Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/62913
banking practice. Additionally, most professors lack even a technical knowledge of English, which will be essential if Iraqi universities are going to compete internationally. Our report notes that while the existing curricula in Iraq's colleges of management and economics empha- size finance and banking education, they do not teach the soft skills such as management, leadership, and negotiation that are critical to suc- cess in today's global economy. The existing pedagogical style is nearly entirely instructor-centered—our report recommends that schools adopt a more student-centered pedagogical approach. To assist in these efforts, long-term development grants have been awarded to two AACSB-accredited universities: the University of Dubai in the UAE and Shippensburg University of Pennsyl- vania in the U.S. Finally, Iraqi business schools must do a better job of reaching out to the Iraqi people and the profes- sional business and finance commu- nities. Many Iraqis do not under- stand the importance of the private banking sector and its critical role in intermediation and economic development for Iraq. Implementing change in so many areas will take time. However, Iraqi educators understand that these areas must be improved if they are to move forward. They can do this by partnering with AACSB-accredited universities and by engaging with the AACSB through its workshops and member network. If Iraq's colleges of management and economics are to join the ranks of the leading business programs in the world, it will require a concerted effort on the part of the leadership of the Ministry of Higher Education, AACSB International, education system is essential to accommodate a modern market economy. Investment in Iraq's higher and the universities themselves to bring this plan to fruition. So far, three of the major uni- versities in Iraq, including the University of Baghdad, Al Man- sour University College, and Al Mustansiriya University, have been accepted as members of AACSB International. Established in 1956, the University of Baghdad is Iraq's premier public university, with a total enrollment of 58,379 students; its College of Management and Eco- nomics enrolls some 9,500 students. Established in 1988, Al Mansour University College is the country's oldest private university, with a total enrollment of 2,737 students and 240 students in business-related studies. Al Mustansiriya University, also a public university, was estab- lished in 1968. Its total enrollment stands at 38,247 students, with about 6,923 students in its College of Management and Economics. A Brighter Future Ahead "The Future of the Global Muslim Population," a January 2011 study by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, estimates that Iraq will have a population of 50 million people by 2030. If Iraq is to become a leading economy in the Middle East, it will need a well-educated and competitive workforce. The deans of Iraq's colleges of management and economics know that they have a huge chal- lenge ahead of them. They also understand that they have to move quickly and effectively to reach a higher standard of excellence. What's particularly important is that other universities in the Middle East are interested in seeing Iraq succeed and, consequently, are cooperating with Iraqi schools in that process. When I first came to Iraq, I had no idea just how much interest there is in seeing Iraq emerge again as a premier destination for higher education. I also did not realize just how strongly Iraq's universities wish to play a key role in shaping their country's future. A substantial investment in Iraq's higher education system is essential to accommodate the demands of a modern market economy and to enable young Iraqis to have a pro- ductive and rewarding future. As we have seen recently, so much of the unrest in the Middle East lies in a lack of opportunities for the region's young people. A significant investment in higher education gen- erally, and in business education in particular, is critical. Iraq's colleges of management and economics are anxious to develop their programs through membership in the AACSB. The fact that they recognize the importance of professional accredi- tation in the pursuit of excellence is a step in the right direction. Herbert J. Davis is professor of strategic management and international affairs at George Washington University's School of Business in Washington, D.C. From September 2010 until October 2011 he served as director of the Higher Education Component of USAID's Iraq Financial Development Project. He is the current senior advisor to the project. BizEd May/June 2012 41