case method learning

CASE METHOD OF LEARNING

What is a Case?

A case is a written account of real or stimulated managerial problems, dilemmas, and situations calling for solutions.

used in management education to give student a feel for the complexities if the real work and how the theories, models and research being studied can be used in practice.

To diagnose what the problems or issues in the case are, and why they have occurred, to consider a variety of solutions; and to justify what you believe to be the best solution.

Types of Case

1. Theoretical Cases2. Factual Cases

Theoretical Cases:Case studies which are meant for reading

and clarifying theoretical concepts of a discipline, such ad management, involving the study of marketing, human relations, communication and so on are academic case studies.

Factual Cases. (Real cases):Caste studies which describe and illustrate

an organization’s experience and efforts to overcome different problems and situations are real cases. These cases are based on facts.

Reading a case properly

Solutions to a problem can be only found through properly analyzing the problem.

Proper analysis generally requires at least two readings of each case.

Main objectives in reading should be as efficiently as possible, to cover

material thoroughly and glean the most significant points

1. Previewing

• Previewing is to learn as much about the case as possible before actually reading it.

• Look at the title, subtitle, headings and subheadings.• Resist the temptation to mark any items on the case• Merely size up the case how you are going to read

and dissect it.

2. Skimming

Skimming involves previewing in greater detail.

Avoid the desire to read each word and to underline items in the text.

Look for major ideas, issues and potential solutions.

Determine the thesis or key problems in the case.

3. READING

Read at a comfortable pace.

Look for answers to questions or specific details that you will need in deciding on solutions.

Make brief penciled notations to yourself, later make them bolder with ink

4. Scanning

Scanning allows you to review names and facts that are pertinent to the case.

Look for the unexpected elements.

Work on understanding the flow of information from beginning to the end.

Analysing A Case

Step-1 Study the Case Step-2 Identify the Problem Step-3 Define the Problem Step-4 Identify the Cause of the Problem Step-5 Develop Alternatives Step-6 Evaluate Alternatives Step-7 Develop Plan of Action.

Writing a Case Analysis-The structure

Title of the case Statement of the problem The case Scope of the analysis Alternative solutions and their evaluation (Create sub-sections for each solutions

separately) The best solution Conclusion Executive summary

Continued………..

In executive summary – Mention the following

The problem The possible solutions The best solution Recommended plan of action Benefits to the company

Common errors In a Case study

Not understanding and accepting the facts of the case

Not explaining exactly what the problems are and why they have occurred

Making unwarranted assumptions to try to simplify the case

Sticking to generalities, such as “they must try to improve communication”

Not integrating the various points into a preferred solution

Not using theories and concepts currently being studied in the course

Seeking ways out of the situation (such as “fire them all”) rather than trying to solve the problems

Ignoring practicalities

The Do’s

Learn to slice through the stuff and make decisions.

Follow a logical, clear and consistent path through the case analysis.

Recognize the difference between facts and inferences or suppositions, strive to base your analysis on facts whenever possible.

Take a stand in your analysis and support it. The stronger and better supported your stand, the better you will look.

THE DONT’S

1. Don’t expect a right conclusion to be available following the study of a case.

2. Don’t tell the instructor that you lack information before arriving at a decision.

3. Don’t expect cases to cover a single discipline.

4. Don’t expect your instructor to give you clear instructions.

5.Don’t decide on a conclusion early in the analysis and become locked into that conclusion

6. Don’t feel that you have to solve all the problems in the cases.

How to prepare and present a case

analysis Be prepared for a discussion along the lines of

“What would you do, why would you do it, when would you do it, and how you do it?”

Oral presentation of a case analysis

1. Content 2. Process or delivery-------------------------------Content – quality, quantity, factual

correctness, appropriateness. Feasibility.coverage of important issues.

Delivery

Personal grooming Organizing Visual aids Voice Body language Fluency Reaction to feedback from audience –

Q&A

Organising

Introduce yourself and the team The company / case Topics to be covered and the sequence The role of the team members Arrive early and check the venue and v.

aids. Trial.

Visual aids

PPTs. handouts,. Flipcharts Do not overdo. You are the hero(ine) !

– not the visual. Use simple graphics. Few and legible fonts. Few lines per slide. Points only.

Body language

Stand erect. On your ‘toes’ .one step ahead.

Do not turn your back to audience. Eye contact. One – to- one ? Smile and use humour appropriately. Do

not dilute seriousness. Do not read from notes or PPT. checklist

OK.

Interaction.

Questions are best in the end. Be polite, courteous non-personal, but

confident Understand the Q well. Repeat of

paraphrase if necessary. Take your time if necessary. Appropriate team members to answer.

Seek help / or consult when reqd. from team members.

Conclusion

Conclude with the main theme. Or summary

Thank.