Title: Business survival in conflict zones: the case of bureau Veritas in Iraq

Authors: Wael Kaadan; Nicholas Harkiolakis

Addresses: École des Ponts, 77 rue de Miromesnil 75008 Paris, France ' École des Ponts, 77 rue de Miromesnil 75008 Paris, France

Abstract: This case study follows the decision-making process of a senior manager working in a conflict zone. It aims to help teach risk management to students in post-graduate classes. The protagonist has to ensure the continuity of the organisation he manages, in a country struggling with successive crises. In this case of a business struggling to survive, the protagonist is an expatriate working in an international company operating in Iraq. In making a decision about the future of the business, he has to mitigate the dangers associated with the unique business environment. The geopolitical scene in Iraq, which may share some similarities with other regions in the world, offers a unique and challenging context. The protagonist has to deal with multiple risks, from local competition and security issues to, finally, making strategic decisions related to maintaining business continuity. This study adds to the research field of businesses operating in conflict zones.

Keywords: risk management; business survival; quality control; government programs; chain of decisions; opportunity identification; Iraq; Kurdistan.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2022.130348

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2022 Vol.13 No.4, pp.359 - 378

Received: 21 Dec 2022
Accepted: 28 Dec 2022
Published online: 17 Apr 2023 *

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