MBA Capstone Research & Writing Support Needed — Islamic Banking Market Entry Strategy
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Project Overview
I am an Executive MBA candidate at a top-tier international business school and need research and analytical support for my Capstone project. The project focuses on developing a market entry strategy for an Islamic bank looking to expand into the GCC region, with a specific focus on the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) segment.
This is a live, deadline-driven project. The first deliverable is due 28 March 2026, so I need someone who can start immediately.
What I Need Help With
The project spans four blocks of work:
Block 1 — Market & Competitive Analysis
Market sizing for MSME financing in a GCC country, including current lending gap vs. global benchmarks
Competitor benchmarking of major Islamic banks in the region (product offerings, digital platforms, MSME propositions)
Regulatory landscape research: licensing requirements and pathways for a foreign bank entering the market
Block 2 — Strategic Frameworks
CAGE Framework analysis (Cultural, Administrative, Geographic, Economic distance)
Porter's Five Forces for the target banking sector
McKinsey 7S internal readiness assessment
Stakeholder mapping
Block 3 — Solution Design
Business Model Canvas development
Value proposition for Islamic trade finance and working capital products tailored to MSMEs
Digital-first go-to-market strategy
Fintech partnership landscape in the target market
Block 4 — Financial Modelling & Execution Plan
5-year financial projections with optimistic, base, and pessimistic scenarios
Phased implementation roadmap
Risk analysis and stress testing
Immediate Deliverable (Due 28 March 2026)
Before the full report, I need help completing an Interim Report / Backbone — a structured checklist (not a narrative) of all analysis points and topics to be covered. This is a 2-3 page working document that maps out the full research and analytical roadmap. This is the most urgent piece.
Ideal Candidate
Background in management consulting, strategy, or financial services research
Familiarity with Islamic banking, GCC markets, or MSME finance
Strong command of MBA-level frameworks (Porter's, CAGE, BMC, 7S)
Ability to write clean, structured, professional business documents
Quantitative skills for financial modelling
Prior experience supporting MBA/EMBA Capstone or dissertation projects is a strong plus
Important Notes
An NDA will be required before sharing project details
The company name and specific market will be disclosed only after NDA signing
This engagement supports research and structuring; the strategic thinking and final judgment remain mine
Please share relevant samples of prior work and confirm your availability before 28 March 2026
To Apply, Please Send:
Brief overview of your relevant experience
Your proposed approach to the Interim Report
Work samples (strategy reports, research documents, or similar)
Your proposed fee and engagement model
Confirmation of immediate availability
I am an Executive MBA candidate at a top-tier international business school and need research and analytical support for my Capstone project. The project focuses on developing a market entry strategy for an Islamic bank looking to expand into the GCC region, with a specific focus on the MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise) segment.
This is a live, deadline-driven project. The first deliverable is due 28 March 2026, so I need someone who can start immediately.
What I Need Help With
The project spans four blocks of work:
Block 1 — Market & Competitive Analysis
Market sizing for MSME financing in a GCC country, including current lending gap vs. global benchmarks
Competitor benchmarking of major Islamic banks in the region (product offerings, digital platforms, MSME propositions)
Regulatory landscape research: licensing requirements and pathways for a foreign bank entering the market
Block 2 — Strategic Frameworks
CAGE Framework analysis (Cultural, Administrative, Geographic, Economic distance)
Porter's Five Forces for the target banking sector
McKinsey 7S internal readiness assessment
Stakeholder mapping
Block 3 — Solution Design
Business Model Canvas development
Value proposition for Islamic trade finance and working capital products tailored to MSMEs
Digital-first go-to-market strategy
Fintech partnership landscape in the target market
Block 4 — Financial Modelling & Execution Plan
5-year financial projections with optimistic, base, and pessimistic scenarios
Phased implementation roadmap
Risk analysis and stress testing
Immediate Deliverable (Due 28 March 2026)
Before the full report, I need help completing an Interim Report / Backbone — a structured checklist (not a narrative) of all analysis points and topics to be covered. This is a 2-3 page working document that maps out the full research and analytical roadmap. This is the most urgent piece.
Ideal Candidate
Background in management consulting, strategy, or financial services research
Familiarity with Islamic banking, GCC markets, or MSME finance
Strong command of MBA-level frameworks (Porter's, CAGE, BMC, 7S)
Ability to write clean, structured, professional business documents
Quantitative skills for financial modelling
Prior experience supporting MBA/EMBA Capstone or dissertation projects is a strong plus
Important Notes
An NDA will be required before sharing project details
The company name and specific market will be disclosed only after NDA signing
This engagement supports research and structuring; the strategic thinking and final judgment remain mine
Please share relevant samples of prior work and confirm your availability before 28 March 2026
To Apply, Please Send:
Brief overview of your relevant experience
Your proposed approach to the Interim Report
Work samples (strategy reports, research documents, or similar)
Your proposed fee and engagement model
Confirmation of immediate availability