Accelerated Real Estate MBA

The goal of the program is to educate interested private- and public citizens in real estate development and management. The AMBA-RED will equip graduates with the knowledge, analytical tools, techniques, and management skills necessary to assess, appraise, evaluate, and develop real estate in the Kingdom at large.

Classes

MBR 511: Communication

This course prepares business students for this by exposing them to a three-step process of problem solving in which they critically analyze the problem, and then communicate their analysis both in writing and orally

MBR 512: Ethics

This course will explore the relationship between law and ethics, will examine the generally accepted theoretical principles associated with doing business ethically. The course will examine practical ethical issues associated with various facets of the real estate business.

MBR 513: Real Estate Law

Real Estate Law focuses on the Saudi legal system as it relates to the buying, selling, and financing of real property. In addition to traditional text material, the analysis of court cases where available is used to detail the legal factors of ownership rights and liabilities, specific interests in real property, contracting issues related to the purchase and sale of real property, as well as financing and closing the real estate transaction. The course provides a problem-solving experience, which is intended to develop graduate students' critical thinking process as well as their skills in oral and written communication. In addition, the course surveys real estate law in the European Union.

MBR 514: Research Methods and Statistical Analysis

This course aims to familiarize the student with Management Science tools for business systems analysis and improvement. The coverage includes linear and integer programming models, project management, simulation, queuing, and decision analysis. Some widely used software is illustrated through examples and case studies derived from business applications

MBR 515: Corporate Strategy And Organizational Management

This course focuses on the perspective and skills of the general manager. Its purpose is to provide practice in diagnosing and identifying realistic solutions to complex strategic and organizational problems. The course provides an opportunity to integrate various functional areas by providing a total business perspective. Since the course focus is on pragmatic, action-oriented general management skills relevant to the real estate market, the course is taught primarily through the case method and requires both written analyses and case presentations

MBR 521: Real Estate Finance

This course covers the debt and equity financing of real estate with particular emphasis on income-producing property. It identifies and explains the legal instruments involved in mortgage underwriting and lending; the role of government in the financing of commercial and residential real estate; sources of both private and public debt and equity capital, and the financing of real estate construction and development activity. The course analyzes income property cash flows, the valuation of property, the measurement of investment returns and the impact of debt leverage.

MBR 522: Advanced Real Estate Finance in the Saudi Market

This course is designed to advance students' knowledge of the industry leading data and software required to succeed in real estate development and finance. Drawing on tools from various sources, the class illustrates use of the programs in the context of solving real estate development and finance problems.

MBR 523: Real Estate Asset Management/Real Estate Investment

This course introduces the principles of real estate investment from the perspective of an external asset manager/investor. It focuses on the principles and theories of investment; real estate as an asset class; and the role of real estate within a portfolio context. The key theories that shape the investment universe are introduced and then applied, using real estate data, to solve a simulated portfolio management task.

MBR 524: Urban/Real Estate Economics

This course aims to provide students with a theoretical and empirical understanding of urban economic processes and price determination in land and real property markets within an institutional context. Examples of topics covered include: the functioning of cities and the urban system; the determinants of urban structure; patterns of urban land use; the determinants of urban growth - theory and evidence; land and real property markets; the impact of land market regulation including the economic impact of land use planning; local public finance and house price capitalisation; real estate cycles; homeownership; housing policies.

MBR 526: Commercial Real Estate Investment & Market Analysis

This course focuses on the unique aspects of three commercial market segments: industrial, retail, and office. Gain an in-depth understanding of topics related to market analysis, site selection, the planning and construction process, marketing to commercial tenants, and long-term development strategies

MBR 531: Real Estate Risk Analysis

The course will teach methods of identifying and analyzing different dimensions of risk related to real estate. These risks include but are not limited to operational risk, leasing assumptions and rollover risk, development risk (construction, financing and legal), overall market risk, credit risk, prepayment risk, and liquidity risk

MBR 534: Real Estate Valuation

This course focuses on the theory and practice of real property valuation beginning with fundamental concepts of real estate appraisal, then gaining practical experience by completing various appraisal projects. All modern methods of appraisal are considered, including investment perspectives and risk considerations.

MBR 541: Negotiations

Negotiations are central to most decisions made about a real estate asset starting from the original acquisition agreement to the lease agreement, operations and management, as well as disposition. These negotiations often present ethical dilemmas for the parties involved. This course explores the science and art of negotiation with “science” learned largely through readings and discussions, and “art” learned through experience gained in simulated real estate negotiations in which students examine the ethical dilemmas facing various parties to a transaction.

MBR 542: Property Management

This course provides an overview of various levels of real-estate management, including property management, asset management and portfolio management. It examines how managers of real estate assets help owners achieve their goals and enhance the value of their investments. Topics include: owner/tenant relations, marketing and leasing strategies, budgeting and reporting, management of improvement projects, maintenance, compliances and risk management. This course also compares the management of residential and non-residential properties (e.g. office, industrial and retail).

MBR 543: Land Development

This course focuses on the process of development, from project inception, site assessment and initial design through to planning, implementation and scheme disposal. We will critically consider the interrelationship of the property market, the built form and planning and environmental regulation as different land uses compete with each other for the available supply of resources, to meet the need for both built estate and green space in urban areas.

MBR 544: Real Estate Development Principles

This course provides a step-by-step analysis of the phases involved in the real estate development process, including original product conceptualization based on market research, site acquisition, entitlement process and strategies, financing and marketing (lease-up or sale) of the property with the goal of creating net positive value. Leadership, management and control of the development teams are highlighted along with emphasis on overcoming the myriad land use regulations and hurdles in a given location. Metropolitan development patterns and planning agencies, transportation and environmental issues are also discussed. The course culminates in a real-life project and its presentation.

MBR 551: Urban Design & Land Planning

As developers and designers, students need to understand: the development process, program, how development teams work, what makes good design and how it adds value, and how to propose a feasible, innovative project from multiple constraints. Students will learn how to gather and evaluate market, construction, and environmental data to inform design choices; evaluate the physical, market, and public policy constraints of a given site; apply best practices of redevelopment; advance innovative design solutions, and communicate their development proposal to a professional audience

MBR 552: Due Diligence & Appraisal

This course will introduce students to the theoretical concepts and analytical techniques used to make a decision to purchase an ownership interest in a commercial real estate project. There is heavy reliance on Excel applications. The course also covers associated with due diligence once the decision has been made to invest in a specific real estate project.

MBR 561: Real Estate Feasibility Analysis

This is a project-based course involving several real-life cases. For example, finding a site for a new concept urban grocer, determining site values using land residual techniques, re-using a retail big box, and proposing the best use for a development site. Student teams perform a comprehensive analysis to assess the feasibility of various concepts and best strategies. Key components may include conducting market analysis, reviewing the entitlement requirements/challenges, designing the site layout, estimating construction and site costs, performing a pro forma budget for both construction and stabilized occupancy. Students also spend time evaluating risks in the development process, and pricing, managing and/or mitigating such risks.

MBR 563: Real Estate Capstone Project

In this course, the student will conduct an original investigation in order to acquire new knowledge and analyze a potential real estate investment opportunity. The primary goal of this research class is to deepen your personal understanding of a particular topic or issue in real estate development. A key secondary goal is to help address a practical aim or objective of a potential client.