GCC Executive Education 2016 by UMS International

GCC Executive Education GUIDE 2016

The complete guide to studying MBAs and other business leadership courses

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CONTENTS FEATURES

COUNTRY LISTINGS

2 Leadership in uncertain times

In the current economic climate, there’s more pressure than ever for corporate leaders to be at the top of their game

24 Founding an empire

Business schools are offering programmes designed to teach key skills and knowledge for starting a business

26 The rise of specialised MBAs More business schools are now offering specialised MBAs or concentrations to help students stand out

UAE

QATAR

KUWAIT

SAUDI ARABIA

OMAN

BAHRAIN

28 Studying abroad

The right course for you and your career aspirations could be thousands of miles away from home

38 Five signs it’s time

Whether you’re looking for career acceleration or a new line of work, five signs that it’s time to enrol in an MBA

41 The lessons learned

There may be sacrifices ahead, but as graduates explain, there are plenty of benefits to be reaped at the end

44 Networking for success

PROFILES 11

Strathclyde Business School

Manchester Business School

London Business School

University of Wollongong in Dubai

Legacy Business School

University of Oklahoma

Even in an age of connecting through LinkedIn, meeting the right people can help you land a dream job

GCC Executive Education

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Guide 2016

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Web: www.businessweekme.com General enquiries : +971 4 4 329 467 Exclusive guide complimentary for subscribers of Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East edition. Not to be sold separately

GCC EXECUTIVE EDUCATION GUIDE 2016 is published by UMS International FZ LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of UMS International FZ LLC. is expressly prohibited. UMS International FZ LLC, a division of United Media Services. PO BOX 503048, Building No 10, Office 346, Dubai Media City, Dubai, UAE. Chief Executive: Sandeep Sehgal Associate Publisher: Ravi Raman Printed by: Emirates Printing Press LLC, DUBAI

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FEATURE

AGILE LEADERSHIP

Economic uncertainty means extra pressure on corporate leaders to be agile and use big-picture knowledge to inform long-term strategy, while job candidates have to be ready to add value to an organisation from day one

he global economy is experiencing a perfect storm of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity. The IMF has downgraded its projections for global growth in 2016 and 2017; in the Gulf, reduced government revenues due to lower oil prices means uncertainty about future spending; and China’s economic rebalancing has caused a global headache. Nevertheless, many Gulf corporates remain optimistic about the year ahead and executive-hiring activity remains strong. Hays Executive has seen double digit growth over the last 18 months, says Jon Ashcroft, senior business director at the company. “There is always a demand for talented leadership and [now] there is more of a case to have a high calibre and experienced management team to navigate a company through more challenging markets.” Two sectors, however, are experiencing a hiring freeze or contraction: oil and gas, as companies reduce headcounts in a bid to remain solvent; and banking, as institutions restructure in a climate of reduced liquidity. There’s also more caution overall, adding up to more competition for a reduced number of roles, and more pressure for management to be at the top of their game. What attributes are most in-demand during uncertain times? Corporate leaders should be highly aware of the broader environ-

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ment and possess agility and resilience, says Sahiba Singh, head of leadership consulting, Middle East and Africa at Aon Hewitt. “What is required is leaders who are very highly self aware, and very willing to change with the needs of the environment.” In an economy with steady growth, managers are often judged on how tightly they can manage the business internally, says Singh. Yet leaders who become set in their ways– especially those with a good performance record–can become almost uncoachable. Ideally corporate managers should operate like they have inbuilt GPS, constantly able to evaluate their own performance in response to the changing business environment, says Singh. “Contrary to popular belief that in a downturn you want conservative and risk-adverse leaders, you want people who have the internal strength and mental horsepower to be resilient when things are not going well, and to be able to bounce back. Because there are going to be challenges that no one foresees in an environment like this.” In uncertain times there’s a need for corporate leaders to understand how the broader macroeconomic environment is affecting their business, especially given the interconnected nature of global business. Having a good grasp of the big picture can also help motivate rank and file staff, with corporate

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leadership based on vision and the ability to engage with staff more effective than leadership based on charisma. A clear view of the future becomes even more important within sectors experiencing declining revenue and even job losses. “Staff want leaders that have an informed perspective which they can share, such as by giving some scenarios for the future to give them reasonable comfort,” says Singh. In trying circumstances, effective leaders can create a sense of emotional connect with their people, and are able to communicate in a clear manner which convinces staff and makes them feel supported. “They’re able to make sure that their people still want to give it their best, and don’t get unnecessarily panicked and leave the situation, which is often the case, especially in the Middle East given the transient nature of the workforce,” says Singh.   DRIVING CHANGE When hiring executives, Gulf corporates are looking for experienced leaders who can not only drive growth, but are able to drive change, embrace technology, find efficiencies, as well as manage costs and debt effectively, says Ashcroft. There is also a premium placed on certain specific skills in response to new business realities: in Saudi Arabia there has been an increase in companies seeking finance staff with knowledge of the new IFRS accounting standard, as companies seek to adapt to the new market requirement, says Ashcroft. “Additionally, since the middle of 2015 there has been a growing lack of liquidity in the Middle East and raising new capital for investment has been increasingly challenging. Consequently, senior placement professionals with access to ultra-highnet worth individuals are in high demand.” The rise of new media means there has been a significant increase in demand for MBA graduates who have experience with search engine optimisation or social media to help companies improve their brand awareness online says Michael Todd, head of career services and corporate relations at the Institute of Management Technology Dubai. “A lot of companies are looking at online mar-

keting, and they’re looking at the young talent because they expect them to be very aware, having grown up with social media. At a management level, the expectation is that they will have an understanding of how online marketing plays into an overall marketing strategy or a company’s strategy.” Yet while companies prefer to hire candidates with technical skills, there’s also recognition that many skills can be learnt on the job–but only if candidates are motivated, says Todd. “From a soft-skills side, companies are really looking for talented candidates that have drive and creativity. Many have trouble finding applicants that are self-motivated, willing to go the extra mile with good communication and teamwork skills. These are important to companies because they believe they will expedite the learning process.” Learning agility is one of the most sought-after soft skills, says Indu Niranjan, associate professor of finance and the dean of the Global MBA programme at the SP Jain School of Global Management. “Organisations look for individuals who have the capacity to learn things on their own.” Their global tri-city MBA sees candidates spend four months in each of Sydney, Singapore and Dubai, giving candidates exposure to three different economic and cultural centres. It’s in line with expectations from organisations that employees can work effectively in a global en-

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ANY SKILLS SHORTAGES WITHIN YOUR ORGANISATION? IF SO, WHERE?

Source: Hays GCC Salary & Employment Report 2016

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FEATURE vironment and relate to people from multiple cultures, says Niranjan. “Apart from skills employers are looking for the right attitude. One told me, ‘I’m not looking for altitude I’m looking for attitude.’” The multi-ethnic working environment of the Gulf also means that corporate leaders need effective communication and relationship-building skills, alongside an understanding of the cultural dimension of doing business in the region, says Dr Marc Poulin, director of the MBA programme at the Canadian University of Dubai. “With increasing globalisation, business leaders need to understand how to draw parallels with different parts of the world, and how to effectively engage with them and bring their good practices to this region.”

SOURCE: HTTP://WWW.TOPMBA.COM/WHY-MBA/MBA-ROI-US-CANADA-WHAT-HAVE-WE-LEARNED

CLIMBING THE LADDER The current economic environment won’t dissuade Gulf corporates from continuing to invest in developing key employees, even if they will be more cautious about making new hires, says Singh. “The focus becomes identifying and retaining high potential employees rather than across the board capability development. But companies definitely don’t stop capability development as soon as the times get trying.” Nevertheless, potential hires need to be able to paint a clear picture about the value they can add to an organisation, which means understanding what the company is looking for, says Singh. And while employers are

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YEARS

“THERE ARE GOING TO BE CHALLENGES THAT NO ONE FORESEES IN AN ENVIRONMENT LIKE THIS.” – SAHIBA SINGH, HEAD OF LEADERSHIP CONSULTING, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA AT AON HEWITT

looking for candidates who are agile and effective managers in a crisis, it’s important to recognise both the short and long-term requirements of a company. Job seekers should communicate that they recognise that these are tough times, but that they are aligned to what the organisation is trying to achieve and are willing to do their part now, and if necessary shift their role in the future, says Singh. “Businesses are constantly changing, so workers have to build confidence with their employer that they can not only do what is required today, but are willing to learn what needs to be done in the future and change tracks, no matter what the future throws up.” For MBA candidates, the most important thing to recognise is that companies don’t want graduates who are just book smart, but want them to understand how to apply the business skills they’ve learnt in the real world, says Todd. “Students need to get involved in case studies or live projects with companies.” During the second year of the MBA at IMT, students work as a team on a company specific project–collecting data from the

It takes on average less than four

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A triple-accredited business school that’s around the corner… and around the world

Abu Dhabi Dubai

Executive MBA in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Our MBA and Masters programmes are consistently ranked among the best, most recently our Executive MBA was ranked top 10 in the UK (FT Executive MBA 2015). A key player in the UAE since 1995, we offer the prestigious Executive MBA in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and six other centres globally. As a triple accredited international business school, we are additionally accredited in the UAE by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and our MBA is delivered part time at weekends to meet the needs of busy executives.

www.strath.ac.uk/mba

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FEATURE

LEADERSHIP AT MANIPAL GLOBAL In today’s global economic environment, MBA graduates who have the right skill sets have an advantage in the marketplace. The key skills that employers are demanding these days from a business school graduate include leadership, creative and critical thinking, communication and collaboration. A good MBA programme should focus on producing graduates with those qualities. The MBA programme at Manipal University aims to

develop graduates to meet the needs of employers. Manipal University Dubai began operations in 2003: Since then, the institution’s MBA has gained a reputation for producing quality graduates who are equipped to develop a career in the ever-changing global business environment. The School of Business at Manipal University Dubai offers a regular MBA programme as well as an MBA Global Business programme. The regular MBA programme is

company, analysing the issue, and making recommendations about what the company can do to resolve them. “These sorts of interactions-including internships–are vital.” Similarly, employers are looking for candidates who have practical skills that can create value for their organisation from day one, says Patrick McClelland, director of graduate programmes in the School of Business Administration at the American University of Sharjah. McClelland says that employ-

FAST TRACK TO THE TOP

SOURCE: GMAC (2016) ALUMNI PERSPECTIVES SURVEY

OUT OF

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GRADUATES say their degree resulted in faster career advancement

offered in an evening as well as a weekend format while the MBA Global Business programme is offered in the traditional weekday format. Both programmes are designed with a focus on quality teaching as well as practical exposure to the industry. The structure of the Manipal University Dubai programmes are designed to develop skills across a broad range of functional areas in addition to the opportunity to specialise in a particular area. Emphasis is also placed on the development of the personal skills required for the current global business environment.

ers are looking for candidates who can think broadly, conceptually and analytically, but who also have a strong appreciation for relating this to a company’s bottom line. “Gone are the days where employers would hire people who are practitioners but lack capacity to think broadly; as are gone the days where employers would hire someone who can think conceptually, but lacks the ability to impact the organisation’s day to day operations. Employers are seeking a balance.” Things are even more difficult in sectors where companies are reducing staff numbers. There, candidates need to do their best to stand out and be proactive, says Ashcroft. “For more challenging sectors candidates should appreciate the current market and try to be as flexible as possible,” he says. “For example, being open to relocating to the geographies where opportunities may exist.” Candidates can also consider moving into alternative sectors, says Ashcroft, and though this may be difficult, one strategy is to look for sectors or roles that may have some synergy to those that they have previously worked in. “Being prepared to step out of your comfort zone and consider new options could be worthwhile. It is important to remain focused and calm and not allow market conditions to negative-

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Hong Kong

Manchester

São Paulo

Shanghai

Dubai

Singapore

Think big Think global

Manchester Global Part-Time MBA With intakes in January and July, this world-class, international MBA includes 18 months of teaching, a live business project, and personal and professional opportunities. At Manchester Business School, we take Original Thinking Applied seriously. That’s why we structure the Manchester MBA around practical themes, rather than traditional subject areas. This real-world focus ensures we develop reflective leaders who can navigate the most challenging global trends and tensions. With our wide range of electives, you can build your MBA around a field that interests you, such as finance, HR management, marketing, entrepreneurship or projects.

