Case Studies homework Help

Case Studies homework Help

The Importance of Case Studies in Academic Learning

1. Introduction to Case Studies

While you can read about the definition and applications of a concept in theory, the true test of understanding is often in its applications to real-life situations. This is where the relevance of a case study comes into its own. Given the importance of case studies in all types of academic learning, this module is designed to: 1. Expose the student to practical situations, provide insights into the application of techniques and to develop skills in problem solving within the domain of operations research, and appreciate the potential for the development of modelling that links diverse elements of a business. 2. Develop skills in understanding the statement of a problem and defining its structure, searching for potential solutions and developing techniques for the solution, communicating ideas and results, and working in groups, particularly working with those whose skills are different. – Developing an understanding of case study research and its applications, and providing some background into the development of Operations Research and the seminal development of case studies in the area. The purpose of this module is to provide a basis for the development of the student in methods of Operations Research as they can be applied to specific situations. While many of the assignments require particular methods, it is important for you to understand that the approach to the case study might help you long term in better defining problems in your future working life. For example, a problem may appear to be unstructured but has a wealth of information available in some form. If a method of structuring the problem is not found, you may miss out on identifying valuable evidence, linkages between the competing constraints and goals, and so on. Even though the Case Studies in Operations Research Module is worth just one sixth of a full year subject in a Management programme, the skills of case study analysis developed might be more readily applicable in your working life. Thus, the development of the initial structure of a case study aims to assist in defining not only the content and requirements of the “problem” but also to enhance the availability of relevant background knowledge and other job-related requirements.

2. Benefits of Using Case Studies in Education

One of the major functions of using case studies is instructing. Case studies are used to increase analysis and problem-solving abilities. They give students a chance to read through situation improvement notions, notice how to apply theoretical software programs, and understand the nature of thoughtful techniques. At the end of a class, students are normally asked to analyze the case and prepare recommendations on how to deal with associated challenges. Case study plans are generally complex and have many possible solutions. During the discussion, students are informed about what caused the problem and can then provide constructive approaches to the problems presented by the case. A small group of students acts as a court and listens to the arguments. As the argument develops, they are given more information.

Case studies are a great way to improve student learning in your class. Incorporating discussion of case studies in your class will enable students to improve their critical thinking, drawing skills, and decision making. The major question guiding this kind of evaluation is: Does the experience for students significantly differ depending on whether or not they read case creators’ suggestions?

3. How to Analyze and Write a Case Study

The good points of this approach are that it is straightforward and easy to understand. The bad points are that it is easy to evade a closer inspection of the case. The quality of the case and the student’s sense of correctness are based on the student’s presentation and classroom discussion. To successfully conduct the analyses covered by these seven questions, an in-depth study of the case and taking detailed notes is essential. While reading, one should uncover the most important aspects and evidence regarding the key problem or issue. The student should research using all sources, e.g. the internet, periodicals, etc. The next step is the effective collection of data. The more one knows and understands the case, the easier it is to conclude, demonstrate, and distinguish what is most important to the case. Then, the student should take a look at alternative solutions to the problems and reflect on the best solution.

The analysis of a case study is conducted using seven steps. First, the student must identify and articulate the problem. Second, the student identifies the key issues involved in the case. Third, the student conducts interviews with potential solutions. Fourth, the student puts himself in the position of someone within the case and addresses communication, finance, planning and organizing, human resources, marketing, operations, technology, and impact on society. Fifth, students present an alternative solution and show the results of the solution. Sixth, the student considers the mistakes made in addressing the problem and proposed solutions. Finally, students discuss issues of quality of the case and the complexities of conducting research.

4. Real-Life Applications and Success Stories

Case studies can also afford important insights into the operations of NGOs, governments, and other international organizations and institutions. The World Bank, most notably, provides considerable information on and analysis of projects run under its banner by governments, international organizations such as the WHO, and other NGOs, among others. While there is a significant amount of criticism regarding the value of the World Bank’s enterprise in this area, it is crucial to many of the case studies concerning foreign aid in general. Additionally, the United Nations has offered several case studies directly tied to the practice and delivery of humanitarian assistance around the globe. Another area of practical application resides in the study of private industry and public interest groups. Corporate and non-profit case studies are one of the few places that scholars can pursue academic and practical research. If the research is solid, it is hoped that companies and NGOs alike will adopt suggestions offered by the study.

Case studies are widely touted as an essential tool for teaching and researching at all levels of academic study, from political science to engineering. Across these fields and in many more, case studies act as real-life applications, providing students with valuable context and inspiring innovative solutions to everyday problems faced by companies and organizations. There are also more high-profile success stories. For example, Professor Eric Van den Steen uses the case method to teach strategy at Harvard Business School and in executive education courses, and makes all his cases with confidential data widely available to researchers. Similarly, Harvard researchers developed an extensive case study on the Costa Concordia cruise disaster that has implications for the practice of business generally and very few implications for the cruise industry in 2013.

5. Conclusion and Future Directions

This book makes a strong case for two major ways that case studies are useful as learning tools. First, case studies can engage students at many levels from factual questions and answers to higher levels of differentiation and causal or temporal sequence building to consideration of the highly ethical aspects of professional behavior. Second, case studies when used immediately following a unit of knowledge or skill can reveal to the teacher exactly what students are learning. Besides these uses in assessment and learning in the classroom, there are many other ways that cases may be employed. Challenges to effective use of cases in teaching and future research are also considered.

The history and development of the case study in many ways parallels the course of a person’s life. The case study survived attacks, went through periods of occupation and colonization of its definition and functions by rival fields like sociology, history, clinical medicine, and anthropology, experienced depressions in which fewer and poorer studies appeared, went through faddish periods, and so on. Through it all, the case study has never been proven to be better than other methods, but it has persevered. This chapter concludes and takes the case study a step further by discussing its vital importance in professional practice, research, and educational administration. It presents conclusions and suggests future directions for the study of case studies.