Case Method - JMSB Program Tim Field Faculty Advisor, MBA Case Competition Program John Molson School of Business

Implementing case teaching into Core Curriculum

Case Teaching Objectives Theory To acquire the ability to apply management theory to real life situations Engagement To get students into the habit of diagnosing problems rather than the habit of being a receiver of facts, theories and concepts s Exposure To provide exposure to a variety of firms, industries and managerial situations Put the student in the roll of the Decision Maker

Process

Integrating the Case Method at JMSB Institutionalize PROGRAM Approach for implementing the case Method Look at Core courses and map case teaching across the program Link ‘Learning Goals’ to the case method Collaborate Leverage industry relationships – for case development, internal competitions, class guest speakers (linked to cases) Foster Faculty Projects Student Activities – Case competitions, workshops, consulting, community outreach, coaching, etc. The Case Method leads to building NEW capabilities

Teaching the Case Method

Utilizing the Case Method Developing an effective class structure Leading Class Discussions Engaging Students Innovative class teaching Finding a balance between instructor facilitation and student involvement

Leading Class Discussions Set Expectations Reading the case is the not the same as analyzing….. Find a balance between assigned readings and the assigned case This can be achieved in many forms (i.e. 1/3rd readings and 2/3rd case) Analysis Framework Case teaching requires teaching Core material and the Case method simultaneously Develop methodology that students can use to apply the class theory to the case Assignments should require the student to demonstrate an understanding of material and the methodology Class Discussions Establish a process for enlisting class participation Cold calling…. Assign case questions in advance to provide a context for the discussion Use the ‘Participation grade’ as a key component for student evaluation Student preparation is key to case method teaching success

Engaging Students Managing the ‘Lecture’ Managing a case class should be like leading a symphony….. Establish a learning goal for each class that ties the case to the core material Break-up class time….. 1) instructor time, 2) class discussion time, 3) in-class work time Set a timetable for each section of the discussion/analysis (then move on)….. Lead the student discussion do not become a follower…… Lead with broad questions….. Then narrow into specific issues (funnel approach) Close the Loop -- conclude with a ‘Result’ – recommendation, outcome…. Essential to the learning process Make student involvement welcoming – encourage mistakes (key for getting a high level of participation) Consider Assigning group tasks – i.e. fill out the model we are working on….. Have groups share findings – results can be emailed to the instructor Assign a participation grade for each session of the class...... use a participation criteria and scoring (3=high, 2=Mid, 1-Low) Student involvement Focus on time management and encouraging participation

Innovative Case Teaching Traditional Approach – break the class into 50%/50% -- lecture and case discussion Blend the approaches by Hitting ‘Pause’ - transition between the case discussion and lecture (assigned readings) – you can go back and forth (% of lecture can change with case complexity) Student ownership – students can lead discussions – groups can be assigned to cover a weekly topic (questions from the case) – as part of the lecture, part of the case, or finding external research to supplement the case discussion Flip the Classroom – expect students to cover material outside of class time - Technology can be leveraged to cover core concepts (i.e. videos or articles to cover core topics – message board to answer questions etc.) – focus becomes application vs instruction – the lecture is removed…… Go Adhoc – Use break out groups for case debates, assign tasks to various groups, negotiations, mini-presentations Go Live – Use a guest speaker or develop short 1-2 page cases from the recent news to work in real-time – students can build the case from web-searching – end of with presentations Dynamic Class structures Learning within the case method is ‘Application’ focused – this is in contrast to the traditional lecture method – this creates challenges and opportunities…….. The Case Method provides a great opportunity for creativity

Process Map

Case Teaching Process Map Select effective cases for teaching Link cases to teaching Materials and learning Goals Establish a Case analysis Methodology Time Management (Lead do not follow) Formalize ‘Participation grades’ Make the class interactive Use group in-class assignments Consider Student class-leadership opportunities Case based assignments 1 6 7 2 5 8 3 4 9 Integration of the case method

Thank you!