• Class Number 2508
  • Term Code 3230
  • Class Info
  • Unit Value 6 units
  • Mode of Delivery In Person
  • COURSE CONVENER
    • Jessie Moritz
  • LECTURER
    • Jessie Moritz
  • Class Dates
  • Class Start Date 21/02/2022
  • Class End Date 27/05/2022
  • Census Date 31/03/2022
  • Last Date to Enrol 28/02/2022
SELT Survey Results

The course, which is presently delivered by the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies on behalf of the ANU College of Business and Economics,  provides an overview of business in the Middle East and an examination of specific issues for companies doing business in the region. The course focuses most on the Arab countries of the Middle East, but with some attention paid to Turkey, Israel and Iran as well. Specific topics include the Middle Eastern business environment, the cultural specifics of the region that impact on business, the legal framework, and specific strategies in international and cross-cultural marketing, human resource management, labour relations, logistics, and finance.  Strategies for dealing with the public sector in the region also are covered, given the role of bureaucracies and state -owned enterprises in the region.  The aim of the course is to enhance students' understanding of the Middle Eastern business environment and the ways in which various dynamics impact on business operations of firms in the region.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

  1. An understanding of the various factors that influence the business environment in the Middle East, including the political and economic environments;
  2. A knowledge of the business culture of the Middle East and how this is related to the wider cultures of the region;
  3. An understanding of several specific issues in Middle Eastern business; among these might include the dynamics of business leadership, human resources, marketing, banking and finance, logistics, e-business, and public relations; and
  4. The ability to communicate their understanding of and knowledge about the above in a clear and concise way and in both written and oral formats.

Research-Led Teaching

This course brings into its coverage and the learning approach several research-led features and characteristics:

  • The course convener includes in the course content some of her and/or others’ very recent and current research findings and theoretical concepts and arguments, giving students the opportunity to engage with several emerging ideas in Middle Eastern political economy and business
  • Many of the course activities, and the course assessment, using enquiry-based learning formats that pose real-world examples of business issues and which require students to engage with and address these scenarios using scholarly approaches, methodologies, and sources, honing their research skills and analytical judgment in the process
  • Regular group work in the weekly tutorials encourage students to collaborate with each other in locating basic data, applying and assessing material, and refining and defending their ideas and arguments, enhancing their teamwork-based research skills.

Field Trips

There are no field trips for this course

Additional Course Costs

There are no additional costs for this course

Examination Material or equipment

Further details will be provided on Wattle

Required Resources

There are no set textbooks for this course. Required readings are listed under the 'Class Structure' section of this page. Copies of or links to the required readings will be posted on Wattle before the start of the course. Where films are set as preparation for a seminar, these will be publicly available and free material: a URL and/or search terms will be provided. In addition, further required or suggested reading sources will be posted on to Wattle as well.


Students should conduct their own searches for additional material, which usually will be available through the library or online.


The course assumes basic background knowledge of the Middle East. However, students with no background knowledge are very welcome, but advised to consult a textbook on Middle East politics or international relations before commencing the course.


Some books to consult include: Beverley Milton-Edwards, Contemporary Politics in the Middle East (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2013, 3rd Edn); Peter Mansfield, A History of the Middle East (London: Penguin, various edns); Albert Hourani, A History of the Arab Peoples (Faber & Faber 1991); and Charles Tripp, Islam and the Moral Economy (Cambridge University Press, 2006).


The ANU library has specially purchased access to Gulf States News, a political risk consultancy focused on the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq and Iran. It includes up-to-date analysis on the most recent events in the region, as well as overview of royal family politics, business families, and other key political actors. Access GSN here: http://www.gsn-online.com/

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

  • Written comments
  • Verbal comments

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). The feedback given in these surveys is anonymous and provides the Colleges, University Education Committee and Academic Board with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement. The Surveys and Evaluation website provides more information on student surveys at ANU and reports on the feedback provided on ANU courses.