Blended delivery

Online learning, six residential workshops and a six-month project. As much face-to-face time as most full-time MBAs.

Flexible format

A customisable MBA that ﬁts around your commitments – same qualiﬁcation as our full-time MBA.

Moatassem Moatez Al Moatassem Business Partner INNOVEST Middle East, UAE Class of 2014

"Following eight years of multinational FMCG experience at BAT, Unilever and Nestlé, moving from the corporate world to starting my own business was a key transition in my career. The Global Part-time MBA gave me exposure to lots of real life examples of start-ups and new business development, which helped me develop my own business plan. This would not have happened without the commercial understanding I got from the programme".

Challenge yourself. Change direction. Transform your career. Manchester Business School | The University of Manchester Middle East Centre, Oﬃce F-16, Block 2B, Dubai Knowledge Park

Email: mba@mbs-worldwide.ae I Tel: +971 (0)4 446 8664

www.mbs-uae.ac.ae Licensed by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The academic qualiﬁcations granted by this institution and certiﬁed by the KHDA shall be recognised in the Emirate of Dubai by all public and private entities for all purposes.

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FEATURE

THE GENDER GAP Women MBA graduates receive a significant boost to their earning potential, and can expect an initial boost in salary post-degree that is similar to men–$20,000 on average–accord-

SOURCE: GMAC (2016) ALUMNI PERSPECTIVES SURVEY

ing to Graduate Management Admission

%SALARY SALARY

Council’s (GMAC) 2016 Alumni Perspectives Survey Report. Nevertheless, there persists a gender pay gap among business school alumni, which is most likely a continuation of the trend of lower salaries women earned prior to entering business school, according to the GMAC report. Business school can also accentuate the pay gap between genders, according to data from the Financial Times, which examined average salaries in the Middle East of MBA students prior to entering the programme and three years after completing it. Pre-MBA men earned

DIFFERENCE DIFFERENCE between men and women three years after MBA graduation

ly affect your search or your performance in the interview process.” TIME TO TAKE AN MBA? The MBA has become such a ubiquitous feature of the corporate landscape that rather than having a direct benefit, its lack can be an impediment, says Martin Hughes, a design execution manager for Salam Technology and a graduate of the Manchester Business School MBA programme. “If you’re moving up into management then having the language and the commonality of expression that an MBA provides is increasingly important,” he says. “You need to be able to talk to a marketing person, a finance person, or a supply chain person and have the knowledge to be able to hold a conversation about the specifics of your company.” With the MBA becoming almost a norm, many aspiring executives see it as a prerequisite for development. “If you’re applying for a job, chances are you’re competing with an

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on average $73,000 while women earned 61,000, a 19 per cent gap. Three years after graduation, men earned on average $147,000, while women earned $120,000: the gap had widened to 23 per cent, a trend noticed in every other region in the world apart from Asia.

MBA graduate. It’s become almost a necessity because it gives you that edge,” says Todd. Nevertheless, just as the MBA experience differs for everyone, so too does its value. Candidates need to work hard but also develop their network. “An MBA alone will not open doors to executive level opportunities, it is certainly a qualification that is well valued in the job market, but it must also be complemented with the right experience, track record and personal skill-set,” says Ashcroft. Despite regional uncertainty, business schools are confident about enrolment numbers, which typically rise during downturns. “What we typically see in these kinds of environments is students striving to enhance their competitiveness by pursuing a greater degree of education,” says McClelland. “In fact we’re getting more and more requests from prospective students citing that they are concerned about maintaining their jobs, and working to do so. As far as motivation goes, we’re seeing more and more interest.”

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UAE UAE

ABU DHABI SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT  OOMBA General  Fee: AED 135,000 Duration: 15 months Location: Abu Dhabi Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline: Rolling

AL HOSN UNIVERSITY

Contact: Tel: +971 2 6917811 Email: info@adsm.ac.ae

ABU DHABI UNIVERSITY

OOMBA General OOMBA Human Resource Management

OOMBA Finance  OOMBA Logistics and Supply 10

Chain Management

OOMBA Project Management Fee: AED 92,000 Duration: 12 months Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Accrediting country: AACSB,

UAE Enrolment deadline: 22nd June Contact: Tel: Toll Free, 800 ADYOU/

800 23968; International Students, +971 2 5015555 Email: admissions@adu.ac.ae

AJMAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OOMBA Human Resources Management OOMBA Financial Management OOMBA Marketing  Fee: AED 72,000 Duration: 24 months Location: Ajman Accrediting country: UAE

Enrolment deadline: End of

August, sessions start early September Contact: Tel: +971 6 748 2222  Email: admissions@ajman.

ac.ae

AL AIN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OOMBA General OOMBA Accounting OOMBA Finance and Banking OOMBA Marketing OOMBA Human Resource Management OOMBA Management Information Systems Fee: AED 76,900 Duration: 1-3 years Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline: 15 May, 15 August, 1 January Contact: Tel: +971 3 702 4888 Email: business@aau.ac.ae

OOGeneral MBA  OOMBA Finance  OOMBA Banking  OOMBA Accounting  OOMBA International Business OOMBA Management Information Systems Fee: AED 90,000  Duration: 2 years Location: Abu Dhabi  Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 2 4070700 Email: mba@alhosnu.ae

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN DUBAI OOMBA General OOMBA International Finance OOMBA International Marketing  OOMBA Management  Fee: AED 126,000  Duration: 2 years Location: Dubai Accrediting countries: US, UAE Enrolment deadline: MidAugust, mid-December Contact: Tel: +971 4 399 9000

admissions@aud.edu AL GHURAIR UNIVERSITY OOMBA Financial management OOMBA Human resource management OOMBA Project management Fee: AED 90,000 Duration: 1 year full time  Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 4 4 200223 ext.

304/303  Email: mbaadmissions@agu.

ac.ae

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY IN THE EMIRATES OOMBA Fee: AED 105,000 Duration: 1 year Location: AUE, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadlines: January, May, September Contact: Tel +971 4 4499000 p 12

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STRATHCLYDE BUSINESS SCHOOL

ne of the oldest, largest and most respected business schools in the UK, Strathclyde Business School has consistently been ranked in the top 10 B-schools in the UK in terms of both research and teaching quality. Its history has seen the institution achieve a number of firsts including being the first UK B-school to offer a one year full-time MBA programme in 1966, and in 1988 becoming the first to offer a part-time MBA programme at its international centres (launched in South-East Asia in 1988). Today, the Strathclyde Executive MBA is offered at international centres in the UAE (in Abu Dhabi and Dubai), Oman, Bahrain, Singapore, Malaysia, Greece and Switzerland. A twoyear part-time, taught programme–with the exception of the mode of study–the Executive MBA is in all respects identical to that offered on a full-time basis in the UK–the same entry criteria, programme content, assessment and core learning materials–and it is taught by the same Strathclyde academics who teach in Glasgow. A general MBA programme, students can expect to graduate with a broad understanding of the fundamentals of business, and management issues, advanced management skills and techniques, self-awareness as a manager and leader and with increased confidence in all areas of business, says programme director Dr Ron Bradfield. “The Strathclyde MBA is highly

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Profile

experiential and based on collaborative learning, and through class discussions, presentations and group assignments, students share their varied work experiences, knowledge, understanding and skills.” A particular strength of the programme is strategic management with three interrelated courses that culminate in a three-day Strategic Consulting in Practice workshop, where students undertake a real-life strategy assignment for a client. Entrepreneurship is also in focus, with core courses and elective options providing the essential skills to enhance the abilities of people working for themselves or about to set up in business. This year the programme has been augmented by the addition of a course on managing technology and innovation. There are options for international study too. With a wide range of specialist departments in the business school, Strathclyde offers over 20 different electives, and students can opt to take elective subjects at the Summer School in Glasgow or at any of the school’s international centres. Strathclyde is among an elite group of only 74 B-schools in the world (2016) which hold triple international accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB). In addition, the Strathclyde MBA is accredited by the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

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UAE Email: sro@aue.ae

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF RAS AL KHAIMAH OOGeneral MBA OOMBA Finance OOMBA International Business OOMBA Information Systems Management OOMBA Human Resources Management Fee: AED 86,400 Duration: 2 years Location: Ras Al Khaimah Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadlines: 16 August, 2016; 10 January, 2017 Note: International students must apply two weeks in advance of the stated deadline to meet visa timeline requirements

McClelland Tel: +971 6 5154601 Email: pmcclelland@aus.edu MBA coordinator, Merle Antonio Email: mantonio@aus.edu

AMITY UNIVERSITY

OOMBA General  OOMBA Entrepreneurship OOMBA Insurance & Banking OOMBA PR & Event Management

OOMBA Real Estate and Urban Infrastructure

OOMBA Retail Management  OOMBA Tourism Administration

Manufacturing Fee: AED 60,000

Fee: AED 50,000 Duration: 2 years Location: Ras Al Khaimah Accrediting country: India,

MBA (in Dubai, USA & UK) Fee: AED 106,000 + other

expenses

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH OOGeneral MBA OOConcentrations in Finance and Human Resource Management Fee: AED 146,520 Duration: 18 months if taken full-time Location: Sharjah

otherwise stated)

Contact: MBA Director, Dr Patrick L.

