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Case Study Method

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CASE METHOD

Case study method is said to consist of several deficiencies. In spite of that, it is widely used in management education and training. Many arguments are made for using the case study method for imparting management education. Some of these arguments are:

a) Translating Knowledge into Action: The texts always provide the concepts and their logical sequence. The success or failure of the manager depends more on his action and dynamics rather than his conceptual knowledge. The case enables one to decide about the action in a given situation and then relate it to the textual knowledge. The shuttling between precepts and practices will be possible while dealing with a case situation.
(b) Opportunity to Analyze: In a case, a reader is getting a good opportunity to analyze and find out the ingredients. While the text gives standard principles, the application would vary based on the actual situations. One who reads the case gets an opportunity to diagnose the problem, evaluate alternatives and finally select a mode of operation that may be right or wrong. Several such decisions will enable one to become an adept decision maker.
(c) Opportunity for Self-Determination: In a case study situation, all decisions are taken by the one who reads the case rather than any imposition of answers or solutions by anybody else. Practice makes a man perfect. Cases provide ample opportunities for self determining the case solutions based on one's own analytical and decision making ability. After all, in practical situations, one has to retrieve conceptual knowledge, relate it to situational expedience and decide on time.
(d) Exposure to Multiple Situations: Textual knowledge is standardized, but would need modification in different situations. Modern theory of management stresses on the contingency or situational management. In case study practices, cases are taken from varied situations, thus creating a broad - based ability in the keen student of management to understand the reality.
(e) Scope of Creativity: Learning management from texts only provides broad principles.
Case situations provide scope for creativity. Simple solutions can be obtained if we look at problems in an innovative and creative way. This is a specialized and individualized skill. Cases thus throw up opportunities for innovative solutions.
(f) Develops Logical Reasoning and Effective Communication: The case analysis and preparation of solution enables one to look at issues in a logical sequence and reason it out. Similarly, the preparation of the solutions either for oral or for written presentation necessitates one to make communication effective. Illogical and incoherent answers will not lead one to any goal. The case analyst's ego is also involved. Hence, the process becomes more effective than other methods of learning.

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