Case writing and AI – opportunities and risks

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Since ChatGPT's launch in November 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has ignited discussions across the academic landscape. In this article, we explore AI's potential for case writers and address the associated risks.

Guiding principles

In their recent webinar, ‘Unlocking the Power of AI: How Tools Like ChatGPT Can Make Teaching Easier and More Effective,’ Ethan and Lilach Mollick offered three guiding principles for the future. Each of these principles are relevant to the discipline of case writing. 

  1. AI is undetectable.  
    Just as you can't tell whether a student has used AI, you cannot determine if a case writer has done so.
  2. AI is ubiquitous.
    Most case writers have access to the world's most powerful AI. 
  3. AI will be transformative. 
    As a result, AI will be transformative to how cases are written. 

AI is here, and the case community must investigate how to use it best to enhance the case writing process, while ensuring that quality and the student learning experience are not compromised. In this article, we will explore some of the current opportunities and risks. The learning curve with AI is steep, and if you have other ideas, we encourage you to share them with us.

Man typing on a laptop with AI concepts overlaying

AI as a research assistant

Whether a case is written from published sources or field research, the starting point is comprehensive research into the protagonist, company, and situation. This can be a time-consuming process, but David Wesley proposes that using AI tools can speed things up: “AI enables the streamlining of research activities. Instead of the need to access numerous websites to gather information, AI can rapidly access resources and compile lists for you in one convenient location.”

Ruth Massie agrees: “You can Google to your heart's content, but when you engage in a conversation with AI and pose questions, the incredible depth and breadth of information it discovers comes effortlessly on your part and in a fraction of the time.”

Whilst the discovery and collation of information can be done at high-speed by AI, it is important not to take everything it provides at face value. David cautions: “AI can generate hallucinations, so it can’t do your job for you. It is there as an assistant, and it's crucial to validate everything it compiles. Additionally, keep in mind that AI utilises generative material by pulling information from various sources across the Internet to assemble responses for you. It's important to be aware that it can inadvertently plagiarise, breach copyright, or access content that should not be publicly accessible.”

When conducting research, it is critical to evaluate the information you encounter for errors and bias. The guidance offered by Ethan Mollick in his AI policy for students also serves as excellent advice for case writers: “Don't trust anything it says. If it gives you a number or fact, assume it is wrong unless you either know the answer or can check it with another source. You will be responsible for any errors or omissions provided by the tool.” 

Verifying the information that AI has compiled for you can be tricky. Ruth says: “A drawback of some AI tools is that when they retrieve data from sources, they don't provide hyperlinks, preventing you from directly accessing the origins of the information. Some tools perform better than others, ChatGPT is known for inventing sources, but Bard currently appears better at providing accurate source information.” There are also a growing number of AI tools, such as Elicit, Jenni, and scite, that some educators have found can help with source verification and citations.

As we transitioned from printed documents to the internet, we had to adapt to new protocols for fact-checking, and the same holds true for our transition to AI. Sourcing and citing your research remain just as vital, with AI potentially shifting the case writer's role from primarily conducting research to emphasising verification.

Once you’ve checked all your sources and compiled your list of references it can be a fiddly process to format them all in your preferred style (Harvard, APA, AMA etc.). David identifies this as another area where AI can save you time: “Put all your references into an AI tool, specify the desired formatting style, and it will quickly accomplish this task. Additionally, you can request it to convert a list of references from one style to another.”

AI as a case writer

In February 2023, Zhichuan (Frank) Li of Ivey Business School conducted an experiment in which he tasked ChatGPT with writing an entire case using only a few simple prompts. However, upon review by Ivey Publishing, it was determined that the case would be rejected for publication due to concerns about quality standards.

Frank reflected: “ChatGPT can easily write a short generic case. However, while a well-designed structure of prompts is the key to generating a case ‘plot’ from ChatGPT, ‘post-production’ is equally important. This might include adding more details about the protagonist, the background, the numbers, the decision points, and all the sources and references.

"Often times, authors will have to add something more vivid, real-life, and even personal since a ChatGPT case often lacks vibe, energy and emotion. Authors then must adjust the case for their specific students instead of the general public and incorporate their specific teaching objectives. If a case, such as those written by ChatGPT, caters for everyone, then it is useless to anyone." 

