Master Of Business Administration Research Articles

The potential of virtual internships for management education: capturing student journey through experiential learning

PurposeThe study aimed to capture student experience during virtual internships by identifying the facilitators and barriers during their experiential learning journey. The students were pursuing their Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) program at a business school in India. The authors shed light on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the current education system, specifically experiential learning through virtual internships.Design/methodology/approachAbout 38 Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from July to September 2022 with the students of a business school located in Pune, India. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to generate new themes for ascertaining the facilitators and barriers to virtual internships. Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis was undertaken to analyze the lived experiences of the respondents.FindingsStudents viewed virtual internships positively in terms of mentor support, active learning, flexibility, and an easy onboarding process. Poor work-life balance, lack of peer learning and infrastructure issues were some of the barriers/challenges faced by the students.Practical implicationsThe study discusses various managerial and administrative implications. The findings help educationists design effective pedagogy by drawing insights from constructivist learning theory, where students' active role during virtual internships must be given primary attention. Corrective measures in the pedagogy can be taken while designing a virtual internship, considering the barriers found in this study.Originality/valueThe themes identified in the study are a novel contribution to the growing body of knowledge on virtual experiential learning. The study empirically captures student experience regarding a relatively new phenomenon of virtual internships, which is the uniqueness of this paper.

Exploring a Masters of Business Administration's Impact on Surgical Subspecialists.

As healthcare evolves, more physicians are taking on administrative roles and pursuing additional graduate education, particularly obtaining a Master's in Business Administration (MBA.) To facilitate a better understanding of these practitioners, we conducted a comparative study of MD/MBA clinicians in multiple surgical fields. This study aims to compare clinicians with MD/MBAs across multiple surgical subspecialties. Reported metrics include demographics, MBA program structure, salary changes, and professional pursuits. Nine studies were obtained from the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Four studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The majority of MD/MBA degree holders in plastic surgery (95%), orthopedic surgery (89-96%), and ophthalmology (80%) are male. Ophthalmology (37%) demonstrates the highest number of subjects obtaining an MBA via a synchronous MD/MBA. Most clinicians return to clinical practice after degree completion and show high levels of non-clinical pursuits after receiving their MBAs. Though there appear to be differences across surgical subspecialties regarding how an MBA is applied, most maintain clinical duties. Of those that do not, the largest portion transition to administrative duties, consulting, entrepreneurial endeavors, or other professional opportunities. Despite the financial ambiguity of an MBA, physicians value the transformative experience it offers.

A TRACER STUDY ON BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GRADUATES FROM ACADEMIC YEAR 2019 TO 2023

This study aimed to assess the employment rates and employability status of graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Financial Management program at Kapalong College of Agriculture, Sciences, and Technology from 2019 to 2023. It also examined graduates attitudes towards work, the quality of education provided by the institution, and their skills development. Using a descriptive research method, a total of 587 respondents participated in an online survey conducted through Google Forms. Findings revealed that 88.17% of financial management graduates were employed, with 52.07% working in job-related professions such as credit & collection assistant, entrepreneur, cashier, auditor, bookkeeper, inventory personnel, accounting staff, and account officer. Additionally, 30.77% were employed in non-related fields including office-based clerk, government employee, sales agent/specialist/representative, call center agent, marketing specialist, technical staff, and photographer. Among the employed graduates, 37% held regular positions, 33% were on job order, 16% worked on a contractual basis, 8% were casual employees, and 6% were self-employed. Furthermore, only 0.85% pursued a Master in Business Administration, while 4.26% became teacher education unit earners. The study found that graduates consistently exhibited very high levels of attitude towards work, quality education provisions, and skills development. However, computer and ICT skills received the lowest mean score, suggesting a need for the program to offer practical training sessions, workshops, or laboratory sessions to enhance students proficiency in these areas. Providing opportunities for students to practice using computer software and applications in simulated business environments or real-world projects is recommended.