OOMBA Finance OOMBA Marketing OOMBA Human Resources OOMBA Systems OOMBA Banking & Insurance OOMBA Operations &

OOExecutive MBA

OOMBA Hospitality

Accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education’s Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); the School of Business is accredited by the AACSB Enrolment deadline: Rolling

BIRLA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY OFFSHORE CAMPUS RAK, UAE

Fee: AED 82,000

School of Graduate Studies and Research Tel: +971 7 2210900, Ext. 1602 Email: research@aurak.ac.ae

Accrediting countries:

51137080  Email: Ashwyn@btecdubai.ae

OOMBA Transport & Logistics

Contact:

Tel: Toll Free, 8002832/+971 5

Management

OOMBA Working professional Fee: AED 84,000 Duration: 2 years  Location: Dubai (unless

accredited by the UGC’s National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC) as well as the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) Enrolment deadline: 31 August Contact details: RAK Toll Free: 800BIT(248)/

Accrediting country: India Enrolment deadline: August Contact: Tel: +971 4 4554900 Email: admissions@

+971 5 29494110/503482778, Email: admission@biticrak.ae/ www.biticrak.ae

amityuniversity.ae

BITS PILANI, DUBAI CAMPUS

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY VIA BTEC DUBAI  OOMBA General  Fee: AED 70,000 (AED 58,000 before 1 May) Duration: 18 months Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling

OOMBA Engineering and

2016; 15 December, 2016

Contact:

Technology Management

OOMBA IT Enabled Services Management Fee: AED 60,000  Duration: 2 years  Location: Dubai Accrediting country: India Enrolment deadline: 9 June,

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Special Advertising Feature

)

MANCHESTER BUSINESS SCHOOL

anchester Business School (MBS) opened its Middle East Centre in Dubai Knowledge Park in 2006 and, today, supports more over 2,000 part-time MBA students. It is the largest and fastest growing centre in the MBS international network and the school has a regional community of around 2,500 alumni and actively works to create professional networking opportunities to help enrich the wider business community. In the Middle East, MBS offers its world class part-time MBA for experienced working professionals, in addition to a range of executive education programmes, and research and consultancy projects led by MBS faculty. The school works in a range of collaborations with professional bodies such as CIMA, ACCA, IMA and PMI, as well as UK organisations including UKTI, British Business Group and British Centres for Business. In addition, MBS has forged a range of partnerships with public and private sector organisations through its Talent Management Partnership programme. Alongside its academic programmes, MBS hosts masterclasses covering a range of business related themes, as part of its ‘Guest Speaker Series’, led by top faculty and free and open to the public. MBS has embarked on the region’s first research into creativity and innovation in the GCC, to mark the Middle East Centre’s 10th anniversary in 2016. MBS is the UK’s largest campus-based business and management school and is part of the University of Manchester. It is consistently

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ranked among the Financial Times’ top international schools; The 2016 Financial Times survey ranks the MBA 7th in the UK, 14th in Europe and 38th in the world. It is also are ranked 2nd in the UK for research power, and 4th for depth and breadth of research (REF 2014). Bloomberg Businessweek ranked Alliance MBS at 19th in the world and 9th in the alumni survey (2015, excluding US). MBS is part of a small and select group of institutions worldwide that is accredited by all three major bodies: AACSB International, AMBA and EQUIS. MBS Global Part-time MBA students are all experienced working professionals and many are employed in senior positions by some of the world’s leading multinational companies, as well as local and regional companies. Around 30 per cent of students are already in c-level roles and 10 per cent of students already hold a Masters degree. The students are selected based on the same entry criteria applied by Manchester Business School globally. Students graduating through the Global Part-time MBA programme are awarded the same Manchester MBA as students on the full time, campus-based programme, and receive the same degree from the University of Manchester. In addition to a very active international alumni network and Middle East Alumni Group, the MBS Careers Service provides access to tools and opportunities for a successful senior level career.

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UAE Tel: Admission: +971 4 2753711 Email: admission@dubai.bits-

pilani.ac.in

CANADIAN UNIVERSITY DUBAI OOMBA in General Management OOMBA in Marketing OOMBA in Finance OOMBA in Human Resource Management OOMBA in Islamic Banking Fee: AED 92,480

CASS BUSINESS SCHOOL, CITY UNIVERSITY LONDON OOExecutive MBA  Fee: GBP 38,500 Duration: 2 years Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline(s): Rolling Contact:

Ehsan Razavizadeh  Tel: +971 4 4019318  Email: dubaiemba@city.ac.uk

Duration:

14 months Location:

Dubai, UAE Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline:

Applications assessed on an ongoing basis for admissions in January, May and September Contact: Tel: +971 4 321 9090 email: info@cud.ac.ae

CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY VIA WESTFORD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

OOMBA (Advanced Entry) with dual certification Fee: AED 44,000 Duration: 1 year, Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi,

Sharjah Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 7 2432004/ 971 5

29263000 Email: info@westford.org.uk

CORNERSTONE COLLEGE RAK OOMBA Advertising Management OOMBA Airlines and Airport Management OOMBA Communication Management OOMBA Computer Application OOMBA Customer Relationship Management OOMBA Event Management OOMBA Export/Import Management OOMBA Financial Management OOMBA General Administration OOMBA Hotel Management OOMBA Hospital Administration OOMBA Human Resource Management OOMBA Information Technology OOMBA International Business OOMBA Marketing Management OOMBA Material & Supply Chain Management OOMBA Office Administration OOMBA Personnel Management OOMBA in Project Management OOMBA in Quality Management

OOMBA Retail Management OOMBA Travel & Tourism Management Fee: AED 36,000 Duration: 1 year Location: Ras al Khaimah Accrediting countries: India, UK Enrolment deadlines: April,

September, January Contact: Tel: +971 7 2433500/

+971 5 05752600

DUKE UNIVERSITY’S FUQUA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS OOCross Continent MBA  Fee: USD 135,000  Duration: 16 months Global Executive MBA Fee: USD 162,000 Duration: 15 months Location: Online Accrediting country: AACSB (US), UAE Enrolment deadline: Rolling

Contact: Tel: +971 4 4019342/+971 4

4019306  Email: mideast@fuqua.duke.

edu

EMIRATES AVIATION UNIVERSITY OOMBA in Aviation Management  OOMBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management OOMBA in General Management Fee: AED 120,000  Duration: 18 months Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 4 6050109/112/104 Email: admissions@eau.ac.ae p 16

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Special AdvertisingProfile Feature

LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL I

tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the most prestigious B-schools in the world, with strong connections to the financial world. In Dubai, London Business School offers an executive MBA, a part-time programme designed for working professionals. While predominantly taught at the Dubai campus, it involves travel to the main campus in London, including for orientation and the opening module. Meanwhile, faculty are flown in from London to teach the programme in Dubai to ensure the academic experience is the same. LBS is currently the top-ranked business school in Europe according to the Financial Times, while its MBA programme is ranked number three globally. This year LBS celebrates the 10th anniversary of offering a programme in Dubai, where students receive the same degree certificate as they would if they were on the home campus in London. And while it comes with a heftier price tag than some of the other executive programmes on offer in the region, students see results, with an average salary increase of 41 per cent three years after graduation, according to a recent FT survey. Students at LBS come from a wide variety of business sectors, nationalities and cultures. The average length of industry experience is 13 years, but the range is from 5 to 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, meaning broad and diverse industry knowledge in each cohort. Most candidates enrol with a view to accelerating their career

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and moving to a more senior general manager role within their current or similar organisation. But the course also caters to budding entrepreneurs, those already active in entrepreneurship, involved in a family business, or who may be looking to make a career jump into a new sector. The programme teaches students leadership skills, especially adaptability, flexibility, and broader awareness of the economy globally through its subjects as well as the network that they build. Along with industry breadth, LBS also has a well-formed reputation within the financial world. And while students from a finance background make up only 25-30 per cent of the intake for its executive MBA programme, connections to the world of capital can prove invaluable for graduates in almost any business area, especially entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is a special focus, with students looking for the skills, network, knowledge and confidence to help propel them down the path of starting their own venture. LBS offers a raft of classes and electives focused on entrepreneurship, as well as the option of an entrepreneur summer school on its London campus. In Dubai, LBS calls on its alumni in successful entrepreneurial ventures to act as mentors-in-residence for current students. The regional and global alumni network is also a powerful resource, with regular events including breakfast meetings, guest speakers and lectures from faculty members. A slower economy in the Gulf makes it a good time to take a career acceleration programme, readying students to hit the ground running. Some may also have more free time, while the executive MBA structure means that candidates can retain the security of their current role.

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UAE

GENEVA BUSINESS SCHOOL VIA LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT

OOMBA International Management

OOMBA Healthcare

Management OOMBA Project & Operations Management OOMBA Quality Management OOMBA Educational Leadership Management OOMBA Human Resource Management OOMBA Global Banking & Finance OOMBA Supply Chain & Logistics Management Fee: AED 41,800 Duration: 14 Months Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ruwais Accrediting countries:

Switzerland, USA Enrolment deadlines: Rolling Contact: +971 5 55538999

GUGLIELMO MARCONI UNIVERSITY VIA WESTFORD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

OOMBA Health Care Management OOMBA Human Resource Management OOIMBA International Business OOMBA Supply Chain Management Fee: AED 32,000 Duration: One year, Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Online Accrediting country: Italy Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 7 2432004/

971 52 926 3000 Email: info@westford.org.uk

HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY DUBAI

Contact:

Anastasia.Safronova@hult.edu +971 4 427 5800

IE BUSINESS SCHOOL

OOMBA General

OOInternational MBA

Fee: AED 88,000 Duration: 1 year full time/22

Duration: 1 year full time Fee: EUR 65,000

months part time Locations: Dubai, UK, Malaysia, Online Accrediting country: UK, UAE Enrolment deadline: MidAugust, mid-November Contact: Tel: +971 4 435 8700 Email: DubaiMBA@ebs.hw.ac.

OOGlobal MBA Duration: 15 months (part time) Fee: EUR 44,700

OOExecutive MBA Duration: 15 months (part time) Fee: EUR 55,200 OOGlobal Executive MBA Duration: 15 months (part time) Fee: EUR 75,000

HIGHER COLLEGES OF TECHNOLOGY OOProfessional MBA Fee: AED 96,000 Duration: 2 years Location: Abu Dhabi, Dubai Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline: 15 June Contact: Tel: +971 2 6922550 Email: masters@hct.ac.ae

HULT INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL OOMBA General Fee: USD 69,800 Duration: 1 year Location: Dubai, London, Boston, San Francisco

OOExecutive MBA Fees: USD 74,000 Duration: 2 years Location: Dubai, London,

Shanghai Accrediting countries: US, UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling

OOIE Brown Executive MBA Duration: 15 months (part time) Fee: USD 130,000 Location: Madrid, Spain Accrediting countries:

Association of MBAs, EQUIS accredited, AACSB International Accreditation Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 4 3598400 Email: uae@ie.edu, Marie.

gedeon@ie.edu, Lamia.dalle@ ie.edu

INSEAD BUSINESS SCHOOLT OOGeneral MBA (INSEAD MBA Programme) Fee: EUR 71,000  Duration: 10 months  Location: France or Singapore Accrediting country: EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA Enrolment deadline:

January 2017 p 18

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Special AdvertisingProfile Feature

)

UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG T IN DUBAI

he University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) has been providing quality Australian education in the UAE since 1993. As one of Dubai’s oldest private accredited universities, it has a longstanding reputation for academic excellence, graduate employability and an unparalleled student experience, with students enjoying courses that are tailored to local market needs with a distinct Australian flavour. Industry interactions and real world examples are central to the curriculum across all undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, offering students a fully-rounded education which has accelerated the careers of the institution’s 8,500 alumni who occupy senior positions in public and private sector organisations within the UAE, Australia and across the globe. All UOWD programmes are quality assured by the University of Wollongong Australia (UOW), which is registered with the Australian Tertiary Education and Quality Standards Agency (TEQSA), the national regulator of the higher education sector in Australia. UOWD is also licensed by the UAE Ministry of Education–Higher Education Affairs. This local and international recognition means students are assured that all UOWD degrees meet quality standards consistent with current in-

ternational practice in teaching and assessment, learning environment and resources, and faculty and professional staff credentials. Students who study at UOWD are offered the opportunity to transfer to the University of Wollongong’s campuses in Wollongong or Sydney, Australia and upon graduation students can choose either a degree from UOWD or from UOW Australia. UOW is a globally renowned five-star university. Along with other recent awards and rankings, the University remains as one of the world’s top 2 per cent of universities, and ranked as the 12th best young university in the Quacquarelli Symonds QS Top 50 Under 50 Rankings 2016. It also positioned itself as one of the Top 10 Universities in Australia according to the QS World University Rankings 2016. The Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2016-2017 confirms UOW’s standing in the top 300 universities worldwide. The University provides access to quality Australian education offshore in Hong Kong, Dubai and Singapore.

