Why does CYBL use the case method?
The case method' method originated in the 1920s and was promoted by Wallace Donham, Dean of Harvard Business School. Following more than 100 years of development, Case Analysis is Harvard Business School’s primary teaching method and an important teaching tool for global Business Schools.
Globally renowned corporations such as McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group, Goldman Sachs, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PwC, and Byrne use case studies to as part of their interview process, making case analysis a necessary skill for those who want to work there.
The case method integrates real world problems with academic rigor. With the case study serving as the classroom’s primary locus, students discuss and analyze case studies together as they transition from passive learning into active learning. This serves to guide students outside of their comfort zones and enhance their abilities to analyze and solve problems. First, students gain independence as they learn to think and create. In the later stages, students learn from each other’s strengths and build communication skills.
How is case analysis done?
Recognize key information
A case will describe what kind of problems a company or industry encountered and help readers to know what exactly is the problem. Normally a case would not cover every minute detail of the market or the firm. Some information may be irrelevant. Readers must try to discern what is useful.
Define the problem and set goals
Once they have decided on the relevant information, readers must identify the central problem of the case, and set goals for the firm. Students can get help with this by reading CYBL’s guide to case analysis. Once one has first approximations of the problem and goals, one can always revisit and revise them later.
Critically analyze the case
Then students need to decide on the analytical tools that fit the particular case. It might be SWOT analysis, Porter’s Five Forces, or just comparing markets and companies. They should talk and discuss with their teammates, and must welcome disagreement as a source of progress. Remember, better ideas come from constant communication and revision.
The following sample cases are designed to give students a basic introduction to case analysis and case presentations. Students should practice working with these case packets before the tournament. Each tournament will have a new case and case problem.
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