How to Learn from Cases.

How to Learn from Cases

Case studies are an indispensable tool for learning in MBA or executive education programs. They are also used for corporate training, especially management development.

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But a significant obstacle to using case studies is the difficulty readers have understanding them. They can find interpreting and writing about cases mystifying, challenging, or downright frustrating.

The Case Study Handbook, published by Harvard Business School Press, presents a powerful new approach to cases. It helps students understand the fundamental difference between cases and other kinds of educational material such as textbooks. It describes a set of simple but effective tools for analyzing, discussing, and writing about cases.

By using the five sample Harvard Business School cases included in the book, students can master:

* How to recognize case situations and apply appropriate tools to solve problems, make decisions, or develop evaluations

* How to quickly establish a base of knowledge about a case

* How to write persuasive case-based essays

* How to discuss cases more effectively

The book also includes strategies and templates to help apply this new framework. Extensive examples of effective writing further reinforce learning.

The author of The Case Study Handbook is William Ellet, editor of Training Media Review and a long-time writing consultant at Harvard Business School.

The book is available from:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Harvard Business School Press