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UAE Round 1: 2 March, 2016  Round 2: 20 April, 2016  Round 3: 15 June, 2016  Round 4: 27 July, 2016 September 2017 Round 1: 21 September, 2016 Round 2: 30 November, 2016 Round 3: 25 January, 2017 Round 4: 1 March, 2017 Contact: Email: mba.info@insead.edu

INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY OOGeneral MBA  Fee: AED 92,000 Duration: 2 years

OOExecutive MBA  Fee: AED 70,000  Duration: 14 months Enrolment deadline: Rolling Location: Dubai Accrediting country: US, UAE Contact: Tel: +971 4 4227244  Email: admissions@imtdubai.

ac.ae

LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL OOExecutive MBA  Fee: 109,500 USD Duration: 20 months Location: London, Dubai Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: July

plus a six-month live company project)  Location: Workshops held in Dubai, Manchester, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and São Paulo Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: 20 June Contact: Tel: +971 4 4468664  Email: mba@mbs-worldwide.

Enrolment deadline: Rolling

Fee: GBP 32,918  Duration: 30 months (2 years

MANIPAL UNIVERSITY DUBAI OOMBA General Option for weekend courses (Friday and Saturday) or weekday evenings (4 days a week) Fee: AED 61,600

OOMBA Global Business (Three-country immersion) Fee: AED 79,600 Additional fee of AED 13,000 per year for 3 countries global immersion Duration: 2 years Accrediting country: UGC, India. Licensed by KHDA (Dubai) Enrolment deadline:

MBA Full time (Weekend/ Weekday) Admission cycle 1: February/ March

Contact: Tel: +971 4 3678100  Email: admissions@mdx.ac

MURDOCH UNIVERSITY DUBAI  OOGeneral MBA Fee: AED 96,000 Duration: 16 months full time, 2 years part-time Location: Dubai  Accrediting country: Australia Enrolment deadline:

Second week of May, Second week of August, Second week of December

Admission cycle 2:

September

murdochdubai.ac.ae

Contact:

Mark O’Brien Tel: +971 4 4019301 Email: Mobrien@london.edu

Manipal University, Dubai G04, Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) PO Box 345050 Dubai, UAE Email: admissions@ manipaldubai.com Telephone: +971 4 4290 777,

MIDDLESEX UNIVERSITY DUBAI OOMBA General OOMBA Marketing OOMBA Finance  OOMBA Operations and Logistics  OOMBA International Business OOMBA Business Excellence Fee: AED 100,000  Duration: 1 year full time, 2 years part time  Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: 25 September

Contact: Tel: +971 4 4355700 Email: admissions@

Contact:

MANCHESTER BUSINESS SCHOOL OOPart-time Global MBA

+971 4 4290 705 Fax: +971 4 369 4541

NEW YORK INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY  OOGeneral MBA  Fee: AED 80,400 Duration: 18 months  Location: Abu Dhabi Accrediting countries: US

p 20

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MBA: Explore. Network. Succeed. GET YOUR INVITATION: TOPMBA.COM/BW

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Meet with:

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For specialized Masters degrees, visit: TopUniversities.com/BW 21934_WMT_lime-Suit-up.indd 1

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UAE (AACSB) and UAE

OOGeneral MBA

Enrolment deadline: Last

Eligibility: For people with a

week of May, first week of September

non-business degree or 16 years of relevant education with minimum 55 per cent marks or 2.0 CGPA Fee: AED 48,000 Duration: 24-30 months

Contact: Tel: +971 2 4048523/ +971 5 0

1204064 Email: nyitad@nyit.edu

S P JAIN SCHOOL OF GLOBAL MANAGEMENT OOExecutive MBA Fee: USD 23,190 Duration: 18 months Location: Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney

OOGlobal MBA Fee: USD 47,715 Duration: 1 Year Location: The GMBA is a

tri-city programme where students study four months each in Dubai, Singapore and Sydney, Accrediting countries: TEQSA, Australia; KHDA, Dubai; CPE, Singapore Enrolment deadlines: EMBA Dubai: May 2016. GMBA: October 2016. Contact: Tel: +971 4 429 1234 Email: pg.dubai@spjain.org

36 SHAHEED ZULFIKAR ALI BHUTTO INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY OOGeneral MBA  Eligibility: For people with a business degree or 16 years of relevant education with minimum 55 per cent marks or 2.0 CGPA  Fee: AED 24,000  Duration: 18 months

OOGeneral MBA  Eligibility: For people with

14 years of education with minimum 55 per cent marks or 2.0 CGPA Fee: AED 60,000  Duration: 36-42 months

OOExecutive MBA  Fee: AED 48,400 Duration: 24 months Accrediting country: Pakistan Location: Dubai  Enrolment deadline: 31 August Contact: Tel: +971 4 3664601  Email: info@szabist.ac.ae

SWISS BUSINESS SCHOOL VIA AL TAREEQAH MANAGEMENT STUDIES

OOMBA General OOMBA Supply Chain Management & Logistics

OOMBA Human Resources Management

OOMBA Finance OOMBA Marketing OOMBA Tourism Management Fee: AED 44,500 Duration: 1 year full time, 12-18

months part time Location: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Ras al-Khaimah,Sharjah and Dubai Accrediting country:

Switzerland, USA Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: +971 5 56490500

info@atmsedu.org

SYNERGY UNIVERSITY

OOExecutive MBA in Strategy SKYLINE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OOMBA E-Governance OOMBA Marketing OOMBA Finance OOMBA Human Resource Management OOMBA Strategic Management and Leadership Fee: AED 90,000 Duration: 18 months Location: Sharjah Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline: 2nd week of May, 2nd week of September Contact: Tel: 971 6 5441155 Email: admissions@

skylineuniversity.ac.ae

and Leadership Fee: AED 88,080 Duration: 18 months OOMBA Women’s Leadership Fee: AED 80,740  Duration: 2 years Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UK, UAE, Russia Enrolment deadline: July-August Contact: Tel: Toll Free: 800 SYNERGY/

800 7963749/ +971 4 4206699 Email: mba@synergydubai.ae

THE BRITISH UNIVERSITY IN DUBAI  OOGeneral MBA  Fee: AED 64,000 Duration: Under 18 months

p 22

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Companies & Industries/ Politics & Policy/ Technology/ Markets & Fianance/ Lifestyle/ Focus On/ Videos & Multimedia/

businessweekme.com Keeping the Middle East’s most influential decisionmakers connected to the latest news and analysis they want—wherever they are, whenever they need it. MAGAZINE AVAILABLE ON THE APP STORE OR PICK UP YOUR COPY AT ALL LEADING NEWSSTANDS AND BOOKSTORES. Pre-order your copy at: • rex@businessweekme.com • SMS subscribe 054 3449995 • facebook.com/Businessweekme • businessweekme.com

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UAE Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UAE, with

Email: sbs-uaemba@strath.

ac.uk

UK affiliation Enrolment deadline: End of July,

end of November Contact: Tel: +971 4 3913626  Email: admissions@buid.ac.ae

THE EMIRATES ACADEMY OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT OOMBA International Hospitality Management Fee: AED 100,070  Duration: 1 year full time, up to 2 years part time Location: Dubai Accrediting country: UAE, UK and Australia

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES UNIVERSITY  OOGeneral MBA  OOMBA in Manufacturing Excellence Fee: AED 86,400 (Dubai), AED 130,032 (Al Ain and Abu Dhabi) Duration: 2 years Location: Al Ain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi  Accrediting country: UAE  Enrolment deadline: Information unavailable Contact: Tel: +971 3 7673333

Contact: Tel: +971 4 3155555 Email: info@emiratesacademy.

edu

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE BUSINESS SCHOOL OOExecutive MBA Fee: AED 130,000 Duration: 24-30 months Location: Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Electives can also be taken in Glasgow, or in Athens, Bahrain, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat, Singapore and Zurich Accrediting countries: UK, EU, USA, UAE (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB, CAA) Enrolment deadlines: March for April intake, September for October intake Contact: Tel: +971 2 4048546 (Abu Dhabi)

OOMBA Distance Learning – Global Fee: GBP 21,500

OOMBA Innovation, Enterprise and Circular Economy – Global Fee: GBP 16,500 Duration: 2-6 years Location: Dubai Accrediting countries: Triple accredited business school (AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS); AMBA accreditation Enrolment deadline:

Enrolment deadline:

30 October, 30 January, 30 June

UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD OOMBA Executive Part Time Fee: GBP 21,500

UNIVERSITY OF BANGOR VIA WESTFORD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT OOMBA General Fee: AED 51,000 to AED 75,000  Duration: 1-2 years Location: Dubai, online Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 7 243 2004/971 52

926 3000 Email: info@westford.org.uk

UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON OOGeneral MBA  Tuition fee: AED 49,500 Duration: 2 years Location: Ras al-Khaimah Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: 15 August Contact: Tel: +971 7 2211221 Email: info.uaecampus@

bolton.ac.uk

Three weeks prior to commencement, intakes in September and April Contact: Email: applymbaglobal@

F D L A E C T

F D

L A E C T E

bradford.ac.uk; applymba@bradford.ac.uk

UNIVERSITY OF DUBAI

U V M

OOMBA Leadership and Human

Resource Management OOMBA Operations and Logistics Management OOMBA Finance and Accounting OOMBA International Business and Marketing Fee: AED 103,520 Duration: 15 months  Location: Dubai  Accrediting country: USA, UAE Enrolment deadline: 9 April, June, September, January

F D

Contact:

Mirna Ayman Tel: +971 4 5566 876 Email: mayman@ud.ac.ae

/ +971 2 206 4054 (Dubai)

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L A

E C T E

U W

F D L

Accrediting country: UAE,

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON VIA BTEC OOMBA general  Fee: AED 70,000  Duration: 18 months  Location: Dubai  Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: Toll Free: 800 2832/ +971

55 1137080  Email: ashwyn@btec

Australia Enrolment deadline:

Summer semester: 10 May Contact: Tel: +971 4 278 1800  Email: info@uowdubai.ac.ae

UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON VIA WESTFORD SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT

OOMBA (top-up) with dual certification

UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH OOExecutive MBA Fee: AED 85,800 Duration: 18 months to 24 months Location: Sharjah Accrediting country: UAE Enrolment deadline: 1 May Contact: Tel: +971 6 5053871  Email: emag@sharjah.ac.ae

UNIVERSITY OF WALES VIA AL TAREEQAH MANAGEMENT STUDIES OOMBA General Fee: AED 42,500 Duration: 1 year full time, 12-18 months part time Location: Abu Dhabi, Dubai Accrediting country:

