The globalization of world markets has had its impact on the Middle East as on the rest of the world. In the last quarter century, non-oil international business activities in the region have increased significantly. The Middle East is now properly poised, with the necessary elements in place, to develop into an industrial region similar to the more developed West. International firms will need to pay greater attention and develop a deeper understanding of this region so vital to the economic and industrial well-being of Western, industrialized, and emerging nations. This book examines the development of the region's business environment and the conditions that uniquely impact its growth. It offers a unique perspective on select issues such as regional integration among Arab states on the Persian Gulf or within the Economic Cooperation Organization surrounding the Caspian Sea. It includes a look at Islamic management, human resource, banking, marketing, and advertising practices. Islam is no longer considered to be incompatible with technology and modernity. It remains, along with its traditions, a primary organizing principle in the region. Outside investors and firms need to be informed about the connection and Islam's internal tensions and variations in order to operate effectively in the region. This book offers the reader a firm understanding of these issues. It also points out areas that need to be further explored. Designed for scholars of international business, this book will also appeal to practitioners seeking a better understanding of this increasingly vital area of world business.

In this 2010 edition of their book on the economic development of the Middle East and North Africa, Clement Henry and Robert Springborg reflect on what has happened to the region's economy since 2001. How have the various countries in the Middle East responded to the challenges of globalization and to the rise of political Islam, and what changes, for better or for worse, have occurred? Utilizing the country categories they applied in the previous book and further elaborating the significance of the structural power of capital and Islamic finance, they demonstrate how over the past decade the monarchies (as exemplified by Jordan, Morocco and those of the Gulf Cooperation Council) and the conditional democracies (Israel, Turkey and Lebanon) continue to do better than the military dictatorships or 'bullies' (Egypt, Tunisia and now Iran) and 'the bunker states' (Algeria, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria and Yemen).

16.5 Within Western Countries -- 16.6 Between the Two Groups -- 16.7 Future Market Scenarios in the Middle East -- References -- The Editor -- The Authors -- Author Index -- Subject Index

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is an economically diverse region. Despite undertaking economic reforms in many countries, and having considerable success in avoiding crises and achieving macroeconomic stability, the region’s economic performance in the past 30 years has been below potential. This paper takes stock of the region’s relatively weak performance, explores the reasons for this out come, and proposes an agenda for urgent reforms.

Printed on Demand. Limited stock is held for this title. If you would like to order 30 copies or more please contact [email protected] Contact [email protected], if currently unavailable. Globalization has increased competitive pressures on firms. Together with rapid technological change, it has altered the environment in which firms operate. While globalization offers unprecedented opportunities for firms to act successfully, it simultaneously heightens the risks for firms lagging behind. In an open and liberalized world, increasing firm competitiveness has become a major challenge. This volume provides a thorough analysis of the competitiveness of firms in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA). It is organized into four parts which detail the different issues related to firm competitiveness from global rules for business, regional business environment, corporate governance, and the key economic sectors of small/medium size enterprises and tourism. This volume addresses key issues for the future of the region including the real challenges facing firms? operations and efficiency, the ability of MENA firms to compete in global markets, the impact of small and medium size enterprises on the stimulation of growth, and the economic potential of the tourism sector.

An incisive analysis of the political economy of the Middle East and North Africa.

This work assesses the impact of globalization on women in Middle Eastern societies. To explore the gendered effects of social change, the authors examine trends within, as well as among, states in the region. Detailed case studies reveal the mixed results of global pressures.