2cr) / LGS223 International Political Economy (3cr)
Among the topics this course addresses are economic analysis and optimal decisions, consumer choice and the demand for products, production functions and cost curves, market structures and strategic interactions, and pricing and non-price concepts. Cases and problems are used to understand economic tools and their potential for solving real-world problems.
Year 2 Bachelor
Students will have the time and place to observe, practice and test their learning achievements in areas related to human life. The use of real life situations, scenario building, simulation, introspective exercises and project development and management will create an environment where students will be challenged to question and research the wide range of issues that are central to the emergence and dynamics of life.
Among the topics this core course addresses are economic analysis and optimal decisions, consumer choice and the demand for products, production functions and cost curves, market structures and strategic interactions, and pricing and non-price concepts. Cases and problems are used to understand economic tools and their potential for solving real-world problems.
Students will explore a series of questions and issues crucial to our understanding of the world. Who wins and who loses from the globalization of trade, finance, and production? Who sets the rules under which the game of international capitalism is played? How powerful are international organizations like the IMF, nation-states, or NGOs in the global economy? How valid are popular critiques of the WTO trade regime and globalization? This class explores these and other issues with reference to economic and political theories, drawing on both historical and contemporary data.
LGS209 International Political Economy (2cr) / LGS223 International Political Economy (3cr)
Year 3 Bachelor
For anyone studying all functional areas of business and planning to go into business, this course is very important. The course explores the economic foundations of formulating and evaluating business strategy. Various influences upon the successful implementation, market and competitive position, strategic position within the market environment, and sustainability of competitive advantage, are all considered.
The course is designed to acquaint students with Weber's understanding of the cultural ethos of societies with market economies and then to enable them to compare his view with a selection of other, more recent treatments of the same subject. Those readings will be drawn from the works of such scholars as Daniel Bell (The Cultural Contradictions of Capitalism), Robert Lane (The Market Experience), Ronald Inglehardt (Culture Shift), and Ernest Gellner (Postmodernism, Reason, and Religion).
This course surveys a number of comparative themes in the political economies of developing countries. The content is designed to examine patterns of politics, stratification, and state intervention in the economy that are to some extent shared by Late Developing Countries. There will be a particular emphasis on the countries of Southeast Asia.
Comparative Political Economy of Development - LGS201 / LGS224 - For IR students
Year 4 Bachelor
In this module students will study and discuss the change process that occurs in countries such Russia, some East European countries, China and Vietnam. Topics include: Privatization, restructuring, and institutional change, analysis of property rights, corporate governance, incentives, and resource allocation in socialist and transitional economies. Emphasis is on liberalization and privatization policies (including mass and voucher programs) as the primary instruments to induce changes in behavior.
Over the past ten years, international trade policy and its institutions have taken on the additional responsibilities of protecting the environment and promoting development among the world's poorest people. Students will first develop an understanding of the linkages between trade, environment, and development policies. Some of the more important efforts to link these policies together will also be studied, including the North American Free Trade Agreement, the World Trade Organization's "Development Round", and tourism development in Southeast Asia.
Year 1
This course introduces the basic concepts and tools of probability, statistics and decision making. It covers descriptive statistics, sample spaces, elementary probability, probability distributions probability laws, measures of central tendency & dispersion.
This module consolidates the fundamental concepts of algebraic functions and equations, as well as the properties and features of various geometric shapes. Topics covered include polynomials, quadratics functions and equations, inequalities, logarithmic functions and equations, triangle properties and circles. Graphs of various functions are also illustrated with emphasis on the quadratic function.
