A Structured Approach to Case Analysis and Reporting

Authors

  • Alfred G. Edge
  • Denis R. Coleman

Abstract

Although the case method of instruction is popular in the business school, one frequently finds students entering case courses without experience in case analysis. In the case method primary importance is placed upon the development of skills in decision-making; whereas in the normal classroom lecture the focus is on acquisition of knowledge. This difference in emphasis requires a significant adjustment for the introductory student. They quickly find that the instructor will not provide the right answers, but rather attempts to guide them through a variety of decision-making experiences so that they develop their own skills. The amount of guidance, and structure, that the instructor provides in a case course can have an important effect on student performance and attitudes. The problem of this introductory adjustment and the guidance that should be given to students are the subjects of discussion in this paper.

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Published

1979-03-13