Professor Vikas Kakkar holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Economics from the University of Rochester, and a B.Stat. in Statistics from the Indian Statistical Institute. He is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). His research interests span international finance, behavioral economics, financial literacy, climate economics, and cryptocurrencies.

Professor Kakkar has published extensively in leading academic journals and has presented his work at prestigious international conferences. He has served as a visiting professor at institutions such as the University of Notre Dame, the University of Southern California, Keio University, IIM Bangalore, and the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, and as a visiting scholar at the Bank of Finland.

Beyond academia, Prof. Kakkar enjoys practicing yoga, singing karaoke, and exploring photography.

What do you enjoy most about teaching CityUHK MBA students?

What I enjoy most about teaching CityUHK MBA students is the dynamic, open-minded, and intellectually vibrant classroom environment. The spirited discussions and thoughtful exchanges on a wide range of business topics make every session both engaging and enriching.

Our students bring a wealth of industry experience and diverse global perspectives, which significantly enhance the learning journey—for both themselves and the instructor. The meaningful connections we build often extend well beyond the classroom, and I deeply value the lifelong relationships that grow from this shared experience.

How do you combine theoretical concepts with the latest industry practices and business trends?

I am committed to bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world business practice. Staying attuned to global trends and industry developments is central to my teaching approach. I regularly incorporate contemporary case studies, emerging market insights, and current events to illustrate how economic and business theories unfold in practice.

This integration helps students apply abstract concepts to tangible business scenarios, sharpening their analytical thinking and equipping them with the practical skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing business landscape.

What books would you recommend CityUHK MBA students to read? Why?

I would recommend two insightful books—one a foundational classic, the other a timely contemporary read:

1. Competitive Strategy by Michael Porter (Free Press, 1980): A timeless classic that introduces the Five Forces framework, this book offers a rigorous, economics-based approach to strategic decision-making. It remains essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the structural drivers of industry competition and profitability.

2. AI Snake Oil by Arvind Narayanan and Sayash Kapoor (Princeton University Press, 2024): This engaging and accessible book explores the promises and pitfalls of AI in modern business. It offers a grounded perspective on the capabilities and limitations of AI applications, encouraging readers think critically about emerging technologies.

One career advice to our CityUHK MBA students.

Be authentic—your true self is your greatest competitive advantage!