Discover the case method

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As a teacher you’ll be inspirational. As a student you’ll be inspired. Discover the case method and transform your classroom experience!

Postgraduate students sat in a class looking happy

The case method has its roots in the ancient techniques of Socratic dialogue or questioning, as well as Aristotelian logic and the method of argument and counter-argument. Today, the case method remains an irreplaceable cornerstone of management education in business schools across the globe.

Real-life decision-making

Cases describe real-life business situations usually involving a tricky challenge or decision being faced by the case protagonist. Class participants can 'step into the shoes' of the protagonist to discuss possible solutions and analyse the pros and cons of various approaches to the problem.

Within the context of real-life decision-making, students take on board new ideas and concepts, learning business and management theory while at the same time developing a wide range of vital professional and life skills, including negotiation, analysis, defending and challenging viewpoints, team and lone working, and the ability to guard against making decisions based on too little information. 

A powerful teaching tool

The case method is an incredibly powerful teaching tool and is widely used at leading business schools across the globe. Cases work in the classroom to:

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

Read our in-depth article: Can cases enhance employability?

Hear from the experts

We asked the Deans of ten of the leading world and regional business schools for their thoughts on the case method. We wanted to get a sense of its relevance today and looking ahead, how it might evolve, the role and impacts of technology and AI, and discover to what extent such pedagogical issues concern those at the top.
Read the article here.

Below you can also hear why Kamran Kashani (Institute for Management Development, IMD), Susan Schneider (GSEM Geneva School of Economics and Management), Pierre Chandon (INSEAD), Gina Vega (Organizational Ergonomics), Urs Mueller (SDA Bocconi School of Management and ESMT Berlin) and Martin Kupp (ESCP Business School) all believe that the case method is so effective in management education.

How can we help?

As the independent home of the case method we provide a range of products and services for the case community. Browse the sections below to discover more.

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Access the collection

Search, preview and buy from our diverse range of business and management teaching materials.

Access the collection

Search, preview and buy from our diverse range of business and management teaching materials.

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Case distribution

Submit your cases or collection to us for distribution to a global audience.

Case distribution

Submit your cases or collection to us for distribution to a global audience.

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Knowledge centre

Find out about the case method through our videos, features, resources and newsletter.

Knowledge centre

Find out about the case method through our videos, features, resources and newsletter.

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Recognition and impact

Discover how we recognise the work of case teachers and writers worldwide.

Recognition and impact

Discover how we recognise the work of case teachers and writers worldwide.

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Support and guidance

Support for case teachers, writers and students through workshops, scholarships and much more.

Support and guidance

Support for case teachers, writers and students through workshops, scholarships and much more.

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Case community

The case community is at the heart of everything we do. Find out how you can get involved.

Case community

The case community is at the heart of everything we do. Find out how you can get involved.

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Case method training

Intensive, practical and hands-on, our case training is ideal for teachers, writers and students.

Enjoy a safe, enjoyable learning experience, plus the chance to network with colleagues.

Case method training

Intensive, practical and hands-on, our case training is ideal for teachers, writers and students.

Enjoy a safe, enjoyable learning experience, plus the chance to network with colleagues.