Class Schedule

Week/Session Summary of Activities Assessment
1 Week 1: Course Introduction and Historical Overview No set or required readings for this week, although students with no background on the Middle East should acquaint themselves with the basic history, culture and politics of the region. Suggested texts are parts of one or more of the following introductory books: Marshall Hogson, The Venture of Islam: Conscience and History in a World Civilization (University of Chicago: 1974) Albert Hourani, A History of the Arab Peoples (London: Faber & Faber, 1991 or other editions) Peter Fromkin, A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East (New York: Martin’s Press, 20th Anniversary Edition, 2009) Mark Lynch, , The Arab Uprisings Explained: New Contentious Politics in the Middle East (New York: Columbia University Press, 2014). Peter Mansfield, A History of the Middle East (Penguin, various/multiple editions and years). Beverley Milton-Edwards, Contemporary Politics in the Middle East (Polity, 2nd Edn, 2006). Charles Tripp, Islam and the Moral Economy (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006). Note that required readings for all weeks may be updated by Convenor with advanced notice (2 weeks)
2 Week 2: Economics, Trade, Investment and Globalisation in the Middle East Required Readings: Sevket Pamuk, “Political Power and Institutional Change: Lessons from the Middle East”, Economic History of Developing Regions, 27, S1, 2012, pp. S41-S56. DOI: 10.1080/20780389.2012.657481; link http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20780389.2012.657481#.VITsR3vUfpI. Fauzi Najjar, “The Arabs, Islam and Globalization”, Middle East Policy, XII, 3, Fall 2005, pp. 91-106. Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.10611924.2005.00215.x/abstract. Also Recommended: Beverley Milton-Edwards, Contemporary Politics in the Middle East, 2nd Ed. (Cambridge: Polity Press, 2006), Ch. 3 (pp. 73-101) Peter Fromkin, A Peace to End All Peace: The Fall of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East (New York: St. Martin’s Press, 20th Anniversary Edition, 2009), pp. 558 - 568. First response paper due 10am 2 March (Wednesday) via Wattle
3 Week 3: Religion, Culture and Business Practices Readings: Rodney Wilson, “Islam and Business”, Thunderbird International Business Review, 48, 1, 2006, pp. 109-123. Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tie.20088/abstract. Abbas J. Ali, Business and Management Environment in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Opportunities for Multinational Corporations (Routledge, 2009), Ch. 8 (pp. 128-141). Samir Abuznaid, “Islam and Management: What Can Be Learned?”, Thunderbird International Business Review, 48, 1, 2006, pp. 125-139. Also recommended: Prederic Pryor, “The Economic Impact of Islam on Developing Countries”, World Development, 35, 11, 2007, pp. 1815-35. Kate Hutchings, Beverly Dawn Metcalfe, and Brian K. Cooper, “Exploring Arab Middle Eastern women's perceptions of barriers to, and facilitators of, international management opportunities”, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 21, 1, 2010, pp. 61-83. DOI: 10.1080/09585190903466863. Link: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09585190903466863#.VITwpnvUfpI.
4 Week 4: Politics, Conflict, Change and the Risk Environment Readings: Mahmoud Haddad & Sam Hakim, “The Impact of War and Terrorism on Sovereign Risk in MENA Countries”, Economic Research Forum Working Paper 394 (Cairo: Economic Research Forum, 2008), http://www.erf.org.eg/cms.php?id=NEW_publication_details_working_papers&publication_id=949. Sebastian Hain, “Risk perception and risk management in the Middle East market: theory and practice of multinational enterprises in Saudi Arabia”, Journal of Risk Research, 14, 7, 2011, pp. 819-835. DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2011.571777. Link: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13669877.2011.571777#.VIUNJHvUfpI. Also recommended: William Atkinson & Bill Coffin, “Opportunities or Liabilities? Construction Projects in Middle East”, Risk Management, 50, 11, 2003, pp. 12-16, 18. Louis Avitabile & Brian Kleiner, “Training Employees to Work in the Middle East Safely”, Cross Cultural Management, 9, 1, 2002, pp. 46-55. Muralidhar, “Enterprise risk management in the Middle East oil industry: An empirical investigation across GCC countries”, International Journal of Energy Sector Management, 4, 1, 2010, pp. 59-86. Adel Abed Rabbo Al Khattab, Abdulkareem Awwad, John Anchor, and Eleanor Davies, “The use of political risk assessment techniques in Jordanian multinational corporations”, Journal of Risk Research, 14, 1, 2011, pp. 97-109, DOI: 10.1080/13669877.2010.505346. Link: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13669877.2010.505346#.VIUOGnvUfpI.
