Case Studies

This guide introduces case studies and the case teaching method. Explore resources available through SIT's subscription and open access materials by navigating the various tabs.

What are case studies?
Case studies describe and present real-world scenarios or fictitious accounts of a business/industry situation or dilemma. Case studies provide students with opportunities to analyse issues from multiple perspectives where they apply critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Some common elements in cases

Most cases contain the following elements:

• A decision-maker who is grappling with some question or problem that needs to be solved (eg. problem statement)
• A description of the problem’s context (eg. a law, an industry, a family).
• Supporting data (eg. to links to URLs, quoted statements or testimony, supporting documents, images, video, or audio)
   

(Source: Boston University, Using Cases Studies to Teach)

As cases are situated within real-world context, students are able to translate concepts and ideas into applied scenarios. Students are also able to develop essential questioning, debating, decision-making, negotiating and analytical skills as they engage with discussions to develop possible solutions to the presented problem.

Cases work in the classroom to:

• challenge assumptions
• overcome prejudices
• test theories
• debate solutions
• develop work and life skills
• enhance employability

Selecting the right case that meets the learning objectives of your course will ensure student's engagement with issues presented in the case, and maximise students' learning.

(Source: The Case Centre)