A market driven identification of current and emerging skills requiring an MBA degree: a topic modelling approach

ABSTRACT The emerging field of Labour Market Intelligence focuses on extracting real-time information for professional skills. Online job posting websites provide unique opportunities to gather such intelligence, useful for job seekers and academic administrators in charge of preparing the future labour force. We propose a probabilistic topic modelling approach, incorporating occupational ontologies, to extract skillsets required for jobs needing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. Analysing LinkedIn job postings in Pennsylvania, USA, we identified 28 job functions and associated skillsets confirming known demands and revealing new ones not yet identified in government and private labour market reports. By aggregating these skills, we can align MBA curricula with market needs, offering a superior alternative to conventional surveys. Our results are comparable with other popular neural models. Our approach provides improved computational efficiency with simpler methods Additionally, this methodology can be applied globally in other fields with existing occupational ontologies.

Varieties of engagement: Japanese corporate leaders’ strategic relations with foreign shareholders and institutional change

PurposeApplying the concept of “entrepreneur managers” from dynamic capabilities theory to the question of how some Japanese managers develop and use their relationships with foreign investors, this article explores organizational contexts in which Japanese managers use foreign shareholders as resources to enhance firm capabilities in the global marketplace, deploy assets effectively and implement changes to traditional organizational customs. The article asks why and how some top managers implemented institutional changes and adopted customs that are common in the shareholder-based system while others did not.Design/methodology/approachWe conducted qualitative interviews with 11 inverstor relations (IR) managers of large, listed Japanese firms in Kyoto and Tokyo.FindingsFirst, by inviting a hedge fund partner and using their human capital and social capital, a Japanese CEO committed to strengthening his firm’s competencies in the global market and introduced changes that are common in the shareholder-based system. Second, a CEO with an MBA degree and exceptional communication skills in English and Japanese dedicated himself to executing much of the strategic advice suggested to him by foreign shareholders and altered some of his firm’s traditional Japanese management practices. Third, even though many Japanese firms welcomed and used foreign shareholders as advisors to help them streamline and/or acquire firm assets, their top leaders’ implementation of organizational changes was limited. Fourth, the top leaders of family-owned firms were reluctant to initiate dialogue with foreign investors.Originality/valueThis article adds some useful organizational context to existing scholarship on institutional theory by examining Japanese leaders’ strategic management in their relations with foreign investors. Using the concept of dynamic capabilities, it addresses the role of innovative strategic managers in firms’ institutional changes.

Effect of Training Backgrounds on Plastic Surgery Leadership: A Logistic Regression Analysis.

Although career choices are often shaped by training and mentors, it is not clear how training backgrounds have influenced whether plastic surgeons pursue leadership positions. Analysis of these training pathways can serve as a key component of career planning for future leaders. The American Board of Plastic Surgery's annual Newsletter to Diplomates was used to collate surgeons receiving board certification between 2002 and 2013. Online public profiles were used to collect training background data about each surgeon, including fellowship training, board certification year, MBA degree, otolaryngology or maxillofacial surgery training before commencing plastic surgery training, and leadership positions in surgery. A logistic multinomial regression was used to test the effect of training backgrounds on different types of leadership positions. In total, 2190 plastic surgeons were included in the analysis. Factors increasing the probability of holding any type of position included fellowships in microsurgery, craniofacial, and hand; an international fellowship; multiple fellowships; a fellowship not otherwise specified; and MBA degree. Training background factors affected probabilities differently for each of the studied positions including chair/chief, vice chair/vice chief, program director, plastic surgery medical director, other institutional positions, and national society positions. Training backgrounds of plastic surgeons in leadership positions are multifaceted, involving a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors such as additional educational pursuits, subspecialty training, duration of practice, and practice setting. This analysis can help direct current trainees who aspire to future leadership in plastic surgery.

Noble Chemical Agency – managing working capital in troubling times

Learning outcomes The primary objectives of the case study are to get the participants exposed to the issues of working capital which even profitable companies face on a day-to-day basis; give the participants an understanding of how to balance the, at times, conflicting objectives of increasing profits and sales through favorable credit terms; and expose them to the impact of increase in inventory levels and average collection period on margins in a period of slow growth. They will also learn about the concept of factoring and its uses. Case overview/synopsis The case study is about a group of companies engaged in education, steel fabrication and oil businesses owned by a single proprietor. The company was based in Fatehnagar which was part of Hyderabad district in the state of Telangana, India, and the case study traces the origins of the group from 1960s to 2021. The group was invested the surplus cash flows from the oil business to initiate and expand other businesses during this period. The economic downturn due to the COVID-19 pandemic had hit the company, particularly its oldest business – Noble Chemical Agency. The oil business was facing issues related to its growth and profitability, and the uncertainty around COVID-19-related restrictions had only augmented the fears of the management. The case study looks at issues and the dilemma which the owner of the company faced. The case study highlights various issues related to working capital management, especially related to receivables management and inventory levels faced by businesses during the slow-growth phase. It demonstrates how working capital management issues, if not resolved in time, can lead to insolvency of even a successful company with a sound business model. Complexity academic level The case study is meant for teaching in postgraduate management programs (Master of Business Administration and Postgraduate Diploma in Management) in the following courses: corporate finance/financial management course in the first year (the case study should be taught towards the end of the course); and management accounting courses in first year (the case study should be positioned in the middle of these courses). The case study can also be used to highlight issues related to working capital and small business management in a Management Development Programme (MDP) course for “Finance fundamentals for non-finance executives”. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 1: Accounting and finance.

