Virtual Case Method Course
This course is about how best to learn from case studies and decision-making!
One of the most effective ways as an executive to learn is by case method. That is why some of the world’s leading MBA programs like Harvard rely heavily on the use of case studies for virtually all its courses. This is why our program relies on the Virtual Case Method in order to maximize your learning value.
A case study outlines a real-life business situation in which an executive is facing a challenge and needs to make an informed decision of what to do. Based on a structured analysis of the situation outlined in the case study, the students discuss different drivers of the challenge, and identify and evaluate the feasibility of different alternative strategies. This is followed by a discussion of recommendations of what is best to do and why. Getting the full learning value out of case studies can be enhanced by knowing the dynamics of how to learn from case studies as well as some core tips and tricks about how to best approach the study of a case and how best to discuss a case in class. Mastering case study analysis and case study discussions is in essence high level training in making good sound business decisions. Students learn a general methodology for executive decision making, as well as how to solve different practical business challenges. It can also be a great ego booster, not to mention a huge benefit to your career. This course will provide participants with some core executive decision-making skills, including how to analyze a complex situation, how to identify root cause and consequences, how to develop and analyze different alternatives, and how to propose and argue a relevant solution.
What are the Course Objectives for Learning from Cases?
Research has consistently demonstrated that the best single method to learning about executive decision making is by using case studies. With that in mind, let’s review our goals for this course.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand what a case study is
- Study a case by identifying the key information, analyzing the information in hand, identifying key problems and opportunities, and prioritizing issues
- Develop solutions by identifying potential alternative solutions, assessing the most likely outcomes and risks of these alternatives, and making a well-argued recommendation of what to do
- Master the core fundamentals of executive decision making
- Participate constructively in open-floor discussions with other executives about how to best solve a business challenge
How do students learn about the virtual case method in this course?
This course consists of two live sessions which starts with an introduction to learning from case studies and decision-making followed by a live case study discussion. Following the live case study discussion, the professor will provide feedback and tips about how best to contribute and how to optimize the contributions, based on examples and observations of student performance in the case discussions.
Prior to the 2nd session, students are asked to analyze a Harvard case and to prepare notes so the student is ready to participate in the case study discussions. You will learn about conscious leadership, the Harvard case method way!
The instructor of this virtual case method course is Professor Nils Randrup from UCI Paul Merage School of Business at University of California, Irvine.