Artist adding colour and texture to a painting

In the webinar, ‘How ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Can Maximize the Learning Potential of Your Case-Based Classes,’ Mitchell Weiss discussed his experiments with ChatGPT in which he attempted to write an entire case using just one detailed prompt. He shared his thoughts on the outcomes: “It seems to get in a number of key concepts, but it doesn’t have the texture that I would put into my case. So, whilst it might be very efficient, and certainly could get better over time, I suggest doing it paragraph by paragraph.” 

Mitchell envisioned the outline of his case, similar to the process of traditional case writing. He then employed detailed prompts to guide ChatGPT in composing each paragraph or section. The quality and specificity of prompts are of utmost importance whenever using AI. When writing a case using AI, it is essential to incorporate prompts that draw on the typical conventions of case writing. For instance, write in the past tense and in the third person, and avoid including any judgment or bias in the text, among other considerations.

However, not everyone feels at ease with the idea of using AI to write entire cases. David says: “I believe that our institutions should promote the use of AI, but there should be guidelines in place to ensure that AI is used solely as an aid, not for content creation. I don't think it's a good idea to rely entirely on AI for writing a complete case, as it may not fully grasp the specific needs of your students and the classroom.”

Even if AI has the capability to write a case, we must consider whether it should do so. There are concerns about academic integrity that we must all grapple with. Urs Mueller recommends incorporating a disclaimer on the front page of the case to acknowledge the role of AI in the case writing process: “It is just a question of honesty and transparency; you need to mention that you co-authored the case - it is important to acknowledge that AI was in play.” 

As AI is rapidly evolving, The Case Centre is closely monitoring its influence on case writing. To gain more insights, authors are now required to disclose whether and how AI was employed during the writing process for all new cases submitted via The Case Centre's online case submission platform.

CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 2 

AI as a support

If you feel uneasy about using AI to write a case, there are still numerous ways in which it can assist you throughout the process.

Crafting cases requires a distinct skill set compared to writing academic papers, and adapting your writing style can be a challenge. “Academics who excel in writing articles for publication in academic journals may not necessarily excel in case writing. While there are individuals who can effectively navigate both domains, most of us tend to lean toward one side or the other. AI can be of assistance in bridging this gap,” says Ruth. 

For instance, you can employ an AI tool such as ChatGPT to verify aspects of your case. It can assess whether your case has a compelling narrative, is written in an engaging and comprehensible manner, or adopts a storytelling style rather than a research paper format. You'll receive suggestions that may not have occurred to you otherwise, and you can review them and adjust your case as needed.

Even the most skilled writers experience writer's block. David views AI as a tool that can assist writers during this challenging phase: “If you have an idea for a case but are unsure where to begin, I recommend having a conversation with AI to help you work through it. For instance, you can provide it with the issue you want to address in the case, the company you'd like to feature, and your teaching objectives. Then, request it to generate an outline of potential topics to write about. While the outline may not be perfect, it could provide you with some ideas to at least get started.”

Man working at a laptop alleviating writer's block using AI

With the arrival of new generations of learners in our classrooms, it is increasingly important to reconsider the structure of cases. Ruth says: “Reading isn't their strong suit; they tend to scan, read briefly, and move on. Younger learners appear to strongly dislike long cases. They also desire increased interactivity and are more inclined to click on links. Consequently, I believe we need to consider revising the visual appearance and information presentation of our cases, and AI can play a role in achieving this.” Ruth advises asking AI to review the structure of a case you’ve written, for example to add in more subheadings, and to emphasise key points to ensure they catch the reader's attention as they scroll. It can also be asked to condense text, preserving the essential information, but aiding in the reduction of unnecessarily lengthy content.

When writing, it is crucial to employ inclusive language and to show respect for all individuals and situations depicted in the case. As an initial step, it is advisable to consult an inclusive language guide, such as the one provided here by the Center for Equity, Gender & Leadership (EGAL) at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Additionally, after you have completed your case, you can use an AI tool to verify and ensure consistency in your use of inclusive language. Ruth suggests: “We currently employ AI-powered technology when advertising jobs to enhance inclusivity and attract a diverse pool of candidates. Similarly, we should harness the power of AI to foster inclusiveness in our cases. For instance, AI can verify that the language used is gender-neutral and free from bias when referring to individuals within the case.”

Once you have a very first draft of your case, you can also use AI to to give you structured feedback. Urs and Martin Kupp have developed a series of strategic decisions that you have to take when writing a case, for example the choice of protagonist, cut-off time, and immediate issue. Additionally they also introduce a number of tactical and operational decisions. With these decisions in mind, it is possible to write a dialogue prompt where AI reads through the various paragraphs of the draft and checks if the relevant information is already there (watch Martin and Urs' webinar, 'The impact of AI on the case method,' to find out more about their prompt). As Martin explains: “AI can act not only as a copy editor checking for language and performing proof reading, but can actually check for the various elements that we have identified as being key for a good case. Large Language Models (LLM) can check if these elements are there and can even comment on their pertinence.”