Fee: AED 40,000 Duration: 1 year Location: Dubai, Abu Dhabi,

Sharjah, Online Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 7 2432004/ 971 5 2

9263000 Email: info@westford.org.uk

UNIVERSITY OF WORCESTER VIA BTEC OOMBA general  Fee: AED 70,000  Duration: 18 months  Location: Dubai  Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: Toll Free, 800 2832/+971 5

Switzerland, USA

51137080

Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 5 56490500 Email: info@atmsedu.org

Email: ashwyn@btec

UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG  OOMBA General  Fee: AED 100,400 Duration: 18-30 months Location: Dubai

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FEATURE

FOUNDING AN EMPIRE As recognition of the importance of entrepreneurship to the GCC continues to grow, many MBA programmes are offering courses on the topic. With some using the MBA as a springboard for starting their own business, how exactly does the course help?

t a time when the GCC is confronting hard economic realities due to declining oil revenues, entrepreneurship is shaping up to be a potent force. And for many entrepreneurs, an MBA is an essential stepping stone. With a desire to change his career from engineering, either into a corporate role or to fulfil his dream of starting his own business, Dubai-based Daniel Wanies enrolled in an EMBA with the London School of Business. Since graduating, Wanies has founded two businesses, and he credits the course with giving him the confidence to take the step. “You read a lot of case studies in the MBA, and you realise it’s not just geniuses or people up in the cloud who can start a business. Often it’s regular, down-toearth people who decide to take the plunge.” Philip Bahoshy enrolled in the MBA offered by INSEAD Business School, originally with

24-25_entrepreneurship.indd 24

the intention of joining the family business. Instead, he founded Magnitt, which he hopes will become the largest online community platform for startups in the Middle East. He describes it as “AngelList meets LinkedIn for the MENA region.” “We’re trying to connect all the different startups and founders in the region to the different stakeholders in the ecosystem,” he says. He acknowledges that doubling down and starting a new venture straight after the hefty financial outlay of an MBA can seem risky, but for him the time and the opportunity cost were right, with the Gulf’s nascent tech sector beginning to boom. While there is a perception in some quarters that an MBA isn’t helpful to an entrepreneur who wants to think outside the box, many of the skills and processes taught in the programme are essential for someone running their own

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b b y lo te te h h ti M c H fa n s h

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business, says Bahoshy. “You learn about branding a product, market size, how to position your product, how to identify the problem you’re looking to solve, and other specifics such as term sheets,” he says. “Doing an MBA doesn’t teach you how to be an entrepreneur, but if you have entrepreneurial spirit and mindset it can help provide you the framework to apply it.” His tip for budding entrepreneurs starting on an MBA is to bring ideas early on that can be discussed in class and worked on in case studies. He recommends using the full benefits of the faculty, teachers, classmates and the community to test and explore ideas for a business, so that by the time you’re exiting the MBA you have something to work with. Both Bahoshy and Wanies describe the inclass presentations and ongoing discussions outside the classroom as an essential process that can help hone and improve ideas, as well as attract potential business partners, whether through fellow entrepreneurs or financial backing. LBS has a specific entrepreneurship course, where students present ideas in front of the class. After the presentations small groups would huddle in discussion, Wanies says, and an organic process would take place outside the classroom, with lots of meetings and students going out for lunch to discuss ideas. “The network was a major asset, not just in providing me with partners to go into business with, but ideas,” says Wanies. “You get people from finance, from consulting, from family business. All those brains put together and the ideas coming in together make for a great network of people to bounce ideas off.” Wanies met his future business partner in

“YOU REALISE IT’S NOT JUST GENIUSES OR PEOPLE UP IN THE CLOUD WHO CAN START A BUSINESS” – DANIEL WANIES, ENTREPRENEUR AND GRADUATE OF THE EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAMME AT THE LONDON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

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MAGNITT AIMS TO CONNECT MENA STARTUPS WITH THE WIDER TECH ECOSYSTEM

the LBS course, and together they decided to found an events company, Empire GCC, after using Google trends and Google analytics to spot a gap in the market. “We saw that there were lots of searching for these services here in the UAE, but the market hasn’t been wellserved,” he says. It’s a high-profit business, Wanies says, and it’s quadrupled in size each year of its operations. Success in that venture gave him confidence to embark on his second, a high-end butchery in Jumeirah in Dubai, which he describes as a passion project. Entrepreneurship is taught through many MBA programmes in the Gulf, and some institutions offer a chance to specialise in the subject. But it’s not just a useful skill for those who will start their own business: Entrepreneurial leadership and the entrepreneurial mindset are important skills for those pursuing a career within the corporate world, says Dr Jason Fitzsimmons, dean of corporate executive education at Manipal University in Dubai and chairperson of its school of business. Most organisations realise that innovation is crucial for them to maintain their competitive position and enhance the company, says Fitzsimmons. “Employers are looking for these skills, so we’re placing a lot of emphasis on ensuring that our graduates are able to think and act like an entrepreneur, meaning they can solve business problems and create value for the organisations they go into.”

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FEATURE

n w b a th

RISE THE RISE OF SPECIALISED MBAS

h o s S th c p e a

Specialised MBA courses can help you get ahead in your chosen career, but what happens if you decide you want to change your focus?

hile the Masters of Business Administration was once offered solely as a general course on management, today more and more B-schools in the Gulf are offering MBAs with the option to specialise in one or more areas. Some schools, such as Emirates Aviation University, offer sector specific degree courses in areas such as aviation management, while others allow students to concentrate in areas such as Islamic finance or human resources. Yet it’s not a trend embraced by all. “The MBA is a ‘master of business’ and by definition therefore is a generalist degree with 12-14 subjects covering all of the fundamental areas of business,” says Dr Ron Bradfield, director of Strathclyde Business School UAE. “If someone wants to specialise in a particular area–for example finance, accounting, marketing–they should undertake a Master of Science (MSc) degree which is a specialist degree and will generally comprise 10-12 subjects in the specialist area.” It’s not an uncommon sentiment in the world

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of MBAs, yet the general trend seems to be that, along with the MBA becoming more common, more candidates are choosing to take a cluster of electives and graduate with a specialisation. Of course, it’s worth noting that precisely what constitutes specialisation and concentration can differ between institutions: sometimes it’s about clustering electives, or sometimes it means taking a longer course. The American University of Sharjah offers two concentrations for its MBA students: Islamic finance and human resources. These are offered in response to the business environment of the UAE and the wider GCC, says Patrick McClelland, director of graduate programmes at the School of Business Administration. The specialisation in Islamic finance is available as Dubai emerges as an international financial centre. Meanwhile, the HR specialisation is in place to target organisations that are experiencing a wave of Emiratisation. “We’re training HR managers who are responsible for hiring, training, retaining and rewarding large

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numbers of Emiratis as they enter the private isations in addition to its general programme, inwork force,” says McClelland, adding that he cluding global banking and finance, logistics and believes that institutions which offer MBAs have supply chain management and quality managea responsibility to design products that meet ment. While general management programmes the needs of the local market. provide ample room for students to choose any Indeed, accreditation authorities in the UAE pathway that they may want to, specialisation have a stated preference for institutions to brings the distinct flavour of a programme, says offer specialised rather than general MBAs, programme coordinator Arun Kumar. says Professor Amitabh Upadhya, dean at “Students who are more determined on their Skyline University College in Sharjah. He notes choice could benefit from specialising in their that all graduates must complete nine core area,” he says. “These are also at times the recourses, with three additional courses comquirement of recruiters to select candidates.” prising the concentration in fields including Nevertheless, students should be cautious e-governance, marketing, and strategic mannot to over-specialise in business areas that agement and leadership. won’t have market longevity or are only relSpecialisation also allows stuevant to one specific region, dents to concentrate on areas Kumar says. “Courses should they believe will be essential be well researched and learnfor their career. The Qatar Uniers should ensure that the skills versity offers a specialisation in taught over the programme are entrepreneurship and business scalable to different sectors and analysis, the latter encompasscountries over a period of time.” ing the burgeoning field of Big Potential students considerData. Professor Belaid Aouni, ing a specialised MBA should associate dean for research and consider carefully what they graduate studies, says that busiwant to do after they graduate, ness analysis has proven to be says Zeina Sleiman, INSEAD a popular field, with some stuBusiness School’s Middle East dents seeing an instant appli& Africa associate director cation to their existing roles. An of institutional relations and example of this was a student alumni affairs. “For example, who worked as a hospital adsomeone wishing to transi– DR MARC POULIN, DIRECTOR ministrator and was handling tion to a role in the airline inOF THE MBA PROGRAMME AT large amounts of data. dustry may benefit from the CANADIAN UNIVERSITY DUBAI MBA students at the Canadifocus of a specialised MBA an University Dubai can choose in the subject. It’s important to specialise in one of five business areas– to look at which recruiters hire from the progeneral management, human resource mangrammes–are the roles and the location of agement, marketing, finance or Islamic banking. the companies what you aspire to?” Dr Marc Poulin, director of the MBA programme INSEAD offers a general management proat CUD, says that there is value in specialised gramme and does not offer a specialisation (alMBA programmes that meet a niche employthough it is possible to specialise somewhat er demand. “Furthermore, since the MBA has through the choice of electives). “Students may become the benchmark for individuals seeking have an idea of the role they would like after to progress into management and leadership graduation, but some will change their minds as roles, specialised programmes offer individuals they discover new opportunities which they had the opportunity to differentiate themselves in not considered. Our career development team the market.” he says. works closely with the students throughout Geneva Business School, with campuses the programme to help them make the career across the UAE, offers a wide variety of specialchoice that is right for them,” says Sleiman.

