[AISWorld] Announcement- AIB MENA 3rd annual conference Call for papers

[KCC]

*3rd CALL FOR PAPERS*

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*The Academy of International Business - Middle East North Africa Chapter

***

*Cordially invites you to participate in its 3rd Annual Conference entitled
**"East Meets West: Sustainability, Operation & Co-operation"

***

*The American University in Cairo, School of Business
Cairo, Egypt, January 12-14, 2013*

* *

The AIB-MENA Committee cordially invites you to participate in the
3rdAnnual Chapter Conference in Cairo, Egypt to discuss research
pertinent to
the theme “*East Meets West: Sustainability, Operation & Co-operation*”.
The conference’s goal is to provide a forum for scholars, industry
professions and government specialists from around the world to present and
be exposed to the latest research on this topic. Since business research
from the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region is less than 1% of all
published research(SCImagojr.com, 2011; Robertson et al., 2011) this
becomes an important forum to discuss emerging issues and hot topics
especially as the world’s business centre continues to move East with the
ongoing economic recession.



This is an exciting time in the history of the world and management
research. Great transitions are occurring in almost every corner of the
globe. After centuries of Western leadership in most economic matters,
China, India, as well as MENA, with their emerging economies, are asserting
themselves with new vigour on the world stage. The world appears to be in a
transition from “West leads East” to “West meets East” (Chen & Miller,
2010). It’s time to go beyond Western settings to tap into the empirical
phenomena of the East and its cultural, philosophical and broader
intellectual tradition to create a richer, more robust and “powerful” field
of business and Management, in terms of understanding and managing
organizations and behaviour globally (Barkema, 2001; Barkema et al., 2002;
Tsui, 2007, 2009).



The question now is “What does the future hold for this region?” While no
one really knows the answer, the future is being written by the masses
yearning to build a new society and become an integral part of the global
village. Progress has evaded the region for generations, and, despite
optimism surrounding the Arab Spring, all predictions about the future have
to be cautious (Zahra 2011). The Key focus of this conference is twofold:
1) to bring MENA’s unique capabilities and needs to the attention of the
world’s organization and international business scholars and at the same
time, to provide an opportunity for interested colleagues to collaborate
and work on the many interesting theoretical and practical problems
presented in MENA; 2) to look at the importance of sustainable businesses
in the region. Sustainability is becoming more important for the MENA
region as water, food, and power become scarce. This region is also home to
20% of the world’s armed conflicts (Ibrahim, 2000). We also have 45% of our
citizens under the age of 15 and a growing unemployment rate. This raises
interesting questions on not just encouraging entrepreneurship but also
social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship as an evolving topic needs
to be differentiated from conventional entrepreneurship, philanthropy and
NGOs.



The pace at which internationalization and globalization are occurring has
also spurred an interest in the emerging theme of co-operation. Alliances
(formal and informal) now are increasing in a bid to gain more access to
new markets, gain aces to resources, circumvent trade barriers or cut
costs.



This conference is an opportunity for participants to meet other
researchers from around the world, government and industry leaders from the
region. More details will be forthcoming on the paper submission process
and conference on the AIB-MENA website: http://www.uowdubai.ac.ae/aib/ .The
2013 conference is hosted by the American University in Cairo, School of
Business, Egypt and in partnership with El-Khazindar Business Research and
Case Center and Emerald Publishing. The Conference Chair is Dr. Ahmed Tolba
(The American University in Cairo) [ahmedtolba at aucegypt.edu], and the
Program Chair is Dr. Hamed Shamma (The American University in Cairo) [
Shamma at aucegypt.edu]. Please contact them if you have need any more
information.



To address these challenges, we are inviting submissions in the following
areas (1) International Business, Management and Strategy (2) Advances in
Economics, Finance and Accounting; (3) Global Marketing Management and the
Value Chain;  (4) Management: People, Knowledge and Organizations (5)
Education in the MENA Region (6) Business Case Studies (7)  Student
Research Colloquium.

In addition this year we are having 4 specialist tracks: (1)
Entrepreneurship & Social Entrepreneurship; (2) Islamic Finance; (3)  Business
Ethics in the MENA Region and (4) Corporate Social Responsibility &
Sustainability. The popular student track is back for Bachelors and Masters
students, *PhD students are encouraged to submit to the regular program*.
The Case study track looks at business/practitioner cases.  Each paper
submission should be addressed to only one specific track (please highlight
specialist tracks and case studies). Select the track closest to your
proposal.

* *

*Important Dates for you to remember:*

Full Paper Submission: 30 September, 2012
Paper Acceptance Date: 31 October, 2012



*Track 1: International Business, Management, and Strategy*

Track Chair: Dr. Nizar Beicheikh
Email:  nbecheickh at aucegypt.edu

*Specialist Track 1: Entrepreneurship & Social Entrepreneurship*
Coordinator: Dr.  Ayman Ismail
Email: aymanism at aucegypt.edu

This track invites conceptual papers, cases and empirical research that
highlight the challenges, opportunities and areas of development in the
Middle East North Africa region. In this region the concept of
international business is evolving into the understanding of a global
business. Entrepreneurship is the driving force of the non-hydrocarbon part
of the economies with up to 80% of the organizations in some countries
being classified as Small and Medium Enterprises.  This makes funding by
angel investors important as more hydrocarbon based economies diversify.
Free trade zones or export processing zones today account for approximately
20% of world trade and are a strategic part of a nation’s economic success.
Logistics is driving trade and the MENA ports system, for example, is
dominated by the UAE. UAE currently account for up to half of the
throughput. With these opportunities come the challenges of market entry –
the connections or “wasta” and understanding of government regulation and
applicable law. A strong refocus on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
and governance is taking place in both government and private sector.
Issues like sustainability where some countries have the highest carbon
footprint in the world are becoming more important.

There are also two specialist tracks included. Specialist Track 1 focuses
on Entrepreneurship: Major entrepreneurship topics include but are not
limited to new venture creation, opportunity recognition, new and small
firm financing strategies, new and small firm management practices,
corporate venturing and innovation, and women-, minority-, and family-owned
business. Submissions with international, public policy, and/or educational
perspectives are encouraged.

*Key Areas of Research**: Free trade zones; Franchisee management /
Interaction with foreign firms and local counter-parts, Entrepreneurship,
Logistics and market entry, International Law, Sharia Law and government
regulation, Wasta, Corporate social responsibility and governance;
Uncertainty in decision making/security management, Competitiveness and
innovation/ R&D*

* *

*Track 2: Advances in Economics, Finance, and Accounting:*

Track Chair: Dr. Lawrence Tai
Email:  Lawrence.Tai at zu.ac.ae

*Specialist Track 2: Islamic Finance*
Coordinator: Dr. Rania Salem
Email:  rania.salem at guc.edu.eg

The MENA region includes a group of countries whose social, political and
economic developments vary significantly from one country to another. Over
the last decade, the banking sector in the region has expanded strongly,
particularly in the area of Islamic Banking and Finance  which is now
growing at 15% pa with an estimated worth  of US$300 billion. A number of
the GCC countries are also in the process of setting up a common currency
which should lead to increased business opportunities similar to what was
witnessed after the introduction of the Euro currency in the European
Monetary Union in 1999. However, the region faces a number of challenges
including the management of  fiscal policies designed to create sufficient
employment for their young and growing local populations, as well as
economic diversification away from hydrocarbon based activities. According
to the World Investment Report (2007), global acquisitions were valued at
USD 1833 billion with cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&As)
accounting for 89% of that value at USD 1637 billion. Though this region
has some of the largest Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), SWFs from the Gulf
and Asia hold only 0.2 percent of their investments in the form of FDI,
with up to 75 percent concentrated in developed countries. These are just
some of the key areas that highlight the need for more focus on this
region, especially in the development of financial markets and institutions
that will enable strong and sustainable economic growth moving forward.

A specialist track focusing on Islamic Finance has been added to this
track. Papers are encouraged to relate and are not restricted to the
following areas: Relationship between economic development and Islamic
financial sector development; Role of Islamic finance in financial sector
development, Barriers to Accessing financial services and role of Islamic
in enhancing financial inclusion; Comparative studies of effectiveness of
national IFSD strategies and policies; Resilience, performance and
stability of Islamic financial institutions and markets; Development of
domestic Islamic financial infrastructures, regulation, supervision, legal
framework and tax neutrality and other support institutions; Islamic
finance perspectives on global financial crisis and crisis resolution;
Islamic finance and international financial architecture.

*Key Research Areas:** Micro and Macro theoretical/empirical economics, GCC
Monetary Union; Free Trade Agreements, Foreign Direct Investment; Sovereign
Wealth Funds; Mergers and Acquisitions; Industry based studies; Economic
perspective of these developing economies and the region; SME and its
relation to economic development; Regional integration; Trade;
International finance and taxation; increasing financial market
sophistication, Taxation issues particularly for oil-dependent economies;
Capital market structure; Accounting systems - comparative studies; Mergers
and Acquisitions, Islamic Finance*

* *

*Track 3: Global Marketing Management and the Value Chain*

Track Chair: Dr. Ali Awni
Email: * *ahawni at aucegypt.edu

MENA region has interesting demographics, one of the largest percentages of
young population (below 25 years) and a very diverse group of residents in
the Middle-East (ME) where 70-80% are expatriates leading to a diverse
customer base. Concepts like Halal Marketing are gaining more importance
for successful launch of campaigns. On one hand this is a very successful
luxury market and on the other hand, in some areas international brands
have problems of entry due to the country of origin effect.  Marketing has
evolved here from simple translation of western campaigns and ideas to
adaptation and now regional-bred, region centric campaigns are being
adapted for markets outside the region. Besides product strategies which
are adapted for the region, other marketing mix elements play a significant
role. The MENA is home to some of the world’s largest malls, and supply
chain affects product value. For example places like UAE import more than
80% of their food.  Promotion campaigns are also adapted. Some countries do
not have government established postal systems and GSM penetration is high.
This diversity in innovation adaptation, cultural perspectives all add to
the challenges of marketing. This track will look at the practical issue of
managing customers, developing loyalty and building brands. The research
must have a practical outcome contributing to knowledge of consumer
behaviour, understanding the market, the challenges facing marketers in
building brands, developing markets and managing stakeholders in the value
chain.

*Key Areas of Research:* *International and regional products, brands and
branding strategies; cross national market segmentation; Standardization
vs. adaptation issues; Country of origin effects; Research design
challenges in International marketing from MENA region context,
International marketing mix strategies for SMEs in MENA region; Service
benchmarking; Sports Marketing/Sponsorships as a vehicle for creating brand
value; Islamic Marketing/concept of Halal and Targeting Muslim Consumers;
Women as consumers and their role in decision making; Supply chain
management, sourcing Supply chain strategy and integration.*

* *

*Track 4: Management: People, Knowledge and Organizations*

Track Chair: Dr. Kevin O’Connell
Email:  k.oconnell at aucegypt.edu

*Specialist Track 3: Business Ethics in the MENA Region*
Coordinator: Dr. Iman Seoudi
Email: iman.seoudi at aucegypt.edu**

*Specialist Track 4: Corporate Social Responsibility & Sustainability *
Coordinator: Dr. Noha El-Bassiouny
Email: noha.elbassiouny at guc.edu.eg

The most significant development in the region has been the increasing
emphasis on the Strategic Role played by HR. This region has the world’s
second fastest growing population; managing and nurturing young talent
poses new challenges in this region, especially as the workforce is largely
dominated by a majority expatriate population. Multi-cultural dynamics of
this largely expatriate population presents new challenges requiring HR
practices and policies that are culturally sensitive and equitable. In
addition, women are taking a more prominent role in management and this
brings unique challenges with regard to diversity management. Nurturing
local talent and integrating them into the workforce is a priority. Leading
and managing a divergent workforce to create a Learning Culture focused on
Knowledge Creation, Knowledge Sharing and Innovation is a critical focus
area for many large organizations in the region wanting to sustain their
competitive position. Performance Management through integrated Performance
Measurement tools is adding credibility to Organizational efforts aimed at
developing and retaining a competent workforce.