5 Week 5: International Business and Investment in the Middle East Readings: World Bank’s Doing Business survey, http://www.doingbusiness.org/, and its rankings of states on the ease of doing business, http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/IC.BUS.EASE.XQ. Ahmet Aysan, Gaobo Pang & Marie-Ange Và ©ganzonà ¨s-Varoudakis, “Uncertainty, economic reforms and private investment in the Middle East and North Africa”, Applied Economics, 41, 11, 2009, 1379-95, DOI: 10.1080/00036840601019315. Link: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00036840601019315#.VIUu4nvUfpI. Svitlana Khyeda, “Foreign Direct Investment in the Middle East: Major Regulatory Restrictions”, Insight Turkey, 9, 2, 2007, 73-104. Also recommended: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, More than Oil: Economic Developments in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (Canberra: DFAT, 2005), Chs. 1-2 (pp. 1-34), online at http://www.dfat.gov.au/publications/eau_more_than_oil/toc.pdf Andrew F. Cooper and Bessma Momani, “The challenge of re-branding progressive countries in the Gulf and Middle East: Opportunities through new networked engagements versus constraints of embedded negative images”, Place Branding and Public Diplomacy, 5, 2, 2009, pp. 103-117. Link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/232112539/FB908270C5C413EPQ/3?accountid=8330. Avi Fiegenbaum et al, “Which Firms Expand to the Middle East: The Experience of U.S. Multinationals”, Strategic Management Journal, 18, 2, 1997, pp. 141-148. Mohamed Ramady & John Saee, “Foreign Direct Investment: Strategic Move Toward Sustainable Free Enterprise and Economic Development in Saudi Arabia”, Thunderbird International Business Review, 49, 1, 2007, pp. 37-56.
6 Week 6: Public-Private Partnerships and State-Business Relations Readings: Steffen Hertog, “Introduction: The Role of MENA Business in Policy-Making and Political Transitions,” in Steffen Hertog, Giacomo Luciani and Marc Valeri (eds.), Business Politics in the Middle East (London: Hurst & Company, 2013). Rabah Arezki and Ferid Belhaj, “Developing Public-Private Partnership Initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa: From Public Debt to Maximizing Finance for Development,” World Bank Policy Research Working Paper 8863 (May 2019) 1-15. Mehran Kamrava, Gerd Nonneman, Anastasia Nosova and Marc Valeri, “Ruling Families and Business Elites in the Gulf Monarchies: Ever Closer?” Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs) Research Paper (November 2016). Additional recommended readings: Robert Springborg, “The Hound that did not Bark: Solving the Mystery of Business without Voice in Egypt,” in Steffen Hertog, Giacomo Luciani and Marc Valeri (eds.), Business Politics in the Middle East (London: Hurst & Company, 2013) pp. 245-264. Kevan Harris, “Vectors of Iranian Capitalism: Privatization Politics in the Islamic Republic,” in Steffen Hertog, Giacomo Luciani and Marc Valeri (eds.), Business Politics in the Middle East (London: Hurst & Company, 2013). Nathan Hodson, “Breaking Loose: Reduced Private Sector Dependence on Governments in GCC Economies,” in Steffen Hertog, Giacomo Luciani and Marc Valeri (eds.), Business Politics in the Middle East (London: Hurst & Company, 2013). Pete W. Moore, Doing Business in the Middle East: Politics and Economic Crisis in Jordan and Kuwait (Cambridge University Press, 2004) pp. 176-185. Bassam Haddad, Business Networks in Syria: The Political Economy of Authoritarian Resilience (Stanford University Press, 2012). Mid-semester assessment held in weeks 6 or 7 (subject to mid-semester examination timetabling).
7 Week 7: Banking, Islamic Finance and Capital Markets Readings: For an overview of some of the banking and finance issues in the region, read: Steffen Kern, “GCC financial markets: Long-term prospects for finance in the Gulf region”, Deutsche Bank: DB Research: Current Issues (Frankfurt: Deutsche Bank, 14 November 2012). Look at some relevant websites, to get an up-to-date idea of how these markets work and how they have been performing thus far, for example: http://www.gulfbase.com/ https://www.zawya.com/mena/en/markets/ Arabian Business magazine On Islamic banking and finance, read: Alexandra Hardie & M. Rabooy, “Risk, Piety, and the Islamic Investor”, British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies, 18, 1, 1991, pp. 52-66. Link: http://www.jstor.org/stable/195381. David Bassens, Ben Derudder, and Frank Witlox, “Oiling global capital accumulation: analysing the principles, practices, and geographical distribution of Islamic financial services”, The Service Industries Journal, 31, 3, 2011, pp. 327-341. DOI: 10.1080/02642060802712830. Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02642060802712830. Additional recommended readings: Gray and M. I. Blejer, “The Gulf Cooperation Council Region: financial market development, competitiveness, and economic growth”, in M. Drzeniek Hanouz, S. El Diwany, and T. Yousef (eds), World Economic Forum—The Arab World Competitiveness Report 2007 (Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 2007), pp. 41-51. Link: http://belfercenter.ksg.harvard.edu/files/AWCR%204.pdf. Zeinab Karake-Shalhoub, “Private Equity, Islamic Finance, and Sovereign Wealth Funds in the MENA Region”, Thunderbird International Business Review, 50, 6, 2008, 359- 368. Link: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/tie.20223/abstract.
8 Week 8: Leadership and Human Resource Management in the Region Readings: Fida Afiouni, Charlotte M. Karam, and Hussein El-Hajj, “The HR value proposition model in the Arab Middle East: identifying the contours of an Arab Middle Eastern HR model”, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 24, 10, 2013, pp. 1895-1932, DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2012.722559. Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2012.722559. Mahmoud Elgamal, “The Direct and Mediating Effects of Transactional and Transformational Leadership: A Comparative Approach”, in Kip Becker (ed.), Islam and Business: Cross-Cultural and Cross-National Perspectives (Binghamton: IBP, 2004), pp. 149-169. Also Recommended: Dianne Bealer and Ramudu Bhanugopan, “Transactional and transformational leadership behaviour of expatriate and national managers in the UAE: A Crosscultural Comparative Analysis”, The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 25, 2, 2014, pp. 293-316. DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2013.826914. Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09585192.2013.826914. Beverly Dawn Metcalfe, “Women, Management and Globalization in the Middle East”, Journal of Business Ethics, 83, 2008, pp. 85-100. Kamel Mellahi, “The effect of regulations on HRM: private sector firms in Saudi Arabia”, International Journal of Human Resource Management, 18, 1, 2007, pp. 85-99. Shay Tzafrir et al, “HRM in Israel: new challenges”, International Journal of Human Resource Management, 18, 1, 2007, pp. 114-131.