Stress among University Students

This study is an effort to explore Stress among university students. The sample consisted of 50 BED (Bachelor of Education) students and 50 MBA (Master of Business Administration) students from Aligarh Muslim University Centre Murshidabad West Bengal, total 100 students. Normative survey method was used for the study. The study used convenient sampling method. The entitled title is “Stress among University students”. Stress is a universal phenomenon that affects each and every one of us. It plays a crucial role in our lives, as without it, we would lack the motivation and drive to achieve anything. However, when stress becomes overwhelming, it can have detrimental effects on our well-being. The key lies in finding the right balance of stress that pushes us out of our comfort zone and propels us forward. This delicate equilibrium is disrupted when the emotional and physical toll of negative experiences surpasses our body's capacity to cope with them. Excessive pressure and demands placed upon us can trigger adverse reactions, both mentally and physically. Our body's response to change necessitates adjustments on a physical, mental, and emotional level. In addition, other factors may also affect our stress levels. In the end, stress results from a person's perception that the demands made on them are greater than their personal and social resources.

Nam Nghi Resort in Phu Quoc

Learning outcomes This case study provides in-depth, practical knowledge to develop business strategies for the management program. After reading this case study, the students will be able to learn about the challenges and problems that service firms face during a crisis, the drastic changes in the market environment due to a crisis and the analysis tools that can be used when analyzing the shifted market environment. By analyzing this case study, students will be trained for the decision-making that arises in the process of crisis management in the hotel industry. Case overview/synopsis Nam Nghi Resort, situated on the picturesque Phu Quoc Island in Vietnam, experienced the tumultuous period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, Nam Nghi was a thriving five-star resort, deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and renowned for its luxurious amenities and breathtaking location. However, the onset of COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to the hospitality industry, leading to a sharp decline in tourism and revenue. Despite the adversity, Nam Nghi implemented risk management practices successfully and displayed resilience and adaptability. Through rigorous cost minimization, strategic facility upgrades and targeted marketing efforts, Nam Nghi managed to navigate the crisis and gradually rebuild its business as travel restrictions eased. As the industry began to show signs of recovery, the general manager faced new challenges in restoring the resort’s prepandemic vitality. The challenge remained of understanding changing consumer values and market dynamics. Complexity academic level This case study can be used as class material for Master of Business Administration (MBA) students. In particular, MBA students in the hospitality industry such as hotels, resorts, travel agencies and restaurants are the target audience. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 12: Tourism and hospitality.

The Impact of Compressing MBA Courses on Student Satisfaction: Empirical Results

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is the most popular graduate degree available. It is valuable to those who work in a wide range of business management areas or to prospective entrepreneurs. Many universities have developed compressed 8-week semesters to better meet student needs. Critics question instructor course delivery and student learning. We examine the impact of compressed semesters on MBA student satisfaction and learning in both face-to-face and online courses. Five instructors were assigned courses to be taught in a 16-week semester, followed by the same courses in an 8-week semester. At least one section of the courses was taught in face-to-face and/or online formats. Student satisfaction was measured via transactional distances as well as by their willingness to recommend the course to a friend. A total of 602 responses were obtained, of which 402 were usable. Stepwise multiple regression was used to measure satisfaction. Logistic regression was used to determine which factors influenced students to recommend the course to a friend. The results indicated that there was no reason to believe that there was a significant difference in student satisfaction, nor in their willingness to recommend the course. We also did not find a difference in learning outcomes.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Advantage for Police Chiefs: A Case for Studying Business for Law Enforcement Leadership