“SPECIALISED PROGRAMMES OFFER INDIVIDUALS THE OPPORTUNITY TO DIFFERENTIATE THEMSELVES IN THE MARKET”

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FEATURE

STUDYING ABROAD

to a bu

ha w tio ge be ci tia du

While many world-class options exist at home, Gulf students may want to consider foreign options

ark Twain said he never let his schooling interfere with his education and with the cost of attending university seemingly ever rising in many countries, Gulf families face a tricky choice as to whether their children should study for a degree and if so where. Close to home, there are an estimated five public and 58 privately-run universities and higher education colleges in the United Arab Emirates and another dozen or so in Qatar, for example. Among the foreign universities with branches in the UAE are New York and Paris-Sorbonne, but many world class universities have yet to establish operations in the Gulf and gaining a degree is about so much more than simply an academic qualification, so residents could be well advised to consider studying outside the region. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Citizens of European Union (EU) countries can study for free at public universities in Germany, Scotland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland and there are many English languages courses available. In Germany, for example, you can choose from 96 bachelor degrees and 786 masters’ degrees that are taught in English. Denmark offers more than 700 degree courses in English, while Finland has about 100 and Sweden 900 programmes. For non-EU citizens wishing to study within the EU, tuition fees vary vastly. In England and Wales, fees are among the highest globally and can hit about 22,000 pounds ($28,561) per year, while

French public universities typically charge only 450-620 ($502-$692) euros annually. Italy is slightly more expensive than France, while Norway’s tuition fees are among the cheapest but living costs in the North Sea oil exporter are extremely steep. And of course it all depends on the language in which the courses are offered. The Top Universities website (topuniversities. com) is a good place to start to find degrees taught in English, but most European countries offer at least some. In Asia, the preferred study locations for those wanting degrees taught in English are Singapore and Hong Kong, plus Malaysia and India. Hong Kong tuition fees are similar to England’s, while Singapore charges around $10,000 annually, so for the more cost-conscious, Malaysia and India may be a better choice, with fees a fraction of Singapore’s and living costs markedly lower too. Unsurprisingly, the United States is the number one destination for international students, with nearly one million non-US citizens studying there in 2014-15. California, New York and Texas were the most popular destinations, according to Top Universities, while encouragingly the most studied subjects were practical disciplines such as engineering, mathematp 30

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Special AdvertisingProfile Feature

LEGACY BUSINESS SCHOOL

oused inside the Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue in New York, Legacy Business School will offer students the opportunity to discover an alternative way of learning through a combination of traditional studies and real world business experiences. Selected students from all over the world will have access to a strong academic offer paired with white-glove, personalised student services. Additionally, every student will get a complimentary membership to the luxury concierge service Quintessentially Lifestyle for the whole duration of their studies. Strong ties with leading global businesses, key players in the entertainment industry, and major designers and fashion houses around the world are the key to successful workshops, networking events and internship placements, that Legacy offers to its international students. Legacy Business School continues to develop a network of partnerships and collaborations with international leaders and global figures in the fashion and entertainment industries. Business tycoon

and fashion icon Kris Jenner had a major role at the school’s red carpet launch event in Dubai. “Our goal with Legacy Business School is to redefine the overall higher education experience for students,” says Alessandro Nomellini, chief executive officer of Legacy Business School. “In addition to obtaining a traditional education, students will have the opportunity to make invaluable industry connections and put the concepts that they will be taught into practice in real world business settings.” Legacy Business School will offer a diverse range of programmes leading to UK degrees, including BSc, MSc, and MBA programmes in business administration, management, finance, marketing, media and communications, fashion management, entrepreneurship, and international business. The institution will also offer short-term certificate programmes in fashion or entertainment management, internet marketing, event management, public relations, and editorial management.

“OUR GOAL WITH LEGACY BUSINESS SCHOOL IS TO REDEFINE THE OVERALL HIGHER EDUCATION EXPERIENCE FOR STUDENTS”

o s of dal loh

s or h o eof

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FEATURE ics and computer science. Degrees are usually for four years and fees are high. Potential students should also see if they could qualify for a scholarship. These are available by region and country of study, nationality of student, gender, ethnic group and subject. Search online for more details.

JOB PROSPECTS Cost doesn’t have to be the deciding factor in choosing what and where to study. Long gone are the days when a degree was guaranteed to provide you with superior job opportunities than people who are not university educated. “Everyone knows 20th century colleges were basically expensive daycare centres,” as US cartoon Futurama famously put it. In general, it’s important to choose a course, ideally vocational, that gives you sufficient skills to do something you couldn’t previously have done. Knowledge isn’t enough in today’s workplace. For example, a degree in traditional school subjects such as history, geography or English literature is usually too general to be of any real use aside from going into teaching the same subject or doing a further qualification in another, more practical discipline. CHOOSE WISELY Not all universities are the same and the quality of teaching differs wildly. Likewise, a university with an excellent reputation in one particular deSTUDENTS NEED TO BEAR IN MIND THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH LIVING IN BIG CITIES LIKE NEW YORK

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partment may not necessarily excel in another. Fortunately, the internet offers boundless amounts of information to help you make the right decision. Check out the QS World University Rankings 2016-2017 (iu.qs.com), which rates 916 academic institutions globally and offers a database that can be searched by region and also by criteria. Some of the indicators used include the university’s reputation among employers and the student-to-tutor ratio. You can also view the rankings by faculty and subject. The world’s best three universities this year were all from the United States–Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University and Harvard University–and overall 11 of the top 20 were American, five British, two Swiss and two from Singapore. Another useful tool is ratemyprofessors.com, where you can read students’ reviews of universities. This site goes into minute detail, so you can search by department and individual teachers. UNIVERSITY OF LIFE Deciding on a university also depends on the experience a potential student is seeking outside of the classroom. Big cities such as London and New York are not only much more expensive in terms of living costs, especially rent, but also the sheer size of these metropolises means they offer little in the way of a student vibe and can make for a lonely experience. That means provincial towns are often a better choice for people wishing to live somewhere a little less daunting and where nightlife and accommodation are specifically tailored towards those in higher education. In some cities, for example Nottingham in England, nearly a quarter of the population are students, making it a very education-orientated city, from public transport provision to accommodation availability and special deals in shops, restaurants and other amenities. Even studying for an MBA or business leadership course, going to university abroad may be a student’s first time living away from home, so the experience can be as much about learning how to look after one’s self as it is about learning from an academic standpoint. So think hard about whether a particular city offers the right lifestyle for you and visit first if you can.

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Special AdvertisingProfile Feature

MICHAEL F. PRICE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS, T

UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

he Executive MBA in Energy from the Michael F. Price College of Business at the University of Oklahoma was created in partnership with energy company executives interested in developing the energy leaders of tomorrow by offering the number one leadership and learning programme for ambitious, forward-thinking energy executives worldwide. The programme addresses all aspects of the business of energy, develops leadership skills and provides a global energy perspective. Faculty from academia and the energy industry are carefully selected for the programme and all courses are designed within the context of energy. The programme is offered primarily online with three one-week residencies. Two of the residencies take place at the university’s campus in Norman, Oklahoma, USA for the first and last weeks of the programme, and a third week in London, UK. The rest of the 15-month programme is through online classes which include live lectures from professors and industry professionals and group interactions and discussions. “In the real world, it is not practical to take a year or two off to get an MBA,” says EMBA alumnus Drew Deaton of Ward Petroleum. “I’m an engineer and I really wanted to come and gain business acumen.” Students in the programme can continue to participate in their companies and the flow of practical learning goes both ways. Students are able to apply what they learn in the programme on a daily basis. At the same time, they are able to take back to their classmates and professors real case studies, challenges, questions, and issues for discussion, debate and insight.

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Price College of Business Dean Daniel Pullin observes that the EMBA in Energy programme reflects changes in the energy industry. “With technology we have removed some of the risk that was inherent in oil and gas discovery,” he says. “Now the emphasis is more on cost structure and efficient production and operations. There is more of a focus on the business of energy than ever before.” The instructors, a vast majority of whom have significant experience in the energy industry, provide the students with their unique insights. “My passion for the EMBA in Energy stems from my years of experience in the industry where I learned firsthand that leadership principles and values are critical to the success of business,” says Mike Stice, who teaches and serves as dean of the OU Mewbourne College of Earth & Energy, and former CEO of Access Midstream. “Teaching in this programme gives me a unique opportunity to share my insights with tomorrow’s energy leaders in hopes to better prepare them for the challenges ahead.” John Hull, senior geologist at Grenadier Energy Partners and EMBA graduate, agrees about value. “The most valuable component of this programme is the unmatched energy focused curriculum. The extensive experience of each student and faculty member sets the programme apart from the rest by preparing each class to be executive leaders. The career return far exceeds the time and financial costs of the programme, and undoubtedly, the OU EMBA is the best investment I have made in my journey as an energy professional.”

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QATAR

HEC PARIS IN QATAR

OOExecutive MBA

Fee: USD 89,500 Duration: 16-18 months

intensive programme Enrolment deadline: Programme starts in February 2017

QATAR UNIVERSITY

SWISS BUSINESS SCHOOL VIA AL TAREEQAH MANAGEMENT STUDIES

Fee: QAR 2,000 for one credit

OOGeneral MBA  Fee: QAR 44,500 Duration: 12 months, 12-18

Contact:

hour. 36 credit hours (in total QAR 72,000) for students with business degree/48 credit hours (QAR 96,000) for students with non-business degree Duration: Business graduate, 2 years/Non-business graduate, 2.5 years  Location: Doha Accrediting country: AACSB Enrolment deadline: 10 May

Admissions Office Tel: +974 4 4540161 Email: info@hec-q.qf.org.qa

Contact: Tel: +974 4 4033333  Email: cbegrad@qu.edu.qa

OOSpecialised Master in Strategic Business Unit Management Fee: USD 59,500 Duration: 18 months intensive programme Enrolment deadline: Next course starts November 2016 Location of all courses: Tornado Tower, Doha, Qatar Accrediting countries: EQUIS, Association of MBAs, AACSB

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OOMBA General OOMBA Business Analytics OOMBA Entrepreneurship

months part-time Location: Doha Accrediting country:

Switzerland, USA Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: +971 5 56490500

info@atmsedu.org

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KUWAIT

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF THE MIDDLE EAST IN AFFILIATION WITH PURDUE UNIVERSITY

OOMBA General  Fee: Information unavailable Duration: 22 months  Location: Kuwait City Accrediting country: Kuwait

(affiliated with Purdue University, USA)  Enrolment deadline: End of August

KUWAIT MAASTRICHT BUSINESS SCHOOL OOMBA Specialisations in international business, banking and finance, retail management Fee: KWD 8,400  Duration: 30 months Location: Kuwait City Accrediting countries: AMBA, ACBSP, IACBE, PUC (Kuwait) Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact:

Contact: Tel: +965 2 2251400 Email: info@aum.edu.kw Fax: +965 2 2251427

Hassan Khalaf Tel: +965 2 2470115 Email: hassan@msm-kuwait. com

GULF UNIVERSITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OOMBA General Fee: KWD 10,800  Duration: 2 years  Location: Kuwait City Accrediting country: Kuwait, AACSB Enrolment deadline: Mid-August

SWISS BUSINESS SCHOOL VIA AL TAREEQAH MANAGEMENT STUDIES

OOGeneral MBA  Fee: KWD 3,700 Duration: 12 months, 12-18

months part-time Location: Kuwait City Accrediting country:

Contact: Tel: +965 2 5307147 Email: Alhashmi.a@gust.edu.

