An Experiential Understanding of the Trust Dimension Using Consulting Cases to Teach Business Policy

Abstract

The purpose of a business policy capstone course Is usually taken to be the integration of concepts and principles from the common body of knowledge in accounting, finance, marketing, and management. In addition, the instructor seeks to impart the traditional “general manager perspective” by assigning textbook cases and conceptual articles. Conceptual-analytic knowledge is supplemented by providing students with the opportunity to practice individual and group problem-solving skills, and by having them write and defend their analysis of textbook cases. When the instructor wishes to supplement classroom acquired knowledge with some form of experiential knowledge, he will sometimes use the live case. The live case is used at the School of Business and Administration, Saint Louis University, to teach students interpersonal as well as technical skills. Our experience at the Small Business Institute has convinced us of the importance of using live cases as experiential vehicles for allowing students to apply newly acquired knowledge. In this brief paper, the advantages and disadvantages of the live case will be examined from the point of view of the instructor, the students, and the client firms.