An Examination Of Traditional Business Case Studies - Are They Outdated In Today's Technology Connected Environment?

Abstract

The paper examines the effectiveness of using business case studies in today's Internet connected environment. The findings show that 87.8% of Harvard Business Review case solutions are commonly available on the Internet and that students can find an answer within 7.37 minutes. Based on this evidence, the authors contend that current use of business case studies as a learning tool requires a different approach. Standard case questions are no longer sufficient to ensure learning. Alternate approaches suggested are: students developing their own case analysis format, using local companies and data, the Real-Time Case Method, changing classifications and framing of cases, and contrasting case analysis.