A specialist track on Business Ethics has been added. Papers submitted to
this track should focuses on ethical challenges facing businesses operating
in the MENA region. Possible topics include ethical behaviour of managers;
ethical cultures among organization; ethical dilemma in the business
environment; among others.

A second specialist track on Corporate Social Responsibility &
Sustainability has been added. Papers submitted to this track should focus
on topics including employees’ community involvement, environmental
considerations, triple bottom-line targets, long-term orientation,
corporate culture, links with non-governmental organization; among others.

*Key Areas of Research:* *Leading and Managing an expatriate workforce
(foreign assignments, careers, multicultural workforce; Knowledge
Management (creation, sharing, transfer, sourcing; reverse knowledge
transfer); Talent war; Learning organizations and innovations; Building
Value and Competency in organizations; Modular organizations, newer forms
of organization structure design and implications; Change Management;
Performance Management;  Women in Management; Business Ethics; Governance;
Corporate Social Responsibility; Sustainability*

* *

*Track 5: Education in the MENA Region*

Track Chair: Dr. Maha Mourad
Email:* *m_mourad at aucegypt.edu

Educational institutions are responsible for developing the necessary skill
levels required by the public and private sectors of business. This track
encourages submissions that focus on all aspects of business education.
These aspects include but are not limited to, curriculum, best teaching
practices, and innovations in teaching and learning for future business
leaders.  Empirical, theoretical and practical contributions are welcome,
grounded in the literature on education pedagogy that focuses on the
explanation of emerging or alternative teaching methodologies. Focus is on
outcome-centred approaches to teaching and learning supported by
pedagogical tools and assessment techniques that foster innovation and
creativity. Please plan on sharing your pedagogical experiences and
innovations, so that we can all benefit from the shared experience of the
many excellent educators at AIB.

*Key Research Areas:** Challenges in business education and research in the
MENA region; Innovative practices in teaching and learning; Education and
Industry: Collaborative approaches to building knowledge capital; Knowledge
transfer; Service learning and internship programs.*

* *

*Track 6: Business Case Studies (research methodology) & Practitioner
Submissions: Business, Government, and Industry Perspectives*

Track Chair: Dr. Marina Apaydin
Email:  mapaydin at aucegypt.edu

Case Studies provide an excellent venue for presenting results that
represent the synergistic combination of practice and research, addressing
particular phenomena in real-world contexts. A Case Study could involve an
in-depth, possibly longitudinal, study of a specific event or a particular
problem encountered and solved. We expect the author(s) to have gained a
better understanding of why the event happened as it did or why the problem
occurred, and also to reflect on issues arising from the experience that
should be investigated more fully and extensively. Case study submissions
should be written to publishable standards. Case studies will be subject to
the same criteria and the processes as research papers.

The “separate silos” of Academia and Practice continue to address need for
cutting edge research that develops, investigates, and explains the many
theories related to how organizations function, the manner in which they
are governed, the organizational and the international cultures, and the
continuing application of these findings to the practitioners of today. AIB
MENA 2012 conference welcome practitioners from both industry and the
public sector, with their own intellectually-focused, applied contributions
to share with the researchers. This track shall provide a venue where
scholars and practitioners can meet to push the envelope of their
respective positions. Interestingly, an additional group of scholars and
practitioners now blurs and expands these boundaries. The scholar
practitioner of the past decade is now, more appropriately, the scholar +
practitioner in the new millennium, developing a global web of knowledge.
The inclusionary plus sign reflects the intertwined linkage of education
and practice, practice and education - research, innovation, insight, and
education that develop from both sides of the equation.

