Title: Unravelling the transformational power of the case study method in advanced management education: learning from the Harvard Business School model

Authors: Karim S. Rebeiz

Addresses: Olayan School of Business, American University of Beirut, Bliss Street, Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract: In this paper, the Harvard Business School (HBS) model is used as the platform to unravel the drivers that would render the case study method (CSM) a powerful learning tool in advanced management education. The analysis is based on interpretative investigation using primary data by means of semi-structured interviews with MBA and faculty members of HBS. It is posited that two sine-qua-non conditions are warranted to activate the CSM transformational power: 1) a carefully designed process that conditions students for pre-class learning and in-class participation; 2) a distinctive instructional delivery style in the classroom that elevate the intellectual inquisitiveness and emotional interaction of the participants to new heights. In the absence of a systematic planning process and a superior execution strategy, the CSM would be devoid of its core substance and, as such, would be nothing more than a futile exercise of limited utility to those who experiment with it.

Keywords: case study method; Harvard Business School; HBS; management education; MBA programmes; pre-class learning; in-class participation; instructional delivery styles; case studies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTCS.2015.074593

International Journal of Teaching and Case Studies, 2015 Vol.6 No.4, pp.290 - 302

Received: 09 Jul 2015
Accepted: 30 Jul 2015
Published online: 07 Feb 2016 *

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