AI as an editor

After writing a case that aligns with your teaching objectives, it's important to ensure it reads well and is free of grammatical errors. This becomes particularly significant if you're writing in a language that isn't your native one.

While many renowned case-producing institutions provide editorial support to assist case writers in this regard, not everyone has access to such resources. AI offers a new avenue for all case writers to refine their cases, expanding opportunities for improvement.

David recommends: “For each paragraph in your case, consider running it through an AI tool. Instruct the tool to assess it for errors in grammar and style, and you can also request suggested text improvements. This procedure can substantially enhance the quality of your case, ensuring a better product before using it in class or publishing it.”

“I use Grammarly, which edits my text in real time. If I type something, and it believes it can enhance my writing, it notifies me immediately. As a non-native English speaker, it is an incredible help.” confirms Urs.

In certain situations, it becomes necessary to disguise a case that you have authored to ensure the anonymity of the featured company. Urs advises that AI can be of editorial assistance: “When disguising details, maintaining consistency throughout the entire case, especially if it's lengthy, can be challenging. AI proves to be exceptionally valuable in ensuring that consistency. Additionally, you can use it to alter various elements, such as names, industry locations, dates, cut-off points, and more. It can also assist in generating credible names for protagonists and companies, and it can even create fake company logos within seconds.” 

It is good practice to inform fellow educators that the case has been disguised. If you’ve used AI to do so, it is advisable to disclose this too.

AI as a translator

Once your case is finished, you might consider using one of the many AI translation tools to translate it into other languages. Urs says: “With students who are not native speakers of the language in which you are teaching, providing them with a case might pose a comprehension challenge. If you are using your own case, there's no issue in feeding it into a translation service to generate versions in different languages.”

AI translator into English, German and French

As with any translation, it is advisable to have checks in place to ensure its quality. If you intend to publish your case, you may also consider supplying the various language versions to the distributor.

If you wish to translate a case authored by someone else, you must obtain the required permission first. The Case Centre provides guidance on how to do this. Once permission has been granted, you can use AI to assist with the translation. However, this should only be done using an AI tool that includes a privacy mode to ensure that the case is neither stored in nor used for the education of the LLM. Additionally, safeguards should be in place to guarantee the accuracy of the translation and its compliance with all the terms and conditions of the granted permission.

Teaching notes

A teaching note is a significant pedagogical document, and crafting it requires time and effort, drawing from experiences gained through multiple instances of teaching the case in a classroom setting. The instructor's role in preparing the teaching note is unlikely to undergo substantial change, but AI can assist in the process.

When writing a teaching note Urs suggests using AI: “I usually include an analysis section that establishes connections between the case and academic content, theories, and concepts. If you upload your case, you can inquire of AI, "Which academic theories, concepts, and tools can this case be related to?" And, surprisingly, it can readily generate suggestions, even coming up with a couple of ideas.” Urs also recommends employing AI to propose other articles and readings that might prove valuable when students or fellow instructors prepare for the case discussion. After verification, these materials could be incorporated into the additional readings section of the teaching note.

AI can also assist in devising various approaches for teaching the case. Once tested in the classroom, these approaches can be incorporated into the teaching note.

A word of caution: if you upload your own case to an AI tool, it is likely that the tool will use it to enhance its capabilities. Consequently, students may have access to what the tool has learned from the case. Therefore, make sure to use a tool equipped with a privacy mode. 

Experiment, experiment, experiment

Urs counsels: “AI is not our enemy; it can be our friend. It has the potential to significantly improve the way we write and teach. The more you understand, the more effectively you can use it, and the greater the assistance it can provide. Play with it to discover its capabilities and limits, and share experiences with your colleagues.”

The capabilities of AI are vast and ever-evolving. Regardless of any initial hesitations, it's imperative that we all embark on the journey of experimentation. Proficiency is the key to unlocking AI's full potential in enhancing your case writing endeavors. While the principles of case writing remain at the core of the process, judiciously employing AI tools may empower you to create higher-quality cases more efficiently. In the dynamic landscape of education, embracing AI can be your path to innovation and excellence.

This article was published in Connect, October 2023.