9 Week 9: Business Operations in the Middle East Readings: Fadi Majdalani, Ulrich Koegler, and Simon Kuge, “Middle East Transport and Logistics at a Crossroads”, Booz & Company, 2008. Link: http://www.strategyand.pwc.com/media/file/MiddleEast-Transport-Logistics.pdf. Google and Bain & Company, "E-Commerce in MENA: Opportunity Beyond the Hype," (2019) 1-27. Link: https://www.bain.com/insights/ecommerce-in-MENA-opportunity-beyond-the-hype/. Look at the marketing and sales advice online provided by the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) (http://www.austrade.gov.au/Country/default.aspx) and the US Department of State’s Country Commercial Guidelines (http://www.buyusainfo.net/z_body.cfm?dbf=ccg1%2Cbmr11%2Cmrsearch1&search_type2=int&avar=19999®ion=Middle%20East&logic=and&loadnav=no) and consider some specifics of key countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, etc Also Recommended: Sadiq Sohail and Nasser Shaikh, “Internet Banking and Quality of Service: Perspectives from a developing nation in the Middle East”, Online Information Review, 32, 1, 2008, pp. 58-72. Link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/194504340/E2F3F90F80184126PQ/5?accountid=8330. Aamir A. Rehman, Dubai & Co.: Global Strategies for Doing Business in the Gulf States (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2008), Ch. 6, pp. 159-183. Mubeen Aslam, “Are You Selling the Right Colour? A Cross-Cultural Review of Colour as a Marketing Cue”, Journal of Marketing Communications, 12, 1, 2006, pp. 15-30. Jamal Al-Katib et al, “Inter-country differences of consumer ethics in Arab countries”, International Business Review, 14, 4, 2005, pp. 495-516. Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0969593105000478. Morris Kalliny and Salma Ghanem, “The Role of the Advertising Agency in the Cultural Message Content of Advertisements: A Comparison of the Middle East and the United States”, Journal of Global Marketing, 22, 4, 2009, pp. 313-328. DOI: 10.1080/08911760903022549. Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08911760903022549. S. Zaharna, “Understanding Cultural Preferences of Arab Communication Patterns”, Public Relations Review, 21, 3, 1995, pp. 241-255. Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0363811195900241. Sangeeta Ramarapu et al, “Choosing Between Globalization and Localization as a Strategic Thrust for your International Marketing Effort”, Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice, 7, 2, 1999, pp. 97-105.
10 Week 10: Business in Crisis: Managing public relations, scandals, and corruption issues in the Middle East Readings: Norman N. Bishara, "Governance and Corruption Constraints in the Middle East: Overcoming the Business Ethics Glass Ceiling," American Business Law Journal 48:2 (2011) 227-283. Mohamed Kirat, “Public relations practice in the Arab World: A critical assessment”, Public Relations Review, 31:3 (2005) 323-332. Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0363811105000925. Yazan Doughan, "Corruption in the Middle East and the Limits of Conventional Approaches," German Institute of Global and Area Studies (September 2017) 1-10. Also Recommended: Ganga S Dhanesh and Gaelle P. Duthler, "Public Relations in the Middle East: Editorial Introduction," Journal of Public Relations Research (2019) 71-83. Kate Gillespie, “The Middle East’s Corruption Conundrum”,Current History, January 2006, pp. 40-46. Mamoun Fandy, “Information technology, trust, and social change in the Arab world”,The Middle East Journal, 54, 3, 2000, pp. 379-394. Ali Rizk, “Future of public relations in United Arab Emirates institutions”, Public Relations Review, 31, 2005, pp. 389-398.
11 Week 11: The Arab Spring, the Gulf Crisis, and the Future of Business in Middle East Readings: Additional readings to be advised closer to Week 11, discussing current events in the region. Ryan, Curtis R., “Inter-Arab Relations and the Regional System” in Mark Lynch (ed) The Arab Uprisings Explained: New Contentious Politics in the Middle East (New York: Columbia University Press, 2014), pp. 110 - 123. Also Recommended: Ibrahim Saif, Challenges of Egypt’s Economic Transition (Washington: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, November 2011), online at http://carnegieendowment.org/files/egypt_econ_transition.pdf. Jean-Francois Seznec, “The Gulf Sovereign Wealth Funds: Myths and Reality”, Middle East Policy, 15,2, 2008, pp. 97-110. Link: http://search.proquest.com/docview/203665879/286EA77C0D8549A9PQ/8?accountid=8330. Sinan Ãœlgen, Nathan J. Brown, Marina Ottaway, and Paul Salem, The Emerging Order in the Middle East (Washington: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, May 2012), online at http://www.carnegieendowment.org/files/middle_east_order1.pdf.
12 Week 12: Emerging Trends in Business in the Middle East and course-wrap up. The course convenor may set required readings for this week as required; these will be posted on Wattle in advance of week 12. Otherwise, the week is focused on exam preparation and revision of course material. Final takehome examination held during the Sem 1 Examination period

