why are case studies important in an mba course?

by Nicholas Rodriguez 4 min read

In short, case studies are a miniature version of a business situation used in MBA programs to facilitate learning. The percentage of case study dependency ranges from 20% to 80% in the top business schools in the world.

A case study is designed to make you step into a manager's shoes and think like one. What if you are the manager, how would you solve this problem. Solving a case study would make you explore your analytical, reasoning, leadership and decision-making skills and most importantly make you trust your educated instincts.Jul 16, 2020

Full Answer

Which schools use the case study method for MBA programs?

Top MBA The Case Study method is a teaching methodology that condenses real-world experiences into concepts and ideas. Harvard University, considered the pioneers in bringing this unique teaching methodology, began adopting the method at Harvard Law School in 1870. Slowly other departments followed.

What is a case study?

Aug 10, 2016 · 1. The distinctive academic rhythm made the learning more meaningful Each class session requires preparation in the form of reading the case and considering the questions that it poses. In the classroom, the discussion allows for each issue to be fully explored, and conversations frequently continue in an informal manner after class.

What is the importance of business case study?

Aug 06, 2014 · Case studies, business presentations, and other curriculum involved in an MBA program develops critical and analytical thinking in MBA graduates. These skills help the professionals in managing business issues and decision making by understanding the critical side of all the aspects.

What are the advantages of case studies in teaching?

What are case studies in MBA?

In short, case studies are a miniature version of a business situation used in MBA programs to facilitate learning. The percentage of case study dependency ranges from 20% to 80% in the top business schools in the world.Dec 3, 2013

Why is using case studies important?

Case studies capture a range of perspectives, as opposed to the single view of an individual you get with a survey response or interview. This gives the opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the subject in hand and reduces the potential for any bias, by diluting the agenda of a particular individual.May 23, 2017

How useful are case studies in learning business studies?

Case-based learning is an essential part of business education as it enables students to discover and develop their unique framework for dealing with business problems. The important peculiarity of the business case study is that it introduces a slice of realism into the learning experience.

How are case studies done in MBA?

Instead of faculty-led lectures, the case study method encourages interaction and class discussion in order to develop solutions to a set case study, which are written by faculty experts at top business schools, often working with businesses to ensure that they reflect the problems that occur in business.

What are the advantages of case study pedagogy?

It compares different type of facts about the study of a unity. Increase in Knowledge. It gives the analytical power of a person to increase knowledge about a social phenomena. Generalization of Data.

What can you learn from the case study?

Case studies develop skills such as: Decision making in complex situations. Coping with ambiguities. Public Speaking Skills. Leadership potential.

How do you answer a case study MBA?

There are several steps to writing an answer to a case study assignment:STEP 1: READ THE CASE STUDY AND QUESTIONS CAREFULLY. • ... STEP 2: IDENTIFY THE ISSUES IN THE CASE STUDY. ... STEP 3: LINK THEORY TO PRACTICE. ... STEP 4: PLAN YOUR ANSWER. ... STEP 5: START WRITING YOUR CASE STUDY ANSWER. ... STEP 6: EDIT AND PROOFREAD. ... STEP 7: SUBMIT.

What is case study in MBA?

The case study method is a style of learning used on many MBA courses which focuses on the student as decision maker. Instead of faculty-led lectures, the case study method encourages interaction and class discussion in order to develop solutions to a set case study, which are written by faculty experts at top business schools, often working with businesses to ensure that they reflect the problems that occur in business.

How many cases are there in Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School is perhaps the most well-known school to use the case study method; students read over 500 cases during the two-year MBA program. These cases are given to the students in advance of the seminar and it is up to the individuals to work out and clearly propose their solution. In the seminar they are required to explain their thinking to their peers in a healthy debating environment overseen by a Harvard Business School faculty member. The cases are designed to present typical yet specific problems that are likely to arise in the world of business, developing as well as testing each student’s ability to utilize their analytical and communication skills, two qualities crucial in business leadership, in order to produce viable solutions.

Do you have to have a case study experience to get an MBA?

In order to be able to contribute valuably to case study hearings, students must have considerable pre-MBA work experience. This can be challenging for those from non-traditional backgrounds, who need to learn these skills from scratch. The emphasis on development of what is already known rather than creation of new knowledge gives MBA programs a sense of exclusivity which is hard to shift.

What is the value of case study method?

The value of the case study method is that it simulates a real environment and helps to prepare the student for real-life business situations in their future careers; the ability to make quick decisions that are sound and good for the company is what employers are looking for.

How many Harvard case studies are international?