Switzerland, USA

info@atmsedu.org

Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: +971 5 56490500

A U O M

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Global Economics Companies/Industries Politics/Policy Technology Markets/Finance Features

Make It Your Business. 1 — 15 November, 2015 businessweekme.com

16 — 31 May, 2016 businessweekme.com

IT’S TIME TO FACE THE FUTURE EMPLOYMENT IN THE GULF IS SET FOR SOME BIG CHANGES. ARE WE READY? P36

Why can’t the Gulf’s Big Three airlines and their Big Three US rivals all just be friends? p46

Algeria…..…..…........DZD 215 Bahrain….......................BHD 1

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Egypt……............…......EGP 18 Iraq……...…..…...... IQD 3200

Jordan....….........….......JOD 2 Kuwait….......…......KWD 0.75

Lebanon..............LBP 4000 Libya…........................LYD 3.5

Oman…….................…..OMR 1 Qatar……….................…QR 10

Saudi Arabia.........…SAR 10 Syria............................SYP 200

UAE...…....…..…........…AED 10 Yemen…..................YER 600

Algeria…..…..…........DZD 215 Bahrain….......................BHD 1

Egypt……............…......EGP 10 18 Iraq……...…..…...... IQD 3200

Jordan....….........….......JOD 2 Kuwait….......…......KWD 0.75

Lebanon..............LBP 4000 Libya…........................LYD 3.5

Oman…….................…..OMR 1 Qatar……….................…QR 10

Saudi Arabia.........…SAR 10 Syria............................SYP 200

UAE...…....…..…........…AED 10 Yemen…..................YER 600

10/29/15 9:20 PM

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From markets and finance to politics, technology and the economy, we cover the Middle East like no other Business publication. Pre-order your copy at rex@businessweekme.com / SMS subscribe 054 344 9995 facebook.com/Businessweekme • businessweekme.com

September 2016.indd 35

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SAUDI ARABIA ALFAISAL UNIVERSITY OOMBA General  Fee: SAR 200,000 Duration: 24-36 months Location: Riyadh Accrediting country: Saudi Arabia  Enrolment deadline: End of June Contact: Tel: 920 000570 (Local)

+966 11 215 7777/8907 (International) Email: mba@alfaisal.edu or gradstudies@alfaisal.edu

AL YAMAMAH UNIVERSITY

OOMBA General

Fee: SAR 153,900

Executive MBA

Contact: Tel: +966 11 4949000 Email: info@dau.edu.sa Fax: +966 11 4949490

FAHAD BIN SULTAN UNIVERSITY  OOMBA General  OOMBA Marketing OOMBA Human Resource Management OOMBA Accounting  OOMBA Finance  OOMBA General Management OOMBA Management Information Systems OOMBA Engineering Management  Fee: Information unavailable Duration : 21 months

Fee: SAR 189,000 Duration: 24 to 36 months Location: Riyadh  Accrediting country: Saudi

OOExecutive MBA

Arabia

Accrediting country: Saudi Arabia  Enrolment deadline: Information unavailable

Enrolment deadline: Information

unavailable Contact: Tel: +966 11 224 2222 Ext.

3223 Email: info@yu.edu.sa

DAR AL ULOOM UNIVERSITY  OOMBA General  Fee: Information unavailable Duration: 2 years Location: Riyadh Accrediting country: Saudi Arabia Enrolment deadline: End of August

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Fee: SAR 85,000 Duration : 21 months  Location: Tabuk

Contact: Tel: +966 14 425 2500 Email: emba@fbsu.edu.sa

KING ABDULAZIZ UNIVERSITY  OOMBA General  OOExecutive MBA  Fee: Information unavailable Duration: Information unavailable Location: Jeddah Accrediting country: Saudi Arabia

Enrolment deadline: Information

unavailable Contact: Tel: +966 2 6951265

KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS OOMBA General  Fee: SAR 15,750 for Saudis, 24,750 for non-Saudis Duration: 3 years  Enrolment deadline: Opens in August and February

OOExecutive MBA Fee: SAR 130,000 Duration: 2 years Location of all courses: Dhahran Accrediting country: Saudi

Arabia, AACSB  Enrolment deadline: End of April Contact: Tel: +966 13 8601143 Email: emba@kfupm.edu.sa

KING FAISAL UNIVERSITY

OOGlobal MBA

Fee: SAR 200,000 Duration: 2 years Location: Riyadh Accrediting country: Saudi

Arabia

Enrolment deadline: Early June Contact: Tel: +966 11 215 8907 E-mail: mba@alfaisal.edu

PRINCE MOHAMMAD BIN FAHD UNIVERSITY  OOMBA General  Fee: SAR 180,000 Duration: 2 years

P U

O O O

OOExecutive MBA

Fee: SAR 120,000 Duration: Information

F D

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L A

C T

unavailable Location: Al Khobar

Location: Riyadh Accrediting country: Saudi

Accrediting country: Saudi

Arabia

Arabia  unavailable

Enrolment deadline: Two months before semester starts

Contact: Tel: +966 13 849 8526/+966

Contact: Tel:+ 966 1 4948335/

13 849 8599

+966 1 4948556/ +966 50 5915964  Email: mba@psu.edu.sa Fax: +966 1 4548317

Enrolment deadline: Information

PRINCE SULTAN UNIVERSITY  OOMBA General  OOMBA Finance OOMBA Human Resource Management OOMBA Marketing Fee: SAR 40,000 per semester  Duration: 2 years

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QASSIM UNIVERSITY

OOMBA General

Fee: No Fees Duration: 2 years Location: Buraidah Accrediting country: Saudi

Arabia, AACSB Enrolment deadline: Watch out for admission window at University website Contact:

gs.CBE@qu.edu.sa

UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY  OOMBA General  Fee: SAR 150,000 Duration: 2 years Location: Jeddah Accrediting country: Saudi Arabia Enrolment deadline: August Contact: Tel: +966 12 2159000 Fax: +966 12 2159010

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5 CAREER

SIGNS NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO DO AN MBA

An MBA requires a big commitment of effort, time and money, yet for many ambitious career climbers it’s seen as a must-have. We explore five signs that now is the right time for you to enrol in an MBA

YOU HAVE A TECHNICAL BACKGROUND The MBA was originally conceived as a course to teach general business administration skills to people with more specialist and technical knowledge. Today, one of the best reasons to pursue an MBA is if you have an undergraduate degree in a technical discipline such as engineering, architecture or information technology, and you want to move from a supervisory role within your field to mid-level management and eventually upper management positions. “Former technical students who are moving up the ladder recognise that they need a broader business education,” says Patrick L. McClelland, associate professor of management and director of graduate programmes at American University of Sharjah’s School of Business Administration. “An MBA teaches you how to grapple with the complex issues that come from within an organisation, including strategy, marketing and finance.

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YOU’VE HIT A GLASS CEILING AT WORK Often there are limits to how far up the corporate career ladder you can climb with just your original undergraduate degree. The reality in the Middle East is that, similar to the UK and US, the MBA is increasingly seen as a prerequisite for senior management positions, particularly in multinational corporations, says Dr Ron Bradfield, director of Strathclyde Business School UAE. “Signs that an MBA is needed are when your career progression starts to slow and you are not on the ‘high flyer’ or ‘high potentials’ lists; or you start to see younger people with MBAs coming in to take positions above you.” However, don’t blindly enrol in an MBA simply because you feel your career isn’t moving upwards fast enough. It’s important to investigate how obtaining an MBA will improve your position. “An MBA will accelerate your career, but it won’t jump-start it. If you’re in a company, make sure you talk to them beforehand. Will they support you? Does it open up career options for you within that company?” says Martin Hughes, who works as a design execution manager for Salam Technology in Qatar, and was a graduate of Manchester Business School’s MBA programme in 2014.

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YOU WANT TO CHANGE CAREERS It’s common enough: boredom, frustration and the realisation after several years of growth within a particular career path that you’ve had enough and are looking for an entirely new challenge. Because of the broad focus of an MBA, the degree can help parachute you into a new business in a relatively senior position, even if your current work experience is in a different industry. Many students who join the MBA programme at the INSEAD Business School are looking to make a career change either in sector, function or geography–or in some cases all three–says Zeina Sleiman, INSEAD Business School’s Middle East and Africa associate director of institutional relations and alumni affairs. “The MBA, widely recognised by recruiters worldwide, enables them to achieve this.”

YOUR COMPANY WILL SUPPORT YOUR STUDY

While many corporations are taking a more cautious approach to spending due to prevailing economic uncertainty, most are still willing to invest in their most valuable talent. That can include partially subsidising MBA fees or providing more flexibility around working hours to allow you to attend class. While MBA students were traditionally full time in the 80s and 90s the trend today is towards part-time or flexible time, with courses in the evening or weekends. But the massive time commitment means that having the right circumstances at your workplace–if you need to continue working– will make studying much easier. Companies themselves obtain a big benefit when an employee embarks on an MBA, since during the programme they’re able to work on projects, research and strategies that can provide fresh insights into the company’s operations.

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YOU’RE WORRIED ABOUT JOB CUTS IN YOUR SECTOR Ongoing spending cuts and redundancies in two crucial sectors in the Gulf–oil & gas and banking– illustrate the dangers of having too narrow a focus. The MBA provides a broader skill set that can function as an insurance policy in case your sector experiences a downturn and you need to jump to a different field. “The MBA gives you more agility in the job market, and you need to be agile because you never know when your industry will be impacted,” says Michael Todd, head of career services and corporate relations at the Institute of Management Technology Dubai. If you’re too specific in your experience and skill set, it limits your options and your mobility, says Todd. “You need to have enough of a skill-set so that they can be transferred into another industry.”

9/21/16 5:31 PM

OMAN ARAB OPEN UNIVERSITY

OOGeneral MBA

Fee: OMR 4,620 Duration: 2 years Location: Muscat Accrediting countries: Oman

and UK Enrolment deadline: End of

September Contact: Tel: +968 2 4699444 Email: info@aou.edu.om

COLLEGE OF ECONOMICS AND POLITICAL SCIENCE (SULTAN QABOOS UNIVERSITY)

OOGeneral MBA  Fee: OMR 4,500 for Omanis

or OMR 5,400 for other nationalities Duration: 3 years (part time) Location: Muscat  Accrediting country: Oman Enrolment deadline: End of February Contact: Tel: +968 2 4142972/2925 Email: Nada Al-Mahrooqi

Accrediting countries: US

(IACBE), Oman Enrolment deadlines: 30 April,

30 June Contact: Tel: + 968 2 4583585/555 Email: mba@mcbs.edu.om

OOExecutive MBA

MIDDLE EAST COLLEGE

Fee: OMR 9000 Duration: 24-30 months Location: Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

OOMBA – Information

Technology Fee: OMR 6,285 Duration: 2 years, part time Location: Muscat Accrediting country: Oman Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +968 2 4531400 Email: info@mec.edu.om

OOGeneral MBA Fee: OMR 8,000

With specialisation (Finance and Human Resources): OMR 10,500 Duration: 16 months Location: Muscat

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Electives can also be taken in Glasgow, or in Athens, Bahrain, Kuala Lumpur, Muscat, Singapore & Zurich Accrediting countries: UK, EU, USA, UAE (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB, CAA) Enrolment deadlines: End of February for April intake, End of August for October intake Contact: Tel: + 968 2 4505758

UNIVERSITY OF BEDFORDSHIRE, UK VIA MAJAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

OO MBA General  Fee: OMR 5,750  Duration: 2 years  Location: Muscat Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: 17 July Contact: Tel: +968 2 473 0448 Email: pg.admissions@

majancollege.edu.om

nada@squ.edu.om

FRANKLIN UNIVERSITY VIA THE MODERN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND SCIENCE

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE BUSINESS SCHOOL VIA THE COLLEGE OF BANKING AND FINANCIAL STUDIES

UNIVERSITY OF HULL VIA MDCI  OOMBA General  Fee: GBP 19,000 Duration: 2 years  Location: Muscat  Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: End of July

Dina Al Maimani, Programme Coordinator Email: Dina@cbfs.edu.om Yaqoob Al Qaidhi, Programme Coordinator Email: yaqoob@cbfs.edu.om

WALJAT COLLEGE OF APPLIED SCIENCE OOMBA dual specialisation (Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Finance Management and Systems Management) Fee: OMR 6,000

OOEMBA

+973 1 72160 02

Fee: OMR: 5,280 Duration: 2 years Location: Muscat Accrediting countries: Oman, India Enrolment deadline: July Contact: Tel: +968 2 4446337/660 Email: waljatcm@omantel.net.

