Professor Gandarilla's Classroom

Exploring Leadership Through Real-World Cases

Welcome to the Case Studies section of our Leadership and Supervision course! This is where we’ll delve into practical scenarios that bring the theories and concepts we discuss in class to life. Each week, you’ll have the opportunity to analyze a unique case, putting yourself in the shoes of leaders and supervisors facing real-world challenges.

Why Case Studies?

CASE STUDY Business team hands at work with financial reports and a laptop

We use case studies in this course for several important reasons:

  • Bridging Theory and Practice: Case studies provide a crucial bridge between theoretical concepts and practical application. By examining how leadership and supervision principles play out in real situations, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of their relevance and impact.
  • Developing Critical Thinking Skills: Analyzing complex scenarios requires critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Working through cases will sharpen your ability to assess situations, identify key issues, evaluate alternatives, and formulate effective solutions.
  • Enhancing Decision-Making Abilities: Leadership and supervision are all about making informed decisions. Case studies offer a safe space to practice making these decisions, exploring different approaches and considering their potential consequences without real-world risks.
  • Fostering Collaboration and Discussion: While you’ll initially analyze cases individually, the online discussions and in-class conversations we have about them will provide opportunities to share perspectives, learn from others, and deepen your understanding through collaborative learning.
  • Building Practical Experience: While not a substitute for actual experience, case studies offer a valuable simulation of real-world leadership and supervision challenges, helping you develop the skills and confidence you’ll need in your future roles.

How to Approach the Cases:

Each week’s case will be posted here and on the school’s learning management system, along with specific questions to guide your analysis. Remember to:

  • Read the case carefully: Pay close attention to the details, context, and key players involved.
  • Identify the central issues: What are the main challenges or opportunities presented in the case?
  • Apply course concepts: Consider how the theories and principles we’ve discussed in class relate to the situation.
  • Formulate well-reasoned responses: Support your answers with evidence from the case and relevant course material.
  • Engage in thoughtful discussion: Share your insights and learn from your classmates’ perspectives.

I encourage you to approach each case with an open mind and a spirit of inquiry. There are often no single “right” answers in case analysis; the value lies in the process of critical thinking, discussion, and learning. We are excited to explore these real-world examples of leadership and supervision with you!