Hello,
I am interested in applying to Owen and was wondering if the Case Method is
part of the program?
If so, what percent of the classes use the Case Method and how ingrained is
it into the school’s culture?
Thank you.
Daniel
From Vik:
It's difficult to say what percentage of classes are taught using the case method. It depends on what electives you take and how you structure your MBA program. However I have noticed that core courses are generally not case based.
I like experiential learning and the case method. Sometimes classes will combine the 2 e.g. for my Strategy class I'm currently working with my study group on researching the auto industry to assess Toyota's competitive landscape and analyze if their current strategy will be a good one over the next 3-5 years.
I hope that helps.
From Matt:
The first step in answering your question is to define what a case is. For there are many things that happen in the classroom (ordinary class discussion being one of them) that could be considered cases. A business school case is a 10-page write up that documents a business situation and usually has a dozen exhibits immediately following the story to illuminate the more technical points. The case method is one that relies entirely on that vehicle for the student’s learning. Owen does not use an exclusive case method approach, but we do have very many cases. But, one must bear in mind though that there is never going to be an “exhibits” section in real life, and the numbers will never be as pre-packaged and easy to find. So using other methods is probably a better approach anyway.
Owen uses lots of devices besides cases to help you learn, including cases. In some classes you are assigned movies. In others we were part of an experiment in which two teams had to construct paper airplanes to certain specifications. We do plant tours, interviews with local business owners, and independent projects that sometimes including many hours a week outside the classroom walls in someone else’s office. They are all case interviews to some extent.
My understanding of “the case method” was that it relies solely on cases as a means to teach. At Owen we use many different methods and cases are an important part. In my opinion though, they aren’t as important as some of the other experiences you will have here.
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Read the full article: AAOB: What is Owen’s culture like in respect to the use of Case Method?