Page 1

Guiding principles

In their recent webinar, ‘Unlocking the Power of AI: How Tools Like ChatGPT Can Make Teaching Easier and More Effective,’ Ethan and Lilach Mollick offered three guiding principles for the future. Each of these principles are relevant to the discipline of case writing. 

  1. AI is undetectable.  
    Just as you can't tell whether a student has used AI, you cannot determine if a case writer has done so.
  2. AI is ubiquitous.
    Most case writers have access to the world's most powerful AI. 
  3. AI will be transformative. 
    As a result, AI will be transformative to how cases are written. 

AI is here, and the case community must investigate how to use it best to enhance the case writing process, while ensuring that quality and the student learning experience are not compromised. In this article, we will explore some of the current opportunities and risks. The learning curve with AI is steep, and if you have other ideas, we encourage you to share them with us.

Man typing on a laptop with AI concepts overlaying

AI as a research assistant

Whether a case is written from published sources or field research, the starting point is comprehensive research into the protagonist, company, and situation. This can be a time-consuming process, but David Wesley proposes that using AI tools can speed things up: “AI enables the streamlining of research activities. Instead of the need to access numerous websites to gather information, AI can rapidly access resources and compile lists for you in one convenient location.”

Ruth Massie agrees: “You can Google to your heart's content, but when you engage in a conversation with AI and pose questions, the incredible depth and breadth of information it discovers comes effortlessly on your part and in a fraction of the time.”

Whilst the discovery and collation of information can be done at high-speed by AI, it is important not to take everything it provides at face value. David cautions: “AI can generate hallucinations, so it can’t do your job for you. It is there as an assistant, and it's crucial to validate everything it compiles. Additionally, keep in mind that AI utilises generative material by pulling information from various sources across the Internet to assemble responses for you. It's important to be aware that it can inadvertently plagiarise, breach copyright, or access content that should not be publicly accessible.”

When conducting research, it is critical to evaluate the information you encounter for errors and bias. The guidance offered by Ethan Mollick in his AI policy for students also serves as excellent advice for case writers: “Don't trust anything it says. If it gives you a number or fact, assume it is wrong unless you either know the answer or can check it with another source. You will be responsible for any errors or omissions provided by the tool.” 

Verifying the information that AI has compiled for you can be tricky. Ruth says: “A drawback of some AI tools is that when they retrieve data from sources, they don't provide hyperlinks, preventing you from directly accessing the origins of the information. Some tools perform better than others, ChatGPT is known for inventing sources, but Bard currently appears better at providing accurate source information.” There are also a growing number of AI tools, such as Elicit, Jenni, and scite, that some educators have found can help with source verification and citations.

As we transitioned from printed documents to the internet, we had to adapt to new protocols for fact-checking, and the same holds true for our transition to AI. Sourcing and citing your research remain just as vital, with AI potentially shifting the case writer's role from primarily conducting research to emphasising verification.

Once you’ve checked all your sources and compiled your list of references it can be a fiddly process to format them all in your preferred style (Harvard, APA, AMA etc.). David identifies this as another area where AI can save you time: “Put all your references into an AI tool, specify the desired formatting style, and it will quickly accomplish this task. Additionally, you can request it to convert a list of references from one style to another.”

AI as a case writer

In February 2023, Zhichuan (Frank) Li of Ivey Business School conducted an experiment in which he tasked ChatGPT with writing an entire case using only a few simple prompts. However, upon review by Ivey Publishing, it was determined that the case would be rejected for publication due to concerns about quality standards.

Frank reflected: “ChatGPT can easily write a short generic case. However, while a well-designed structure of prompts is the key to generating a case ‘plot’ from ChatGPT, ‘post-production’ is equally important. This might include adding more details about the protagonist, the background, the numbers, the decision points, and all the sources and references.

"Often times, authors will have to add something more vivid, real-life, and even personal since a ChatGPT case often lacks vibe, energy and emotion. Authors then must adjust the case for their specific students instead of the general public and incorporate their specific teaching objectives. If a case, such as those written by ChatGPT, caters for everyone, then it is useless to anyone." 

Artist adding colour and texture to a painting

In the webinar, ‘How ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Can Maximize the Learning Potential of Your Case-Based Classes,’ Mitchell Weiss discussed his experiments with ChatGPT in which he attempted to write an entire case using just one detailed prompt. He shared his thoughts on the outcomes: “It seems to get in a number of key concepts, but it doesn’t have the texture that I would put into my case. So, whilst it might be very efficient, and certainly could get better over time, I suggest doing it paragraph by paragraph.” 