Tutorial Registration

This course will use 'dual delivery' for the tutorial(s), allow both on-campus and off-campus students to engage with each other, and the teaching staff.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task Value Due Date Return of assessment Learning Outcomes
Group Presentation 10 % * * 1,2,3,4
Response papers 18 % 02/03/2022 14/03/2022 1,2,3,4
Mid-Semester Online Timed Test 30 % * * 1,2,3,4
Final Takehome Examination 42 % * * 1,2,3,4

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines, which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Misconduct Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website Students may choose not to submit assessment items through Turnitin. In this instance you will be required to submit, alongside the assessment item itself, hard copies of all references included in the assessment item.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Participation is expected in all classes and assessment. Lectures will be pre-recorded and made available on Echo360 and Wattle; and tutorials will be carried out face-to face.

Examination(s)

The Mid-Semester Online Test will be held during the Semester 1 2022 mid-semester examination period in Weeks 6-7.

The Final Takehome Examination will be held during the Semester 1 2022 Final Examination period.

For examinations: More information on examination reflecting hybrid mode will be made available on Wattle at least 2 weeks before the examination period. Additional examination information will be available on https://exams.anu.edu.au/timetable/ 

Assessment Task 1

Value: 10 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Group Presentation

In Week 1, or later as necessary, students will be put into groups (number in each group determined by course convenor depending on student enrolment) and assigned a week in which to present. Each group will deliver a brief workshop presentation during a time set with the course convenor for a set week and on a topic relevant to that weeks' material (agreed upon at least one week in advance with the convenor). Presentations may be recorded.

