The training case can be used in the following way:
Finding a solution
A method often used in training is to describe a problem in cases and have participants find a suitable solution. In this case, they need to formulate how they intend to act in the described situation. For example, they need to increase sales volumes given the various details presented in the case.
Correctness assessment
In this case, decisions have already architect data package been made and actions have been taken. The task of the participants is to evaluate what was right and what was wrong. For example, the case describes a dialogue between a client and a salesperson. The training participants must analyze the situation and determine whether the employee acted correctly.
Identifying the techniques used
Ask participants to identify techniques that were used during a successful conversation.
The organization of the group's work with the case can be carried out using various methods:
Group discussion. Describe the situation presented in the case. You can project the text onto a projector. Let the participants express their opinions and ideas on the case. This method allows you to quickly master the material. However, the discussion may resemble a mini-lecture with questions, which is not suitable for all situations.
Work in teams. Divide participants into teams of three or four people and ask them to analyze the case together. Summarizing the results will help determine which team has identified more techniques and interesting methods in the case.
Individual consideration. This method is suitable if there are many people in the team who want to speak out. To assess individual skills, provide the opportunity for each participant to complete the case in writing.
Individual consideration with transition to group analysis of the case study. Set the participants the task of solving the case individually, and then provide a limited time (no more than 15 minutes) to discuss and develop a common solution. It is important that this conclusion is agreed upon by all members of the group.
These options allow you to assess the participants' knowledge and skills on the training topic, as well as their interaction methods. You will identify the team leaders who have shown the greatest activity.
Interesting facts about cases
Every year, Harvard Business School (HBS) faculty work on creating a case, describing about 350 real situations. Formation of one case takes from one to four months.
In the context of World War II, HBS faculty developed 600 cases designed to train military personnel.
HBS MBA students study an average of 500–600 cases over two years, which accounts for 80–90% of their total learning time.
One of the characteristic features of teaching activities at HBS is the use of real prototypes of the case's main characters. They can be present during the case analysis in person or in video mode. The prototype answers students' questions, gives comments on the proposed solutions, and explains how it acted in the described situation.
In May 2008, Harvard Business School made a strategic decision to diversify the case format. This gave them a neater look and a literary design. Attractive covers were used. Ready-made cases in book format began to be sold in stores near the checkouts. The materials are aimed at a wide audience, for example, at housewives (a contract was signed between HBS and Danielle Steel, the author of popular women's novels).
Many people think that only top managers are heroes in cases. In fact, there are materials that describe the actions of athletes, cultural figures, opinion leaders, etc. For example, there are cases that tell about the former head coach of Manchester United Alex Ferguson, tennis player Maria Sharapova, Lady Gaga and other famous people.
Harvard Business School has a successful project called Kids Case Discussions. It is a specialized children's class. The parents of these children are graduates of this educational institution. University teachers conduct classes where children actively discuss real, unadapted cases.
About 80% of cases used for educational purposes worldwide were created by HBS educators.
Download a useful document on the topic:
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