Learning with Cases
Ideas from the book “Learning with Cases” by Louise A. Mauffette-Leenders, James A.
Erskine and Michiel R. Leenders from Ivey School of Business at the University of
Western Ontario
Presented by Tad Brinkerhoff, International Student Orientation August 1, 2013
What is a business case?

A story

A situation

Involves a decision

Field based

Might contain certain kind of data

Generally there is no right answer

Two types of cases: decision based and problem based
Why are cases used?

Started at Harvard Business School

Learn by doing

Assume roles of a manager/leader

Consider different perspectives of a problem

Practice the art and science of management

Make decisions with available information
Case Analysis

Analytical approach: What is the key decision or issue in
the case?

Conceptual approach: What theories, concepts or
techniques might be useful in the understanding and/or
resolution of this case?

Case learning process
 Individual
preparation
 Small
group discussion
 Large
group or class discussion
Individual preparation

Short cycle
 Read
opening and ending paragraphs
 Who?
What? Why? When? How?
 Quick
look at the case exhibits
 Quick
review of case subtitles
 Skim
case body
 Read
assignment questions and reflect
Individual preparation

Long cycle

Read the case

Analyze the case
 Define
the issue
 Analyze
the case data
 Generate
alternatives
 Selection
decision criteria
 Assess
alternatives
 Select
preferred alternative
 Develop
an action and implementation plan
Small group discussion

Discussion leader

Time limit

Attendance and participation rules

Commitment to each other

Trust

Rules for communication
Large Group discussion
 Start
the discussion
 Issues
identification
 Analysis
 Alternatives
 Action
and decision
and implementation
Effective participation hints
 Don’t
repeat facts of the case
 Don’t
make unrealistic assumptions
 Don’t
monopolize the discussion
 Back
 Use
up claims
data and quantitative analysis
 Consider
 Case
use of mind mapping
interview prep resources
Additional resources to consider
Learning with cases – published by Ivey School of
Business
 Ace Your Case II by Webfeet Insider Guide (free at
Purdue Library)
 Case Analysis Coach from HBS Press (online
resource)
 The Case Study Handbook: How to read, discuss,
and write persuasively about cases by William
Ellet through HBS Press

Let’s practice with Brian

Individual analysis

Read the case

Analyze the case

Define the issue

Analyze the case data

Generate alternatives

Selection decision criteria

Assess alternatives

Select preferred alternative

Develop an action and implementation plan

Small group discussion

Large group discussion (issues, analysis, alternatives, action)

Questions

Reflection