Sample Syllabi
Introduction to Ethical Leadership
Case Study Recommendations
Typically, I like to use Harvard Business Publishing when sourcing my case studies. They have a user friendly interface, and a great catalog of cases. That said, I have also used Ivey Publishing, and they work well too. The Case Centre is more Euro-centric, but I would also highly recommend for good quality cases.
Strategic Management Cases:
Netflix – Building a House of Cards. I use this case to explore competitive advantage early in the course.
Ready-to-Eat Breakfast Cereal Industry in 1994. An older case, but a great case to explore competitor analysis, industry analysis, and private labels.
Merck Sharp & Dohme Argentina, Inc. I like to use this case early in the course to explore the effect of strategy on ethics and organisational culture.
“Do you really think we are so stupid?” A letter to the CEO of Deutsche Telekom. I like this case toward the middle of the course. It does a nice job exploring the effects of turnaround strategy on employee-leader perceptions, and dealing with public relations.
Wolfgang Keller at Konigsbrau-TAK. I have used this case in change management classes as well as strategy classes, and it does a nice job exploring the isses new leaders have in trying to enact strategy. Always yields good discussion.
Organisational Behaviour Cases:
Group Process in the Challenger Launch Decision. Probably my favourite case to explore group dynamics.
BP and the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. Great case to use if you’re exploring organisational culture and catastrophic failure.
Leading Change at Simmons. Good case for exploring the behavioural side of organisational change.
Leadership in Crisis: Ernest Shackleton and the Epic Voyage of the Endurance. Great story and case to explore fairly simple leadership characteristics and ideas.
Mount Everest-1996. Phenomenal case on leadership behaviour and flawed decision making in crisis situations.
United Way: Taking a Public Stance on a Controversial Issue. Basically explores organisations taking a stand on controversial social issues – great for student discussion. I use it in behaviour classes, but could easily be used in strategy classes.
Race to the South Pole. A personal interest, and personal favourite – great case to examine leadership styles.
Other Pedagogical Resources
Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an educational approach where students learn by actively solving real-world problems rather than passively listening to lectures. Here’s a simple summary:
What is Problem-Based Learning?
- Student-Centred: Students take responsibility for their own learning.
- Real-World Problems: Learning is driven by engaging with real-life problems or scenarios.
- Collaborative: Students often work in groups, enhancing teamwork skills.
- Active Learning: Focuses on critical thinking, problem-solving, and application of knowledge.
Why is it Appropriate for Undergraduate Management Classes?
- Practical Experience: Helps students apply theoretical knowledge to real business challenges, preparing them for the workplace.
- Skill Development: Enhances critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills, which are essential in management.
- Engagement: Makes learning more engaging and interesting, leading to better retention and understanding.
- Independent Learning: Encourages students to take initiative and become independent learners, a key trait for future managers.
In summary, PBL is effective in management education because it closely mimics real managerial tasks and helps students develop essential skills through practical, hands-on learning.
If that sounds intersting to you, one of the texts that really helped me as I explored PBL was New Approaches to Problem-Based Learning by Barrett and Moore.