Email: hameed@mdci.edu.com

om; info@waljat.net

Contact: Tel: +973 3 6732 777/

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GRADUATES

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF IT IT Completing an MBA can be a big step in your career progression, but graduates agree that to get the most out of your course you need to work hard and know in advance what you’re there for

here are many variables when it comes to choosing to do an MBA or executive MBA programme. Full time or part time? A local campus or travel overseas? A top-flight school or a more affordable option? But the most important aspect may be knowing what you want out of your MBA. Dr Atul Anant Aundhekar had 18 years of experience as a general physician under his belt when he decided to enrol in the executive MBA programme at SP Jain School of Global Management in Dubai. He chose the EMBA because he wanted to understand the business structure of the healthcare system— or even any business system. Dr Atul, who speaks six different languages professionally, says that career introspection is very important. “Understand your core competencies and your strengths,” he says. “Don’t be too focused on short-term job market demands.” While surveys of graduates suggest that the younger a person completes an MBA, the greater the jump in income post-graduation, Dr Atul says he wanted to seek knowledge rather than just financial benefit. “Eighteen years of a career gives a different dimension to your perspective about

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how you want to spend the rest of your working life, because you know the years in front of you are limited,” he says. Dr Atul advocates thinking about a career holistically, breaking it down into five-year blocks and considering where you want to be at the end of your career. He himself has a personal ambition to develop a hub-and-spoke model to deliver healthcare to interior, rural areas of his native India. After completing his EMBA he worked for four years with Landmark Group as chief operating officer of iCARE Clinics, a newly-started vertical

“WHEN YOU DO AN MBA, IT’S NOT JUST YOU: IT’S YOUR KIDS, IT’S YOUR FAMILY, IT’S YOUR WORK, IT’S AN ENTIRE ECOSYSTEM THAT’S INVOLVED” – MARTIN HUGHES

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GRADUATES

that acquires under-performing multi-speciality clinics and turns them around with efficiencies, such as improving utilisation of doctors’ time and reducing patient waiting time. He’s since joined a new healthcare vertical with a similar focus as CEO. But is he any closer to fulfilling his ambition of delivering healthcare to rural India? He says that the model he’s working with currently is very similar to one that could be replicated with a non-profit or even a profit-oriented organisation in India. “I’m quite confident if I can deliver it here. I can make it successful in India with a much larger demography,” he says.

“EIGHTEEN YEARS OF A CAREER GIVES A DIFFERENT DIMENSION TO YOUR PERSPECTIVE ABOUT HOW YOU WANT TO SPEND THE REST OF YOUR WORKING LIFE, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THE YEARS IN FRONT OF YOU ARE LIMITED”

KNOW HOW YOU LEARN Knowing how you learn is an important aspect of successfully completing an MBA, says Martin Hughes, a design execution manager for Doha-headquartered Salam Technology and a graduate of the Manchester Business School MBA programme in Dubai. For those who work best independently, some courses offer more modules that can be completed from home. It’s important to recognise from the outset that the MBA is a large time sink, says Hughes, and to plan accordingly. He advocates loading course material onto a tablet so you can read it whenever you have a spare moment. “You need to understand what your rhythms are. Do I work best early in the morning, or late at night? Do I prefer to leave everything to the weekend and just do a single eight or ten-hour shift?” says Hughes. These decisions then influence the amount of time left over for personal life. “You have to make compromises, there will be things you cannot do because you do not have time to do it,” he says. One thing to remember: When you do an MBA, it’s not just you: it’s your kids, it’s your family, it’s your work, it’s an entire ecosystem that’s involved.” Peer support and networking is frequently cited as one of the most important outcomes of an MBA course. Hughes advises looking around the room on day one to see who is interested in the material and is asking questions, then going to them at the end of the class, taking them for coffee and asking if they want to form a study group. “As a group you will be mutually self-supporting, you will have five-to-six people looking at the work you do,

– DR ATUL ANANT AUNDHEKAR

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giving you feedback and reviews.” Hughes graduated from the MBA course with a distinction, which he says was the result of hard work and dedication. “The more you put in, the more you get out of it.”

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c BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS Riaz Jumabhoy graduated with an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in 2007. Since then, he has enjoyed solid career progression, taking on increasingly senior roles in organisations in the oil and gas industry, and today is the MENA regional director at Gardner Denver Pumps. Nevertheless, prospects for the oil and gas sector as a whole are currently bleak, with little hope of an upturn before 2018, says Jumabhoy. “Companies have to shrink quite dramatically in order to stay solvent and retain some kind of business so that they can come out of this in two to three years’ time and be ready for a possible pick-up.” Jumabhoy says that one advantage of an MBA is that it allows you to escape being stuck in a particular industry with a specific skill-set. “Once you have the MBA you don’t have to worry about being pigeonholed since your skills are transferable.” Yet network development during the course is an essential part of future job prospects. “If I lost my job tomorrow, I’d look to my network within the oil and gas industry to find a new job. But I could also look at my MBA network and use it to move across industries, whether banking, retail or hospitality. There are more doors open to you,” says Jumabhoy.

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BAHRAIN ARABIAN GULF UNIVERSITY, FRENCH ARABIAN BUSINESS SCHOOL

OOMBA in cooperation with ESSEC Business School Electives in Public Private Partnerships and Utilities Management Fee: BHD 13,600 Duration: 18 months  Location: Manama with two residencies in Paris and Singapore Accrediting country: GCC countries Enrolment deadline: End of May Contact: Tel: +973 1 7239455  Email: samiahak@agu.edu.bh

DEPAUL UNIVERSITY VIA BAHRAIN INSTITUTE OF BANKING AND FINANCE

OOGeneral MBA  Fee: BHD 13,400  Duration: 22 months Location: Manama Accrediting country: US Enrolment deadline: February Contact:

Ms Lamya Hasan Tel: +973 1 7815509

SWISS BUSINESS SCHOOL VIA AL TAREEQAH MANAGEMENT STUDIES

OOGeneral MBA  Fee: BHD 3,600 Duration: 12 months, 12-18

months part-time

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Location: Manama Accrediting country:

Switzerland, US Enrolment deadline: Rolling Contact: Tel: +971 5 56490500 Email: info@atmsedu.org

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF BAHRAIN  OOMBA General (concentrations in Management or Islamic Finance) OOMBA Islamic Finance Fee: BHD 10,000 Duration: 1.5 years Location: Manama Accrediting country: Bahrain Enrolment deadline: September, January Contact: Tel: +973 1 7790828,

+973 1 7790978  Email: mbaadmission@ucb.

edu.bh

UNIVERSITY OF BAHRAIN

OOMBA Accounting  OOMBA Finance  OOMBA Management  OOMBA Marketing

Fee: Information unavailable Duration: Information

unavailable Location: Information unavailable  Accrediting country: Information unavailable Enrolment deadline: Information unavailable

edu.bh Tel: +973 17 438 534 Fax: +973 17 449 776

UNIVERSITY OF HULL VIA MDCI  OOMBA General  Fee: GBP 19,000 Duration: 2 years  Location: Manama  Accrediting country: UK Enrolment deadline: July Contact: Tel: +973 3 6732777/

+973 1 7216002 Email: hameed@mdci.edu.com

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE BUSINESS SCHOOL

OOExecutive MBA Fee: BH 10,500 Duration: 24-30 months Location: Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Electives can be taken in Bahrain Accrediting countries: UK, EU, USA, UAE (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB, CAA) Enrolment deadlines: End of February for April intake, End of August for October intake Contact:

Milushka Faria Registrar, Postgraduate Programmes: Tel: +973 3 9047420 Email: milushka.faria@strath. ac.uk Elvin Joseph Coordinator, Postgraduate Programmes: Tel: + 973 3 3992779 Email: elvin.joseph@strath. ac.uk

Contact: E-mail: mba-coordinator@.uob.

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NETWORKING

CONNECT FOR SUCCESS

An MBA offers more than just knowledge—it can also be a chance to connect with a group of individuals that can help drive your business and career

t’s no secret that most–if not all–of the information taught in an MBA course can be found online or is readily available in text books. But many graduates say that the true value of an MBA is the experience, and the people you meet. Network development has long been a key element of an MBA programme—and in today’s hyper-competitive world it’s more important than ever. Marc Mulder, managing partner at executive recruiter Wise&Miller, relates an anecdote of a chief financial officer position advertised on LinkedIn that received more than 1,000 applications. Mulder was able to pass on the CV of a contact to the managing director in the firm, enabling his contact to get the job. He says that while an MBA from a top school can be crucial in certain industries, such as investment banking or consulting, in general what is most important is knowing the right people. Those who are career-minded should work hard to cultivate an expansive network, says Mulder. “The best people, if they aren’t out-going and they don’t have the right network, will fail,” he says. Most B-Schools work hard to cultivate an alumni community, including mixer events for new students. The nature of the network is that many alumni are willing to give their time and energy, as well as draw on their network’s resources if they need it. Martin Hughes, a graduate of Manchester Business School, describes the alumni network as well organised. In one instance he successfully reached out to get expertise on operational planning. “You have to be that generous as well—it’s something that I make a point of,” he says. Philip Bahoshy completed his MBA at INSEAD Business School and says that the connections he made there will likely be life-

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long. “The people you meet are also choosing to do an MBA, so while you’re there you have a natural affinity of understanding. When you hang out with alumni you have the basis for a conversation, and there is a very strong connection here in the region.” He says that the value of the network is that it opens doors in almost every industry, with alumni either able to get you an introduction or a direct conversation with someone involved in the recruitment process. Enrolling in a top-business school can create a high-powered network, says Daniel Wanies, an entrepreneur who completed an MBA at the London School of Business, well known for its clout within the financial world. He came out of the programme with a good group of intelligent friends, and access to a network of people with connections deep into the financial world. His network has helped him spread the word about the two businesses he’s founded since completing his MBA. With word-of-mouth the best method of marketing for any business, a strong network is an essential method of getting the word out about your venture, he says. “What you do get if you pay for a top school is that you get an amazing network. For entrepreneurship I would consider that really important because that’s where your partners are going to come from,” says Wanies. His advice: study hard for the GMAT and try to go for one of the top 20 globally, if possible.

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Global insights. International networks. Broaden your global business horizons in London and Dubai. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re successful and experienced. You now want to fast-track your career or take on new challenges within your organisation. Study an Executive MBA in London or Dubai to enhance your strategic and global management skills. Join a diverse, talented, international class and leverage valuable networking opportunities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in London, the Middle East and across the world. Fill your knowledge gaps and acquire the business language, connections and tools to build your confidence without interrupting your career. Broaden your global horizons with our Executive MBA programme. And chart your course for success. Meet members of the London Business School community at the next information events: 25 October 2016 16 November 2016 07 December 2016

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Dubai, UAE Dubai, UAE Dubai, UAE

For more information visit www.london.edu/dubai Email embadubai@london.edu Call +971 440 193 01 DIFC Centre of Excellence, The Gate Village, Building 2, Level 3, Dubai, UAE

London experience. World impact.

Permitted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority. The academic qualifications granted by this institution and certified by KHDA shall be recognised in the Emirate of Dubai by all public and private entities for all purposes.

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