Global Studies Courses 2009-10

BUSI788M/BUSI798M
Doing Business in the Middle East: Mega Projects Management

Burj Dubai

The history of the Middle East dates back to thousands of years, and throughout its history the region has been a major center of world affairs and business. In modern times, the Middle East remains a strategic region for world business and a critical player in international relations. The course aims to provide students with a good understanding of doing business in the Middle East, using the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a working lab.

While significant stocks of oil give the region economic power, several countries have diversified their economies into services, including banking, finance, trade, and transportation and logistics. UAE has a highly developed economy but has suffered, perhaps disproportionately, as the six-year boom came to an abrupt halt in the 2008/9 world economy. The course will provide a window into how a country copes with change, and the opportunities, and challenges in the Arab world at a time when such understanding is increasingly vital. In addition to providing a general understanding of doing business in the Middle East, the course will focus on management of projects of major size, which are Dubai's trade mark, such as: Dubai Holdings (Dubai's sovereign fund), Dubai Ports World (with a tour of Jebel Ali Free Zone terminal), Burj Dubai (the world tallest building), The Palm Islands, Dubai Festival City, and “Taqa” (a $40 Billion global energy company).

Note:

• There is a $500 penalty if you drop the course after the end of the drop/add period, September 14th.
• Please do not purchase any airline tickets until enrollment for the class is confirmed, after September 15th.