2026/2027
Doing Business in the Countries of Middle East and South Asia
Type:
Minor
Delivered by:
School of International Regional Studies
Open to:
students of all HSE University campuses
Language:
English
ECTS credits:
5
Contact hours:
76
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The course analyses the economic and business environment in the Middle East and South Asia Notable features of governance and regulatory institutions of business processes are revealed. Main venues of government-business dialogue are scrutinized, forms of doing business in main countries, market entry in the sectors for biggest export opportunities, and salient features of corporate governance exemplified by large companies are illustrated. The evolution of consumer sentiments and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are examined. Major initiatives aimed at stimulating business cooperation in those countries are presented, and their effectiveness is assessed.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the macroeconomic environment and economic development trends of Middle East and South Asian countries.
- Analyze the regulatory, infrastructural, and institutional factors influencing business operations in Middle East and South Asia.
- Explore the cultural diversity and its impact on business practices and entrepreneurship in the region.
- Examine the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving economic growth within Middle East and South Asia.
- Develop practical strategies for market entry, management, and cross-cultural communication in Middle East and South Asian business contexts.
- Compare Middle East and South Asia’s economic and business environment with other Asian regions to identify unique opportunities and challenges.
- Assess emerging trends such as digital transformation and sustainable business practices shaping the future of Middle East and South Asian economies.
Expected Learning Outcomes
- • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the economic development and business environment in South Asian countries.
- • Critically evaluate the impact of institutional frameworks on business performance in the region.
- • Identify key drivers of entrepreneurship and innovation within South Asian economies and their implications for business growth.
- • Develop and articulate strategic approaches for entering and operating in South Asian markets with sensitivity to local contexts.
- • Utilize case studies and empirical data to make informed business decisions and policy recommendations relevant to South Asia.
Course Contents
- 1. Regional Economic Landscape (South Asia)
- 2. Political Systems & Governance (South Asia)
- 3. Socio-Cultural Dimensions (South Asia)
- 4. Infrastructure, Logistics & Digital Transformation (South Asia)
- 5. Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (South Asia)
- 6. Regional Economic Integration and place of South Asia in International Trade (South Asia)
- 7. Integrative Case Studies (South Asia)
- 8. Russian Business in the region (South Asia)
- 9. Future Trends & Disruptions (South Asia)
- 10. Regional Economic Landscape (Middle East)
- 11. Political Systems & Governance (Middle East)
- 12. Socio-Cultural Dimensions (Middle East)
- 13. Regional Economic Integration and the Middle East in International Trade (Middle East)
- 14. Infrastructure, Logistics & Digital Transformation (Middle East)
- 15. Entrepreneurship Ecosystems (Middle East)
- 16. Integrative Case Studies (Middle East)
- 17. Russian Business in the Middle East (Middle East)
- 18. Future Trends & Disruptions (Middle East)
Assessment Elements
- Group projectAn important part of the course will be a business consulting project. Students will work in groups (4 students max) to provide business advices to company’s senior management on a market entry/expansion issue that company is facing (companies will be chosen by students or advised by instructor). The grade for this component of the course will be based on a presentation (including Q&A) and a written report. Additional information will be provided in class. For a written report students should use appropriate formatting and citation style. Assignments are expected to be received by email no later than 11:59 p.m. on the due date (by email). Late reports will not be accepted. Students will receive a grade of zero for failing to correctly upload an assignment and on time. The written assignment must be formatted using 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1.5 line spacing and paragraph indentation (tabs) at the beginning of each paragraph in PDF format. The main body of the report should be no less than 30 pages in length. All sources must be properly cited in accordance with APA citation style. The assessment will be based on oral presentation and a written report: (1) Knowledge of main concepts/ theories applied in relation to international business; (2) Application of main theories and concepts; (3) Quality of content (company, product, country, findings, etc.); (4) Design/ logical flow/ clear thesis and supporting data; (5) Delivery: Written language and Command of language/ Team work and response to questions. Academic integrity policy Plagiarism in any form is strictly prohibited. All written work must be original and properly cited. If you use AI tools (such as ChatGPT or others), you must clearly state for what purpose the AI was used (e.g., idea generation, language editing, structure suggestions), and to what extent it contributed to the final version of your work. Failure to disclose the use of AI tools or submitting AI-generated content as your own without attribution will be treated as a violation of academic integrity.
- Class participation (Lectures)Students are expected to attend all lectures regularly and punctually. It is essential that students prepare for each session by reviewing relevant course materials and readings beforehand. This preparation enables them to fully comprehend the topics covered during the lecture and facilitates active participation in subsequent seminars where these concepts may be further discussed or applied.
- Class participation (seminar)Students are expected to engage actively in every seminar. Each discussion will build on the corresponding lecture material and assigned readings must be completed in advance to enable meaningful classroom debate.
- ExaminationFinal exam(online with proctoring, written exam)
Interim Assessment
- 2026/2027 4th module0.3 * Class participation (seminar) + 0.3 * Group project + 0.1 * Class participation (Lectures) + 0.3 * Examination
