Course Description
This six-week course was offered by the University of Connecticut (UConn) Lieberman Abrahamic Program at no cost. It provided an overview of international entrepreneurship with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The course explored how understanding the shared cultural histories in the region influences small business opportunities and the process by which new businesses are formed to respond to those opportunities. It also highlighted how Abrahamic virtues such as trustworthiness, empathy, and critical thinking, which are found in the teachings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, contribute to entrepreneurial success.
The course identified key traits of successful entrepreneurs in the MENA region and helped students learn practices that will provide them with the resilience needed for business success. It drew on case studies of joint ventures in an increasingly integrated MENA region with a focus on how to develop business development strategies. Along the way, we explored MENA entrepreneurial ecosystems, including opportunities for mentoring and financing. Participants worked together in teams with students from Bahrain, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, the Palestinian Territories, the UAE, and the United States.
In addition to the main presenters, the course offered expert guest lectures and case studies. This was a non-credit course. Students received a UConn certificate upon completion.
Course Outline
Week 1: Introduction to the Course and Getting to Know Each Other
Week 2: The Spirit of Entrepreneurship and Shared Abrahamic Values
Week 3: Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship
Week 4: Overview of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Resources, Support Systems, and Challenges
Week 5: Case Studies of Successful Joint Ventures
Week 6: Course Wrap-Up and Student Presentations
