Whom to please: the government or the company? A case study of Ayla Hotels and Resorts in Djibouti, East Africa

Abstract

Subject area International Business Management, Global Business Strategy and Human Resource Management Study level/applicability This case is suitable for Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, specifically in human resources management, business strategy and international business management courses. Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to figure out the appropriate staffing approaches for the foreign investment projects; to understand the challenges that companies face when they expand in the foreign market; to understand the different foreign markets entry modes. Case overview/synopsis The Nayel and Bin Harmal Investment Co. LCC. is an experienced company that owns a hotel chain with three properties in the UAE. In 2011, it decided to invest in Africa and build a new hotel – Ayla Djibouti Hotel – in Djibouti. The hotel’s construction is nearly complete. This has urged Bashar Al Tamimi to begin devising a staffing strategy for the hotel. Of particular concern is Djibouti’s lack of manpower with hospitality qualifications and expertise. Consequently, Al Tamimi must grapple with some difficult questions: Should he hire staff with the appropriate international hospitality experience? Or should NBHI invest in the human capital in Djibouti and train Djiboutian people to operate the hotel? Which strategy or approach will lead to the most successful and profit-making outcome for Ayla Djibouti Complexity academic level This case is suitable for Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) program, specifically in human resources management, business strategy and international business management courses. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 5: International Business.