Each group should make a presentation at an agreed lecture:

  • The topic, format and style should be agreed with the course convenor at least one week in advance. The topic may be drawn from one of the questions posed for the week, or it may be a summary or contrast of one or more of the week’s readings, or it may take another form as agreed with the convenor.
  • The presentation must incorporate discussion of a real-world example of business in the Middle East (for example, a particular company's experience, a specific regulation change in a particular country, etc). Further advice on this will be provided in class.
  • Presentations should be of 10-20 minutes’ duration in total (5 minutes per group member, so presentation length will vary according to number of group members)
  • All members of a team should play a role in the presentation

Each student is given a mark out of 10% for Assessment Task 1.

  • The presentation mark is based on a mark out of 5% for the team overall (i.e. this mark is shared by all team members) and a mark out of 5% for the team member individually.
  • The presentation mark is based on how fully and cleverly the topic is addressed or the question answered, the analytical quality and sophistication of the content, the effort that is evidenced to have gone into the presentation, and the clarity, precision, and engagement of the delivery.


Due dates: group presentations will occur between week 3-5 and 7-12 and will vary according to the schedule determined in week 1.

Feedback: Oral feedback will be available upon request within approximately one week of the presentation.

Note: extension for this assessment item is not applicable, and thus won't be approved, as it is assessed on group basis.

Assessment Task 2

Value: 18 %
Due Date: 02/03/2022
Return of Assessment: 14/03/2022
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Response papers

Each student is to submit nine response papers over the course of the semester:

  • The first response paper will be due at 10am on Wednesday 2 March.
  • Subsequent papers must be submitted via Turnitin by 10am on Wednesday for that week except in week 6 (due to the mid-semester exam there is no response paper in week 6)
  • The written paper should be presented in complete sentences, and offer a short response to all the readings for that week. It is not a summary of the readings but rather an analytical response to them – for example by answering one of the weekly questions posted on Wattle.
  • Guidance and examples on this assessment will be presented in the week 1 lecture. Comments on the first paper will also be directed to guide students on acceptable style, quality & depth expected in subsequent papers.
  • The paper should be 300 words (with 10% leeway and not including referencing). Any portion in excess of the word limit will not be read and marked.
  • Students who enrol late or have extenuating circumstances should contact the Course Convener to discuss alternative assessment arrangements.


Assessment Task 2 will count for 18% of the final course mark/grade.

  • Each response paper will count for 2% of the final course mark/grade, so 18% in total with nine papers.
  • Written feedback will be provided via Wattle on the first response paper approximately one week after submission. The mark for the written paper is based on how fully the topic is addressed or the question answered, the analytical quality and sophistication of the content, the effort that is evidenced to have gone into it, and the technical quality of the paper. The following papers will be marked but no written comments provided.


All students will receive written feedback on the first response paper via Wattle by the end of week 4.


Note: late submission and extensions for this assessment item are not permitted.

Assessment Task 3

Value: 30 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Mid-Semester Online Timed Test

The mid-semester online timed test will be held during the mid-semester examination period (weeks 6-7). Specific details on the exam date will be available via the ANU examination timetable closer to commencement of the mid-semester exam period.


The examination:

  • Will be a 90-minute (1 hour and 30 minute) test. The exam questions will be posted on Wattle at the beginning of the exam time; your response must be submitted via the Turnitin link on Wattle within 105 minutes. This allows for 90 minutes of writing time, and 15 minutes to download the questions and upload your response. There is only one sitting permitted for this assessment.
  • Will consist of different types of questions, e.g. short answer questions, medium length answer questions, essay questions, scenarios or case studies, etc.
  • It will cover material from the first five weeks of the course: e.g. readings, lectures, videos, content from group activities, guest lectures, etc.


The mid-semester exam will count for 30% of the final course mark/grade. It will be marked on the basis of the following:

  • How accurately and fully the questions are answered, relative to the expected length and level of detail of the response. It is impossible to obtain a good mark without meeting this criterion.
  • The strength and clarity of any argument, analysis or assessment required in the question and/or accuracy of the points made in support thereof (this criterion will depend on the actual format of the exam).
  • The originality and insightfulness shown in some questions, as applicable.
  • Technical quality is a lesser criterion, but responses should be written in complete sentences and regular grammatical and writing conventions followed.
  • Written feedback will be provided on the paper within approximately 2 weeks of submission.