Mitchell envisioned the outline of his case, similar to the process of traditional case writing. He then employed detailed prompts to guide ChatGPT in composing each paragraph or section. The quality and specificity of prompts are of utmost importance whenever using AI. When writing a case using AI, it is essential to incorporate prompts that draw on the typical conventions of case writing. For instance, write in the past tense and in the third person, and avoid including any judgment or bias in the text, among other considerations.

However, not everyone feels at ease with the idea of using AI to write entire cases. David says: “I believe that our institutions should promote the use of AI, but there should be guidelines in place to ensure that AI is used solely as an aid, not for content creation. I don't think it's a good idea to rely entirely on AI for writing a complete case, as it may not fully grasp the specific needs of your students and the classroom.”

Even if AI has the capability to write a case, we must consider whether it should do so. There are concerns about academic integrity that we must all grapple with. Urs Mueller recommends incorporating a disclaimer on the front page of the case to acknowledge the role of AI in the case writing process: “It is just a question of honesty and transparency; you need to mention that you co-authored the case - it is important to acknowledge that AI was in play.” 

As AI is rapidly evolving, The Case Centre is closely monitoring its influence on case writing. To gain more insights, authors are now required to disclose whether and how AI was employed during the writing process for all new cases submitted via The Case Centre's online case submission platform.

CONTINUE READING ON PAGE 2 

Page 2

AI as a support

If you feel uneasy about using AI to write a case, there are still numerous ways in which it can assist you throughout the process.

Crafting cases requires a distinct skill set compared to writing academic papers, and adapting your writing style can be a challenge. “Academics who excel in writing articles for publication in academic journals may not necessarily excel in case writing. While there are individuals who can effectively navigate both domains, most of us tend to lean toward one side or the other. AI can be of assistance in bridging this gap,” says Ruth. 

For instance, you can employ an AI tool such as ChatGPT to verify aspects of your case. It can assess whether your case has a compelling narrative, is written in an engaging and comprehensible manner, or adopts a storytelling style rather than a research paper format. You'll receive suggestions that may not have occurred to you otherwise, and you can review them and adjust your case as needed.

Even the most skilled writers experience writer's block. David views AI as a tool that can assist writers during this challenging phase: “If you have an idea for a case but are unsure where to begin, I recommend having a conversation with AI to help you work through it. For instance, you can provide it with the issue you want to address in the case, the company you'd like to feature, and your teaching objectives. Then, request it to generate an outline of potential topics to write about. While the outline may not be perfect, it could provide you with some ideas to at least get started.”

Man working at a laptop alleviating writer's block using AI

With the arrival of new generations of learners in our classrooms, it is increasingly important to reconsider the structure of cases. Ruth says: “Reading isn't their strong suit; they tend to scan, read briefly, and move on. Younger learners appear to strongly dislike long cases. They also desire increased interactivity and are more inclined to click on links. Consequently, I believe we need to consider revising the visual appearance and information presentation of our cases, and AI can play a role in achieving this.” Ruth advises asking AI to review the structure of a case you’ve written, for example to add in more subheadings, and to emphasise key points to ensure they catch the reader's attention as they scroll. It can also be asked to condense text, preserving the essential information, but aiding in the reduction of unnecessarily lengthy content.

When writing, it is crucial to employ inclusive language and to show respect for all individuals and situations depicted in the case. As an initial step, it is advisable to consult an inclusive language guide, such as the one provided here by the Center for Equity, Gender & Leadership (EGAL) at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business. Additionally, after you have completed your case, you can use an AI tool to verify and ensure consistency in your use of inclusive language. Ruth suggests: “We currently employ AI-powered technology when advertising jobs to enhance inclusivity and attract a diverse pool of candidates. Similarly, we should harness the power of AI to foster inclusiveness in our cases. For instance, AI can verify that the language used is gender-neutral and free from bias when referring to individuals within the case.”

Once you have a very first draft of your case, you can also use AI to to give you structured feedback. Urs and Martin Kupp have developed a series of strategic decisions that you have to take when writing a case, for example the choice of protagonist, cut-off time, and immediate issue. Additionally they also introduce a number of tactical and operational decisions. With these decisions in mind, it is possible to write a dialogue prompt where AI reads through the various paragraphs of the draft and checks if the relevant information is already there (watch Martin and Urs' webinar, 'The impact of AI on the case method,' to find out more about their prompt). As Martin explains: “AI can act not only as a copy editor checking for language and performing proof reading, but can actually check for the various elements that we have identified as being key for a good case. Large Language Models (LLM) can check if these elements are there and can even comment on their pertinence.”