In expanding the line between scholarship and practitioner, AIB MENA 2012
seeks submissions to explore what it means to be on either side, or both
sides, of the plus sign. Are there now multiple boundaries? What is the
role for scholarly research, vis-à-vis, the new and the existing
boundaries? What is the role for practitioners in developing and/or
applying research? Indeed, do scholars and practitioners share certain
roles? Are there organizational and international linkages that fit the
inclusionary plus sign? How do we identify and utilize these linkages today
and in the future for the greater development of MENA region, and what
effect do these linkages have in our various communities? Practitioner
autobiography, government research, business report, and case studies
developed for or based in MENA, etc.  are welcomed to submit.

Potential types of Case Studies include, but are not limited to the
following:

   - *Illustrative Case Studies* describing interesting problems in a
   specific domain, especially domains with which the audience may not
   otherwise be familiar
   - *Exploratory Case Studies* constituting pilot studies preceding and
   informing larger-scale investigations
   - *Critical Instance Case Studies* that explore particular cases of
   interest with little concern for generalization
   - *Cumulative Case Studies* summarizing work that may have been
   completed at different times but that does form a coherent whole
   - *Narrative Case Studies* describing the development of unfolding
   trends within a domain
   - *Method Case Studies* describing the application of a specific method
   or tool and the lessons learned around it

* *

*Track 7: Student Research Colloquium*

Track Chair: Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Meguid
Email: a_meguid at aucegypt.edu

The Academy of International Business MENA is organizing the colloquium for
students in international business. The student research colloquium
provides nascent researchers in International Business with the opportunity
to present and discuss their research with a panel of distinguished
scholars, in interactive sessions that are open to all conference
delegates. The student research colloquium is held in a collaborative, open
and friendly atmosphere. Students receive oral and written feedback from
leading experts in the field on the positioning of their research, refining
data collection approach and translating their work into papers. All
students in different stages of their studies (Bachelor or Masters) can
apply for participation in the colloquium. Doctorate students are advised
to apply under regular tracks.

*Key Research Areas:* *Students papers can be submitted to any track. They
must have a strong literature review. They can be conceptual, empirical or
qualitative in nature. These articles can be co-authored by Sr. Academics
as long as the Academic is not the fist author. All papers must have a
letter from the supervisor that states the work is largely the students’
work. All submissions must mark student paper.*



Sincerely,

Melodena

Dr Melodena S Balakrishnan
Founder and Chapter President - AIB-MENA
Affiliation: University of Wollongong in Dubai



* *

*References*



Barkema, H.G,( 2001). From the Editors, *Academy of Management Journal*, 44
(4): 615-617

Barkema, H.G, J. Baum, and E. Mannix, (2002). Management challenges in a
new time, *Academy of Management Journal*, 45 (5): 916-930.

Chen, M-J., & Miller, D. (2010). West meets East: Toward an ambicultural
approach to management. A*cademy of Management Perspectives*, 24 (4): 17-24.

Ibrahim, S.E. (2000), Chapter 3: Arab Social-science research in the 1990s
and beyond: Issues, trends, and priorities, In E. Rached& D. Craissati
(Eds), *Research for Development in the Middle East and North Africa*.
Canada: International Development Research Centre. Retrieved from
http://web.idrc.ca/openbooks/310-0/.

Robertson, C., Al-Habib, M., Al-Khatib, J. and Lanoue, D. (2001), Beliefs
about work in the Middle East and the convergence and divergence of
values”, *Journal of World Business*, 36(3): 223-244.

SCImagojr.com (2011).*SJR-SCImago Journal & Country Rank*, Available:
http://www.scimagojr.com

Tsui, A.S. (2007). From homogenization to pluralism: International
management research in the Academy and beyond. *Academy of Management
Journal*, 50(6): 1353-1364.

Tsui, A.S. (2009). Editor's introduction – Autonomy of inquiry: Shaping the
future of emerging scientific communities. *Management and Organization
Review*, 5(1): 1-14.

Zahra, S. (2011). Doing Research in the (new) Middle East: Sailing with the
wind. *Academy of Management Perspectives*, (25)4: 6-21






-- 
 El-Khazindar Business Research and Case Center (KCC)
School of Business
The American University in Cairo
Tel: (202) 2615-3413
E-mail: kcc at aucegypt.edu
http://www.aucegypt.edu/business/kcc/Pages/AboutKCC.aspx
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