1. Some thoughts on building a Syria “MBA” Program Neal M. Burns Tian Zhang Aug 3, 2009

2. Objectives Business Objective “Build the best MBA program, which is as good as Harvard in Syria” Project Objective “Assess the landscape of successful business schools and MBA programs to determine what works, what doesn’t and how the current environment impacts the MBA-program-to-be in Syria. 2

3. Outline What is a successful MBA program and why do it? Who can Syria partner with to be successful in their future efforts? Who is successful in the advanced business education? What are the opportunities and challenges for the MBA program in Syria? How should Syria leverage its MBA progam portfolio? Recommendations 3

4. What is a successful MBA program and why do it? 4

5. What is MBA… 5 The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out scientific approaches to management. Graduates of accredited MBA programs are well prepared to undertake advanced professional occupations in businesses, as well as in colleges and universities as instructors of business administration and management.

7. Enhance asset value and profits

8. Improve employee productivity and satisfaction

9. Increase core competences of creativity and innovation.

11. Contribute to overall quality of life

12. Increase the brand image of Syria.

14. Who can Syria partner with to be successful in their future efforts? 8

15. Top 10 worldwide MBA program 9 # Top 30 U.S. Programs # 1 University of Chicago (Booth) # 2 Harvard University # 3 Northwestern University (Kellogg) # 4 University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) # 5 University of Michigan (Ross) # 6 Stanford University # 7 Columbia University # 8 Duke University (Fuqua) # 9 MIT (Sloan) # 10 UC Berkeley (Haas) Sources: BusinessWeek # Top 10 Non-U.S. MBA Programs # 1 Queen's University # 2 IE Business School # 3 INSEAD # 4 Western Ontario (Ivey) # 5 London Business School # 6 ESADE # 7 IMD # 8 Toronto (Rotman) # 9 IESE # 10 Oxford (Saîd) Sources: BusinessWeek

16. What are effective characteristics presented in MBA program that can provide our future MBA program with valuable takeaways? 10

18. Effective- More communication among the different countries

19. Downside-It asks for deep cooperation

20. Sequences-oriented

21. Effective- Easily to get all the resources arranged to build up a 1tier program

23. Career- oriented

24. Effective- Ranking focus heavily on the placement

26. Key Takeaways from Current MBA Programs-HBS 13 Engaged Community Citizenship A Habit of Leadership Capacity for Intellectual Growth

27. 14

28. 15 Key Takeaways from Current MBA Programs-Stanford Intellectual Vitality Personal Qualities and Contributions Demonstrated Leadership Potential

29. What are the opportunities and challenges for the MBA program in Syria? 16

30. High-profiled faculty members Cross-trained functions Learning in practice An engaging community The world's business school A mature alumni network 17

31. Recommendation 18

32. How should Syria leverage its MBA program portfolio? 19

33. 20 program portfolio Advertising and Media Innovation Management Finance Marketing Management Technology and Operations Management General Management Supply Chain Management Manufacturing Management Business, Government, and the International Economy Social Responsibility and Brand Management Accounting Management Leadership and Organizational Behavior Entrepreneur Small Business Consulting Real Estate Investment Strategy

34. Length of the program: 24 months 21 months lecture, including the holidays 3 months internship (Required) 21

35. Global Study Program A semester study abroad program Partner with other worldwide top business school 22

36. Career- Oriented Satisfy Syria’s government’s needs and wants International on campus recruiting Small sized program in order to keep pace with the students’ needs 23

37. Plan of Action Define target audiences Who are our ideal candidates? Re-branding Syria MBA Program Tie in new branding strategy across all touch points 24