Out of the 500 Harvard Business School case studies given over the two-year MBA, 33% of them are international, meaning candidates gain a global perspective which opens a greater number of career paths after graduation. Each case is designed to build on the knowledge of previous cases leading to students who are capable of applying their learning in any situation.

What is a traditional case?

Traditional cases which include detailed write-ups of the problem. Analytical cases which are often shorter and based upon real life decisions. The case gives a summary of the issue with some primary background information.

What is case study in business?

However, with the exception of real-life projects, the case study is where business education is most down to what an individual makes of it. This article was originally published in November 2013 . It was last updated in March 2021.

Why is football important?

Football season not only highlights the speed, grace, power, and talent of the world’s best athletes, it also reminds us of the motivating effect of engaged competition. The highly visible games challenge well-trained athletes to demonstrate their skills, often in direct competition with close rivals. Even casual fans recognize the important consequences associated with victory and defeat, raising the importance of performing well in the heat of competition.

What are the competitions at Rollins MBA?

The Association for Corporate Growth’s ACG Cup is a case study competition that gives students insight into mergers and acquisitions, investment banking, and private equity. Student teams competed to present valuation and strategic advice to a panel of seasoned M&A professionals. The students also participated in a statewide Venture Plan Challenge, in which they propose ideas and extended plans for new products or businesses to a panel of successful investors and entrepreneurs. In addition, an Elevator Pitch Competition challenged students to give a 90-second pitch for new venture ideas in front of a panel of potential investors.

Why is it important to have an MBA?

The prime objective of an MBA course is not only to train the students in management but also to prepare them to administer key positions with appropriate skills that can help them in their workplace. Hence, it is essential that MBA students be trained on live. organisational settings with the help of case studies.

What is business case?

Business cases direct the minds of the students in a particular situation and enable them to nurture the art of making astute decisions. Case studies present realistic, complex, and contextually rich situations and often involve a dilemma, conflict, or problem that one or more of the characters in the case must negotiate.

Why are case studies important?

While the recommended course material assist the student in gaining more knowledge, case studies facilitate in developing business wit and wisdom. Cases provide an ample of scope for application of information. Business cases direct the minds of the students in a particular situation and enable them to nurture the art of making astute decisions.

What is the role of an instructor in a class?

During this process, the role of the instructor is valuable. In class, an instructor usually allows students to take the case where they wish. He or she then stimulates the students to make their own observations based on the ideas they have developed and leads the students to consider areas they may have missed.

Why is studying abroad important?

Studying abroad offers great advantages of global learning exposure and international employment opportunities. However, before choosing any one, enquiry must be made with all the institutes for important details such as fee structure and scholarship offered for foreign students.

What is the role of an MBA?

Networking opportunity. During the MBA course, internship, or job, an MBA graduate gets immense opportunity to interact and communicate with business professionals. The typical managerial job role involves business meetings, business travels, and communication, which offer an opportunity to strengthen your network.

Who is Swati Srivastava?

Swati Srivastava is an avid writer who loves to share her knowledge and ideas on a wide range of educational and career related topics. Her articles are published on various reputed websites like Shiksha.com. Follow her on Google+

Why is it important to check MBA fees?

Hence, educational expenses need to be checked to ensure if the overall cost of education falls within your estimated budget. Usually, the cost of education in foreign locations is higher than that in home country.

What is case study in MBA?

Case studies, business presentations, and other curriculum involved in an MBA program develop s critical and analytical thinking in MBA graduates. These skills help the professionals in managing business issues and decision making by understanding the critical side of all the aspects.

What is MBA degree?

An MBA degree equips students with knowledge that shapes up their career path. Moreover, it offers an insight into a wide range of career options that you would have not ever thought about. So, pursue an MBA degree and explore a dynamic career.

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Case Study Format

  • Typically a case study presents a vague sounding management problem for a specific business. Often it may be an issue that the top brass of the company (CEO, CFO level) is facing. This is followed by a whole lot of objective and subjective data. This could include a brief history of the …
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Examples of Case Studies

  • A case study on marketing could focus on entering a new market, or tackling the influx of cheaper competing services, or working on the optimal pricing for the existing products of a consumer goods company. Finance case study examples could talk about evaluating the cash flow status for a company and defining a strategy to improve the accounts receivable (AR) policies, or you …
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Harvard Business School Case Study

  • If you are curious to get a peek into how the best in the business use the case study to facilitate management learning, check out this video. The professor in the video might seem to have consumed a few extra cups of coffee before the session. But apart from being energetic, it does help if the professor has the ability to get the class energised and engaged. Active participation …
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