Case Learning Program

The ALA case learning program helps students see inside challenging situations and discover role models. Students will read and discuss case studies on a wide range of leaders and entrepreneurs from across the African continent and around the world.

Why case learning?
ALA case studies and accompanying classroom discussions offer rich opportunities to simulate leadership. Students are challenged to “step into the shoes” of the protagonist and think about how they would act when faced with a difficult leadership situation or a challenging entrepreneurial hurdle. Case discussions reflect the reality of challenging situations, in which leaders must make decisions in complex situations with limited or ambiguous information.

ALA case studies also expose students to a wide range of leadership styles, organizations, sectors, industries, and responsibilities. As they work through case studies, students gain information about a broad range of careers and the confidence to lead in a wide variety of roles.

Finally, case studies allow students to discover the traits of highly effective leaders and identify role models who challenge and inspire them to “dream big.” ALA case studies make leaders and entrepreneurs accessible to students at ALA and beyond.

Sample ALA Case: Wanja Michuki and the Highland Tea Company
This case is written about a female entrepreneur from Kenya who started a premium, fair trade tea brand to bring Kenyan black teas to the global market.

To read the case, click here. (482 kb, pdf)
To read the teaching note and learn how this case might be discussed in an ALA classroom, click here. (83 kb, pdf)
In 2006, this case was used in a classroom of students from across South Africa. This is the video of students discussing their experience: