Case Discussion MethodBy

Dr. Swatantra Kumar

What is a case

Case Discussion It is

• Case + Discussion

Why Case discussion Theory holds little value in practical

situations Cases provide the real management

situation to the students and carry a lot of value for their shaping into professionals

What it facilitates Power to deal with situations It ensures that the students acquire

managerial skills by rigorous personal effort by questioning and debating all possible situations and finding workable situations.

It is the process of drawing out the student’s mind, not of pouring in the instructor’s ideas

Steps in case discussion

No standard formula There is no standard formula, each

case highlights a specific decision situation

There are however certain general procedures which can be utilized while handling cases

Few important tips Reading the case carefully is

very important. Read it at least twice and

note down important points. Understand the difference

between problems and symptoms.

Break down problems in to small fractions.

Think logically and creatively to solve the problems

Contd.. Consider each possible course of action

individually while analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the company and its competition.

Evaluate the pros and cons of the various alternatives and eliminate the inferior options on the basis of the facts available in the case.

You can also make certain assumptions on the basis of your environmental knowledge to solve business problems.

Contd.. Finally reduce the possible solutions to

two to three. Here comes the test of your ability to

make decisions under uncertainty. If you have sound environmental

knowledge it helps you in making right assumptions.

To improve that you must read business publications – like news paper, magazines, journals etc.

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