Case Study Approach

Case studies are a dynamic learning technique that involves interaction between the

students themselves and with the teaching staff to identify potential solutions to a

complex problem or opportunity.

You will be provided with a scenario describing a business problem or situation. The

case description will provide you with background information about the scenario and

will describe the problem that needs to be resolved or the opportunity that is available.

The scenario will conclude with one or more focussing questions about the problem or

opportunity.

You need to conduct your own research to prepare for an analysis and discussion about

the problem and the development of potential solutions. You need to be able to support

your ideas and proposed solutions with logical reasoning based on the information you

discovered through the case description and your own research.

The learning happens through the in-class discussion that will take place in your

workshop - so that there are a manageable number of people involved in the discussion.

There will be a dedicated workshop per case that will be run as a discussion; you do not

need to make a formal presentation about your ideas or proposed solution. The

attendance of the in-class discussion is compulsory.

Your tutor will start the discussion by summarising the scenario and focussing

questions. They will then seek participation from the students. Your tutor may ask direct

questions to people in the class or may allow the discussion to flow freely at times. The

tutor's role is to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to contribute to the discussion,

that the discussion achieves the learning objectives of the case, and that all contributions

are assessed.

During the discussion you may also make a valid contribution to the discussion by

agreeing or disagreeing with a point raised by someone else. If you are agreeing you

need to provide additional supporting arguments beyond what they have just said. If you

are disagreeing, you must do so in a courteous manner, and you must provide arguments

to justify why you disagree.

More background information about case-based learning is provided to you in one of

the lectures. 

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