What are cases?

The case method is the favoured teaching approach for MBA students and executives at the world’s leading business schools. Case studies are documents or interactive items that have been specially developed, based on up-to-date research, in all business and management disciplines. They are primarily designed to be used in a learning environment and often portray real business situations or dilemmas. They give students the opportunity to explore and extend their own management problem solving and knowledge of best practice through individual reflection, analysis and group discussion. Most teachers and students who have experienced the case method prefer it to any other learning approach.

How can companies use case studies?

Training

Many companies integrate the case method of learning into in-company training programmes or courses at their corporate universities. Exploring the experiences of other organisations through case studies can help staff, at all levels, deal with issues within their own organisations. The case method offers a refreshing contrast to traditional teaching approaches such as lectures or PowerPoint presentations, and is generally thought to be more effective. It can be very powerful in enhancing training in the corporate context and is also an enjoyable way to learn.

Cases can also form a valuable part of a company’s induction programme, when new employees are introduced to relevant issues in a group situation. Working with cases can help new staff become confident in the unfamiliar situation, enhance communication between participants and develop their understanding of best practice and approaches to problem solving.

Research

Some companies use cases as an information resource for understanding the issues faced by a client or particular industry. Corporate membership of ecch is inexpensive and facilitates access to cases. For information on ecch corporate membership please visit www.ecch.com/membership