Why The Case Method

 Acquire Actual Experience in Problem Solving, Working

in Teams and Presenting to a Potentially Hostile
Audience.
 How It Works
 Metaphors
Case serves as a metaphor for a particular type of
common problems
 Simulation
Learn practical skills through practice in a simulated
environment
Overview of Case Study Method

 Overall Process
 Individual Analysis and Preparation
 Team Analysis, Discussion and Preparation
 Classroom Presentation and Discussion
 End-of-Class Generalization about the Learning

 Student Commitments
 Participation (points for relevant comments)

 KEY: Students Own the Discussion!!

 Objectives of Case Method

 Management (Harvard) Approach

 There is no solution
 Discuss Concerns, Approaches, Scope of Study, …
Learn How to Solve the Case

 Operational (Consulting) Approach

 There is always one/several solutions
 Present Underlying Problems and Alternatives
 Recommend at least two potential solutions
 Questions Relevant to Most Cases

Operational (Consulting) Approach

 Who are the Protagonists?
 What are their objectives (explicit and implicit)?
 What is the underlying problem(s)?
 What decisions and/or actions must we make?
 What problems, opportunities and risks do we, as a
protagonist, face?
 What evidence/findings do we have to help make the
decision? Is the evidence reliable and unbiased? Can
we improve it - when do we have enough information?
Questions Relevant to Most Cases

 What alternative courses of action are available?

 What evaluation criteria will each protagonist use to
judge the alternatives?
 What action(s) should we recommend and/or take?
 How should we convince (SELL) other stakeholders that
our recommended approach is best?
* * * *
 What did I/we learn from this case?
 How does this relate to my own “live” experience and to
other past cases
 Structures of Consulting Reports

 The Consulting Report Approach

 Findings
 Conclusions and Recommendations
 Action Plan

 The Scientific Method Approach

 Problem Determination
 Research and Investigation
 Definition and Evaluation of Alternatives
 Recommendations and Action Plan
 Other Report Sections

 Cover Letter (one page)

 Background (one/two pages)

 why, what, who, where, when, …

 Action/Responsibility Matrix
 who and when

 Invoice