Historically, two advanced degrees — the Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) and the Master of Public Administration (MPA) — have been considered the preferred choices for those seeking the highest ranks of law enforcement leadership. However, in recent years, characterized by rapid social change, technological progress, and growing public attention, the role of the police chief has evolved into a multifaceted leadership position that goes far beyond the traditional responsibilities of law enforcement. It covers a broader set of duties related to leadership and management communications in police units, organizational effectiveness, strategic management, administration, and control, effective financial resources and budgeting management, communications and accountability in local communities, and ethical decision-making to overcome the multifaceted challenges of modern police activity. The article argues that the degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA), known for its adaptability and versatility, can become a powerful alternative to MCJ and MPA today, as it provides police leaders with a more universal educational base, a comprehensive set of business skills and specialized knowledge, becomes more extensive, practical and an actual form of education of capable and adaptive police management personnel, allows to best prepare them for dynamic changes and transformation of job roles. The article critically examines to what extent and when solving which tasks the heads of police departments need knowledge and skills according to the traditional attributes of an MBA: in the field of financial management, strategic planning, leadership, and human resources management, effective and crisis communication, negotiation, interaction with the public, business ethics. The specifics of the application of the main attributes of those theories that are traditionally studied within the MBA program for the role of heads of police departments are analyzed: the theory of servant leadership, the theory of situational leadership, the theory of managerial economics, PESTEL analysis, and the theory of human relations. As a conceptual inquiry, this article lays the groundwork for continued research in this area to explore the MBA and its content courses as a useful tool for developing the skills and abilities of law enforcement leaders.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Teaching EMBA (Executive MBA) Courses

The Bauer School of Business currently offers EMBA classes with a variety of features that we believe make it more appealing to its students, as follows: • A detailed weekly syllabus before the start of the course, along with an introductory video • Updated curriculum as a function of the class response and business maturity • Case studies based on actual events, and lived by the instructor • Regular presentations from current industry leaders be they from Finance, Negotiations, Project Management, A&D, Trading, and Management Consultants • Specific classes run by industry executives, and business consultants on a pro-bono basis • Individual business cases are built by the students based on actual situations. • A weekly one-to-one discussion between the students and the instructor on the progress of their cases • A flexible and honest environment Students’ feedback has shown that they appreciate the style, structured informality, and close industry linkages that these classes offer.

From Campus to Crisis: Psychological Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Indian Management Students.

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected students pursuing higher education, but limited studies highlight student's psychological experiences, especially from Western India. The present study aimed to understand psychological experiences, coping behaviors, and the perceived role of tele-counseling services among final-year students of Masters of Business Administration from leading business schools (B-schools) in Western India. A qualitative research design was adopted for the study. A semi-structured interview guide was utilized to conduct in-depth interviews with 35 students. Students were reached via personal networks and social media, and data was gathered after the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A thematic analysis technique was employed to analyze the data. The findings showed that management students had upsetting psychological experiences. Key stressors that emerged in the study were job concerns, lifestyle changes, concerns about their own and parents' health and safety, uncertainty about the future, and social isolation. They expressed the need for mental health help; however, they were reluctant to utilize tele-counseling services. The authors present an integrated psychological well-being model for promoting positive mental health among students in higher education institutions. The study explains the psychological toll on management students. Enhancing mental health literacy through awareness sessions and other innovative means would be critical to addressing myths around mental health and mental healthcare-seeking behavior in higher education institutions. An integrated approach to promoting positive mental health and well-being is needed.

Kayak Boy: an entrepreneurial venture in a blue ocean industry

Learning outcomes After completion of the case study, the students will learn about the blue ocean strategies that are adopted by entrepreneurs when they are entering into a new business territory and be able to perform an industry analysis and understand the competitive advantage that a firm possesses in a new market using Porter’s five forces framework. Case overview/synopsis This case study is about Sushant, an entrepreneur, who started his entrepreneurial venture in water sports tourism along the coastlines of India. His core business was into offering kayaking and camping activities. However, he planned to scale up his business by expanding its geographical reach. To fulfill this, he was also planning to manufacture his own kayaks, which would increase economies of scale in the long run. This case study investigates the dilemma of whether he should first increase his service offerings before expanding geographically or focus on geographical expansion and then increase service offerings. Complexity academic level This case is designed to be taught at the post-graduate level (Master of Business Administration) for an entrepreneurship course. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS3: Entrepreneurship.

