Trends and Lessons Learned in Interdisciplinary and Non-Business Case Method Application

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Chi Anyansi-Archibong
Andrew J Czuchry
Claudia S House
Tony Cicirello

Abstract

This paper has two major objectives. First, results of a survey designed to test the level of development and application of cases in non-business courses such as Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering, Health, and Technology are presented. Findings
support the growing popularity of case method of teaching and learning outside the Business School domain. The survey indicates that Education, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics faculties rank the case method as very useful in teaching their subject matter. This same group is also actively engaged in case development.

However, survey results indicated that case writers in the disciplines cited above experienced several challenges in developing cases and instructor?s manuals, and in obtaining support from funding agencies and employers. Implications of the survey results include greater awareness for the impact of case method of learning and the need for faculty development in case writing and teaching.

The second purpose of this paper is to draw upon the experience of two successful programs to identify ways for overcoming some of the challenges noted above. To aid in this process, a framework for establishing win-win partnerships with business,
industry and the professional community is suggested. Lessons learned in applying the framework (shown in Figure 1) are also shared.

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