SCHOOL of BUSINESS
OFFICE OF THE DEAN
Welcome to the School of Business at MacEwan University!
As Dean, it brings me great pleasure to extend a warm greeting to all students, faculty, staff and partners as we embark on a journey of excellence together. At the heart of our mission lies a commitment to fostering teaching greatness and scholarly pursuits, cultivating culturally aware business professionals who enable organizations to thrive.
Aligned with the strategic directions of MacEwan University, we are dedicated to energizing the university's commitment to exceptional undergraduate learning. We strive to create transformative educational experiences that equip our students with the knowledge, skills and mindset to excel in their chosen fields from their first day on the job.
We provide students with all the opportunities larger schools offer in a setting where you are more than just a number. Whether it is through the variety of majors and minors we offer, our Professional Development Initiative events, the opportunity to develop your business idea with mentoring from our Entrepreneur-in-Residence, cooperative education or study abroad opportunities, we are committed to providing diverse pathways for our students to explore, learn and grow in a challenging yet supportive environment.
Our programs are flexible in that we meet students where they are, ensuring that their educational journey is tailored to accommodate their individual needs and aspirations. One example is our diploma laddering opportunity. All of our diploma programs ladder into the Bachelor of Commerce program, allowing students to enter the workforce, knowing that some of their courses will count towards earning a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Faculty and staff are dedicated to preparing university graduates who are versatile and future-ready. We design our courses not only to impart technical proficiency but also to foster critical thinking, adaptability and a global perspective, thereby enabling our graduates to flourish in an increasingly intricate and interconnected world.
The School of Business is on the move. Through the generosity of the Alberta government, we broke ground for a new School of Business scheduled to open in January 2027. Our new building will have collaboration spaces that facilitate innovation that will help Alberta’s economy grow, and you can be a part of it through the opportunities we offer, such as MacEwan Ventures and projects we have with our community partners.
As a part of the School of Business community, you are a catalyst for change. We shape Alberta’s future through innovative research, industry partnerships and community engagement, actively contributing to our region's economic and social development while driving progress.
Furthermore, we are committed to strengthening the value the business school adds to the community through scholarly pursuits, and you can be a part of it. Our faculty and students are at the forefront of innovative research and thought leadership, that shapes discourse in their respective fields. Indeed, our Maria T. Schneider Social Innovation Institute fosters and nurtures scholars engaging in community-based, impact-focused research addressing societal issues.
Whether you are a prospective student or a valued partner, I personally invite you to join us on this journey of exploration, discovery and transformation. We are here to support you every step of the way as we embrace the spirit of teaching excellence and innovation, fostering a brighter future and prosperity for all.
Dr. Richard Perlow, Dean, School of Business, MacEwan University
Deans
Dr. Richard Perlow
Dean, School of Business
780-497-5204
perlowr@macewan.ca
Dr. Richard Perlow has over two decades of experience in higher education. Before joining MacEwan as the Dean of the School of Business, Dr. Perlow worked at the University of Lethbridge in the Dhillon School of Business where he taught courses in human resource management and organizational behaviour. From 2006 to 2015 he served as the School’s associate dean. Dr. Perlow has also held appointments at the University of Manitoba, Clemson University, and Auburn University.
Dr. Perlow has taught courses at the undergraduate, MBA, and doctoral level. His teaching interests are in human resource management and organizational behaviour topics such as staffing, training, and job performance. He has applied experience in job analysis, recruiting, selection, training, and performance management.
Dr. Perlow's research interests include personality and other individual differences in performance, counterproductive behaviour, and employment discrimination. He has published his research in journals such the Journal of Applied Psychology, Journal of Business and Psychology, and Human Performance.
Dr. Mike Annett, PhD (Alberta)
Associate Dean
Associate Professor, Management and Organizations
780-497-5369
annettm3@macewan.ca
Dr. Ali Taleb
Associate Dean
Associate Professor, Department of International Business, Marketing, Strategy and Law
780-633-3546
taleba@macewan.ca
Dr. Ali Taleb joined MacEwan University in 2012 and became Associate Dean of the School of Business in July 2021. His current areas of responsibility are research, international and outreach. Prior to his appointment as Associate Dean, he was Associate Professor with teaching and research interests in strategic management, international business, sustainability and corporate citizenship, and critical thinking.
His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as the International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management, Journal of African Business, and International Journal of Business and Emerging Markets. He has also co-edited and co-authored several research books, textbooks, and case studies. In 2018, he received the Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Author Contribution. He was also recognized as Best Seller Case Author by Ivey Publishing the same year.
Dr. Taleb is currently a Board Director at Net Impact Professional, Edmonton, and a member of the International Advisory Board of the School of Business at Woxsen University, Hyderabad, India. In recent years, he served as the Chair of the Strategy Division of the Administrative Sciences Association of Canada, and the Chair of the Online Teaching Resources Committee of the International Management Division, Academy of Management.
Dr. Taleb’s research and teaching are shaped by his extensive international exposure and practical business experience in senior management roles as well as in management consultancy across Africa, Europe and North America. His formal education included a PhD in International and Strategic Management (HEC Montreal, Canada), an MBA in General Management (Ivey Business School, Canada), and an M.Sc. in Telematics (University of Paris, France).