Status of Sustainability Management Education in African MBA Programmes: A Web-based Research Approach

Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that business schools in Africa are lagging behind in promoting sustainability education. Grand challenges that point to a limited focus on transformative sustainability education such as environmental pollution, conflicts, inequalities and unemployment still persist in African economies, with the profit motive remaining central to businesses’ operating philosophy. Informed by the clarion call for business schools to be key drivers of sustainability education, this study reviews the African master of business administration (MBA) curricula with the objective of assessing the status of sustainability management education. The content of the MBA curricula of 42 African business schools accredited with the Association of African Business Schools was analysed using a web-based research approach. The findings indicate that the concept of sustainability has not been sufficiently embedded into the African MBA curricula. The values and mission statements of the majority of business schools were found not to be aligned with the principles of sustainability education. It was also found that shareholder value oriented modules constitute the core curriculum of the majority of MBA programmes reviewed. An incremental elective approach was found to be the most dominant strategy used by African business schools to incorporate sustainability education in the MBA curricula. An integrative approach of embedding sustainability education focusing on re-orientation of the business schools’ values, mission, curriculum, systems, operations and governance is recommended. The increased use of experiential learning is also recommended as an effective teaching pedagogy for equipping MBA students with practical aspects of sustainability education.

Initial findings on student progress and satisfaction in a new model of hyperflexible online delivery for university students

University degrees are usually delivered in defined sessions —by term, semester, or in week-based blocks— whereby students are required to complete their studies by the due date. Term or session-based schedules that require students to complete the study within set timeframes are, however, potentially restrictive. Temporal challenges associated with work and life can impede progress and add to the specific problem of student attrition in online learning. As universities seek to deliver innovative options for their students, increased attention is being paid to alternate models of delivery. This paper reports on the development of a hyperflexible online Master of Business Administration (MBA) course by a regional university in Australia, which has grown to more than 1,000 students since its launch in 2017. Delivered entirely online, the degree was specifically designed to address an inequity; MBA programs are traditionally expensive, and in Australia, the requirement for students to travel to attend residential schools and examinations adds significant cost to already expensive tuition fees. This paper analyzed enrollment data, course analytics over a two-year period, and student surveys conducted at the end of the second year of delivery (n = 98) to evaluate the development and implementation of the course as a hyperflexible course whereby students have almost complete control over their study at the postgraduate tertiary level. Results highlight the potential for the model to enable student success through flexibility.

A reasoned action approach to understanding anti-corruption intentions among MBA (accounting) students in Ghana

Drawing on the reasoned action approach theory, the study aimed to examine the logical pattern involved in the development and manifestation of anti-corruption (ethical) intentions among accounting students. Data were collected from 447 Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Accounting) students in Ghana, using an explanatory correlational design and a simple random sampling technique. The results indicated that the ethical attitude of MBA (Accounting) students is primarily influenced by mimetic, coercive beliefs, and religiosity, with normative belief showing no significant contribution to shaping ethical attitudes. The findings imply that ethical attitude in accounting serves as a pertinent precursor to the anti-corruption intentions of MBA (Accounting) students. The study recommends that institutions should allow accounting students to uphold their religious values, and that efforts to enhance ethical accounting attitudes should be promoted to foster anti-corruption behaviours among accounting students.

Labor unrest at Wistron Corporation India plant – What went wrong?

Learning outcomes After completion of this case study, students/managers will be able to analyze reasons for the labor unrest at Wistron Corporation’s Indian manufacturing plant; examine the implementation of labor regulations applicable to the employment of contract workers by Wistron Corporation; infer the problems associated with rapid expansion in the workforce; analyze the labor regulatory challenges faced by Wistron Corporation; and demonstrate problem-solving skills. Case overview/synopsis The focus of this case study was the crisis faced by Apple’s contract manufacturer – Wistron Corporation due to labor unrest, riots and violence in its production facility located near Bangalore in India. This case study discussed the CEO’s dilemma in resolving the crisis and regaining the confidence of stakeholders, namely, the contract employees, Apple Inc. and the State Government of Karnataka. To give the readers an overview of the crisis – this case discussed in detail the underlying reasons for the labor unrest such as a rapid increase in manpower, unilateral increase in working hours without extra pay, unjustified pay cuts, understaffed and underqualified human resources (HR) department, ill-equipped attendance and payroll system. It also gave an overview of mistakes in labor management that could be avoided by a manufacturing firm. The case also discussed the pressure faced by the Wistron CEO due to probation and a new business freeze by Apple Inc. This case study is suitable for understanding the complexities of labor laws and the legal complications that can arise when a corporation disregards local labor laws while operating in foreign countries. Complexity academic level The case is best suited for postgraduate and executive MBA students studying labor law, industrial psychology and HR management in commerce and business management streams. The authors suggest that the instructor should inform students to read the case study before attending the 90-min session. It can be executed in the classroom after discussing the theoretical concepts. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