Full details about the content, format, and style of the examination, and some hints on the types of questions and topics to expect, will be provided in the week 5 tutorials and lecture. Past examination papers are not available for this assessment, however the Convenor will include practice questions throughout the lectures over the course of the first five weeks of semester.

Assessment Task 4

Value: 42 %
Learning Outcomes: 1,2,3,4

Final Takehome Examination

The final examination will be scheduled during the final examination period. The final examination:

  • Will be a 24 hour takehome exam. The exam questions will be posted on Wattle at the beginning of the exam time; your response must be submitted via the Turnitin link on Wattle within 24 hours (this includes time for uploading your document).
  • Will consist of different types of questions, e.g. short answer questions, medium length answer questions, essay questions, scenarios or case studies, etc.
  • It will cover material from across the entire course: e.g. readings, lectures, films, tutorial discussions, content from group activities, guest lectures, etc.

The final examination will be marked on the basis of the following:

  • How accurately and fully the questions are answered, relative to the expected length and level of detail of the response. It is impossible to obtain a good mark without meeting this criterion.
  • The strength and clarity of any argument, analysis or assessment required in the question and/or accuracy of the points made in support thereof (this criterion will depend on the actual format of the exam).
  • The originality and insightfulness shown in some questions, as applicable.
  • Technical quality is not a criterion, but exams must be legible.


Full details about the content, format, and style of the examination, and some hints on the types of questions and topics to expect, will be provided in the lectures and tutorials from week 10 onwards.


The final examination will count for 42% of the final course mark/grade. No written feedback will be provided on the final examination, but marked examination script books/Turnitin will be available for students after results are released, in accordance with ANU policy.


The Final Examination will be held during the semester 1 2022 examination period. Specific details of the exam date will be available via the ANU examination timetable closer to commencement of the examination period. Past examination papers are not available for this assessment, however the Convenor will include practice questions throughout the lectures over the course of the semester.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of our culture as a community of scholars. At its heart, academic integrity is about behaving ethically. This means that all members of the community commit to honest and responsible scholarly practice and to upholding these values with respect and fairness. The Australian National University commits to embedding the values of academic integrity in our teaching and learning. We ensure that all members of our community understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. The ANU expects staff and students to uphold high standards of academic integrity and act ethically and honestly, to ensure the quality and value of the qualification that you will graduate with. The University has policies and procedures in place to promote academic integrity and manage academic misconduct. Visit the following Academic honesty & plagiarism website for more information about academic integrity and what the ANU considers academic misconduct. The ANU offers a number of services to assist students with their assignments, examinations, and other learning activities. The Academic Skills and Learning Centre offers a number of workshops and seminars that you may find useful for your studies.

Online Submission

The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

No submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date will be permitted. If an assessment task is not submitted by the due date and time, a mark of 0 will be awarded.


All requests for extensions to assessment in RSM courses must be submitted to the RSM School Office with a completed application form and supporting documentation. The RSM Extension Application Form and further information on this process can be found at https://www.rsm.anu.edu.au/education/education-programs/notices-for-students/extension-application-procedure/

Referencing Requirements

Accepted academic practice for referencing sources that you use in presentations can be found via the links on the Wattle site, under the file named “ANU and College Policies, Program Information, Student Support Services and Assessment”. Alternatively, you can seek help through the Students Learning Development website.

Returning Assignments

Written comments on the response papers and mid-semester examination will be returned via Turnitin. Oral comments on the presentation will be available upon request. All grade marks will be uploaded to Wattle gradebook.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure The Course Convener may grant extensions for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

There is no scope for resubmission of assignments in this course.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information. In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service — including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy. If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes. Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).
Jessie Moritz
61254982
jessie.moritz@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


The political economy of the Middle East; Energy Security; entrepreneurship and development policy in the Middle East; political mobilisation, conflict, and economic inequality in the Middle East; country interests in particular in the Gulf states, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Libya.

Jessie Moritz

Wednesday 15:00 17:00
Wednesday 15:00 17:00
Jessie Moritz
61254982
jessie.moritz@anu.edu.au

Research Interests


Jessie Moritz

Wednesday 15:00 17:00
Wednesday 15:00 17:00

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