Rob Whelan's term as president of the University of Wollongong in Dubai is nearing an end. He looks back at how education for entrepreneurs has changed over the past few years, and what's still missing.
q How has the landscape for entrepreneurial education changed since you arrived in 2008?
There is a much greater understanding of the importance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UAE economy. So there's now an increased focus on giving people who are working in SMEs the skills to develop their businesses better. We've seen the development of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid (Establishment for Young Business Leaders). One of my staff in the finance department has a group of his students working on projects with the Establishment, so the students who are themselves learning how to be good business people are doing a project with SMEs.
q And what do aspiring business owners here need to learn?
I think they need a reality check. Right across the world, but it's evident here as well, there's a general perception that all you need to be a successful entrepreneur is a good idea and then somebody to give you some money. There's not enough attention given to the side of entrepreneurship which is putting a good idea into action. I think people have come into entrepreneurship with naivete about how big the challenge is.
q So which skills are required to turn that concept into a successful venture?
Understanding how to be a good manager, putting a good team together [and] working in a team. Understanding the financials, at least to the level where you can understand some consultant's report. Universities can give that knowledge in a number of ways: an undergraduate course, master's programme, short courses [and] a particular type of research - understanding the business landscape.
q Yet what's one problem with how universities approach business education in this region?
The problem is there aren't business cases that are published about the business landscape in the Middle East. All the textbooks are full of American examples. It's not enough because business is a global enterprise, and business success globally depends on a good understanding of different cultural environments in which you're doing business. You can't afford to be narrow.
q Last year your school launched a Business Case Centre, where faculty from different schools were invited for training on writing regional case studies. One book has been published, but what were some of the hurdles during this process?
It's quite challenging doing that in this region because businesses generally don't want to publish their failures. In developed economies, there's generally more information in the public domain, so it's actually easier to teach. You have access to a lot of material such as annual reports, financials. That's increasingly happening here. The business case allows you to get the collaboration with industry.
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How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
Karwaan
Producer: Ronnie Screwvala
Director: Akarsh Khurana
Starring: Irrfan Khan, Dulquer Salmaan, Mithila Palkar
Rating: 4/5
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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Our legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
WORLD CUP FINAL
England v South Africa
Yokohama International Stadium, Tokyo
Saturday, kick-off 1pm (UAE)
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