The curious case of Hotel King’s Cross

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes of this study are to recall the fundamental concept of revenue management in the hotel industry (remembering); explain the various performance measures used to evaluate room revenue in hotels (understanding); use revenue management strategies to improve room revenue in hotel operations (applying); and examine and evaluate the optimal solution for revenue enhancement, considering factors such as capacity management, duration control and differential pricing (analyzing). Case overview/synopsis This case study delves into the challenges faced by Hotel King’s Cross, a business hotel located in Pune, Maharashtra, in the year 2022. A week before Christmas Eve, Soham Dande, the hotel’s revenue manager, sought a meeting with Rohan Chopra, the director of sales and marketing, to discuss “revenue optimization for the hotel.” During their meeting, Dande mentioned that the hotel had fallen behind its budgeted room sales targets for 2022 across various metrics, such as room booking nights, occupancy percentage, average room rate and revenue per available room. Furthermore, the hotel was trailing behind its competitors. The situation was compounded by the management’s decision to raise the targets for 2023 by 5%–7%, factoring in upcoming events, competitive performance and pandemic-related losses over the past two years. Chopra faced the dilemma of formulating an action plan to achieve the ambitious 2023 targets and establish Hotel King’s Cross as a market leader. Complexity academic level Students undertaking executive development programs and graduate-level courses in non-profit hospitality and tourism management, as well as revenue management courses in the executive MBA, management development and graduate MBA programs, may all benefit from this case study. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS12: Tourism and hospitality.

A different type of leadership style: Michael Jordan – a great void or a shooting star?

Research methodology The data used to present this case was collected from secondary data sources. These sources included media reports associated with Michael Jordan and his trajectory since entering the sport, as well as specific information published about his time at the Chicago Bulls. Another key source of information is the ESPN documentary conducted specifically on Jordan’s relationship with his National Basketball Association (NBA) team. Case overview/synopsis The case follows the story of Michael Jordan, who took his team, the Chicago Bulls, to fame in a rather controversial manner. To do so, Michael Jordan had to alter his leadership style over the years to be respected as a leader and motivate his team to win one NBA championship after another. On 20th April 2020, ESPN’s “The Last Dance”, a 10-part documentary about Michael Jordan and his time playing for the Chicago Bulls was released to much acclaim. The documentary became highly noted as Jordan himself, both directed and starred in the documentary. Jordan’s great achievements stood out, but so did the conflicts that the basketball star had with The Bulls’ management team and mainly, his teammates. Relationships between teammates were far from harmonious, which led to questions around whether Michael Jordan was as good a leader, as he was a star player. Cultural change within the organisation was primarily linked to the often-contested leadership of Jordan. Complexity academic level The case can be used at UG, MSc and MBA levels. It works for in-person teaching and for online teaching. It is most suitable in leadership, strategy and strategy in practice courses. However, it is critical to note that the case can shed light on the dynamics that leaders and teammates have within their teams. Therefore, this case may be valuable to students studying courses where they themselves must work in groups and oftentimes encounter challenges in managing their team. These challenges can arise at all levels of experience. As such, the case provides particularly useful reflection for decision makers who may be beginning to develop their leadership skill (UG), those who have already experienced working in teams (MSc) or leading teams themselves (MBA, Executive MBA). The case addresses the challenges associated with achieving high team motivation and performance. It also sheds light on the challenges associated with leading a cultural change within a team and the approaches of different actors involved. It may be best to introduce the case in the context of a (1.5–2 h) workshop once students understand the basic frameworks and tools used to analyse leadership styles and their characteristics.