Case Method of Learning

LS Murty
Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

August 1, 2012

lsmurty@iimb.ernet.in

How to Study a Case

Three stages
Pre-session preparation In-class participation Post-session application

August 1, 2012

lsmurty@iimb.ernet.in

Pre-session Preparation
Get started Define the problem(s) Use evidence Problem solving format Format for writing case analysis Preparation modes Inadequate preparation
lsmurty@iimb.ernet.in

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August 1, 2012

In-class participation
Some professors ask for presentation be prepared Case may have several view points Be alert to the discussion Behave yourself!
back
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Pre-session Preparation
Get started
Skim it - what this case is all about What seem to be the issues What questions is the professor asking in the assignment (sometimes professor may not give any questions!) Who do I identify myself with in the case? the decision-maker back
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Pre-session Preparation 2
Define the problem(s)
Read the case carefully Be reactive to what you read notes and ?s in margins, underlines, points to probe further Be immersed in the data Define the issues a problem well-posed typically issues are given at the beginning and end of the case
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Pre-session Preparation 3
Define the problem(s)
Be sensitive to other issues read between lines but do not hijack the issue Make relevant reasonable assumptions, where needed be sensitive to the time of the case Be sensitive to the broader issues Setup an outline for analysis
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Pre-session Preparation 4
Define the problem(s)
One page for each issue (include but do not limit to the guideline questions given by professor)

back
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Pre-session Preparation 5
Use evidence
Go back over the case Sort out the data, evidence etc and write on the relevant issue sheet List pro and con arguments Sort out facts and judgments Look for significance of facts Dont plead insufficient data make relevant and reasonable assumptions
August 1, 2012 lsmurty@iimb.ernet.in

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Pre-session Preparation 6
Problem solving format
Present situation future situation problem Set objectives / criteria Generate alternatives with respective outcomes Evaluate alternatives against criteria Choose the best alternative (decision) Contingency plans
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Format for writing case analysis

August 1, 2012 lsmurty@iimb.ernet.in

Pre-session Preparation 7
Preparation modes
Individual preparation (Small) group discussion

Inadequate preparation:
You dont learn no free piggyback riders You are not fair to your colleagues You can not catch up
August 1, 2012 lsmurty@iimb.ernet.in

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In-class Participation
Some professors ask for presentation be prepared
Brief case facts to set the context Issues identified Analysis Unambiguous recommendations be ready for questions on implementation feasibility Time for presentation is crucial manage it!
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In-class Participation
Case may have several view points
Some you prepared for and others not Professor may challenge your assertions and direct attention to areas not covered Emphasis is on the process of arriving at a decision not on arriving at the correct decision
back
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In-class Participation 2
Be alert to the discussion
Listen to others view listen else your tongue makes you deaf Think on feet volunteer to question (raise hand) and speak-up when called upon Be willing to modify your views if necessary Again, it is process that you are learning Your responsibility to integrate and assimilate You take back as much as you give back
August 1, 2012 lsmurty@iimb.ernet.in 14

In-class Participation 3
Behave yourself!
Honor seating arrangement Raise your hand and await your turn your professor is aware even if you are not called in Case discussions sometimes may not move smoothly point-by-point be alert and tolerant
back
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Post-session Application
At the end of the discussion,
Some professors summarize the lessons or take-aways but you do this exercise independently Many do not tell you what actually happened

Professors may refer to the issues of this case in another case also
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Case Method: Traumatic Rewards

Trauma
Unstructured Socratic method

Rewards
Structured, disciplined, and ingrained decisionmaking process Question objectivity and live with uncertainty Realize that there is no one right answer Generate creative alternatives Develop confidence
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