AI as an editor

After writing a case that aligns with your teaching objectives, it's important to ensure it reads well and is free of grammatical errors. This becomes particularly significant if you're writing in a language that isn't your native one.

While many renowned case-producing institutions provide editorial support to assist case writers in this regard, not everyone has access to such resources. AI offers a new avenue for all case writers to refine their cases, expanding opportunities for improvement.

David recommends: “For each paragraph in your case, consider running it through an AI tool. Instruct the tool to assess it for errors in grammar and style, and you can also request suggested text improvements. This procedure can substantially enhance the quality of your case, ensuring a better product before using it in class or publishing it.”

“I use Grammarly, which edits my text in real time. If I type something, and it believes it can enhance my writing, it notifies me immediately. As a non-native English speaker, it is an incredible help.” confirms Urs.

In certain situations, it becomes necessary to disguise a case that you have authored to ensure the anonymity of the featured company. Urs advises that AI can be of editorial assistance: “When disguising details, maintaining consistency throughout the entire case, especially if it's lengthy, can be challenging. AI proves to be exceptionally valuable in ensuring that consistency. Additionally, you can use it to alter various elements, such as names, industry locations, dates, cut-off points, and more. It can also assist in generating credible names for protagonists and companies, and it can even create fake company logos within seconds.” 

It is good practice to inform fellow educators that the case has been disguised. If you’ve used AI to do so, it is advisable to disclose this too.

AI as a translator

Once your case is finished, you might consider using one of the many AI translation tools to translate it into other languages. Urs says: “With students who are not native speakers of the language in which you are teaching, providing them with a case might pose a comprehension challenge. If you are using your own case, there's no issue in feeding it into a translation service to generate versions in different languages.”

AI translator into English, German and French

As with any translation, it is advisable to have checks in place to ensure its quality. If you intend to publish your case, you may also consider supplying the various language versions to the distributor.

If you wish to translate a case authored by someone else, you must obtain the required permission first. The Case Centre provides guidance on how to do this. Once permission has been granted, you can use AI to assist with the translation. However, this should only be done using an AI tool that includes a privacy mode to ensure that the case is neither stored in nor used for the education of the LLM. Additionally, safeguards should be in place to guarantee the accuracy of the translation and its compliance with all the terms and conditions of the granted permission.

Teaching notes

A teaching note is a significant pedagogical document, and crafting it requires time and effort, drawing from experiences gained through multiple instances of teaching the case in a classroom setting. The instructor's role in preparing the teaching note is unlikely to undergo substantial change, but AI can assist in the process.

When writing a teaching note Urs suggests using AI: “I usually include an analysis section that establishes connections between the case and academic content, theories, and concepts. If you upload your case, you can inquire of AI, "Which academic theories, concepts, and tools can this case be related to?" And, surprisingly, it can readily generate suggestions, even coming up with a couple of ideas.” Urs also recommends employing AI to propose other articles and readings that might prove valuable when students or fellow instructors prepare for the case discussion. After verification, these materials could be incorporated into the additional readings section of the teaching note.

AI can also assist in devising various approaches for teaching the case. Once tested in the classroom, these approaches can be incorporated into the teaching note.

A word of caution: if you upload your own case to an AI tool, it is likely that the tool will use it to enhance its capabilities. Consequently, students may have access to what the tool has learned from the case. Therefore, make sure to use a tool equipped with a privacy mode. 

Experiment, experiment, experiment

Urs counsels: “AI is not our enemy; it can be our friend. It has the potential to significantly improve the way we write and teach. The more you understand, the more effectively you can use it, and the greater the assistance it can provide. Play with it to discover its capabilities and limits, and share experiences with your colleagues.”

The capabilities of AI are vast and ever-evolving. Regardless of any initial hesitations, it's imperative that we all embark on the journey of experimentation. Proficiency is the key to unlocking AI's full potential in enhancing your case writing endeavors. While the principles of case writing remain at the core of the process, judiciously employing AI tools may empower you to create higher-quality cases more efficiently. In the dynamic landscape of education, embracing AI can be your path to innovation and excellence.

This article was published in Connect, October 2023.

Contributing insights

Professor for Entrepreneurship and Strategy
Mitchell Weiss
Richard L Menschel Professor of Management Practice
Ruth Massie
Associate Professor in Andragogy and Education Lead for Undergraduate Provision at MK:U

The impact of AI on the case method

In this webinar, case experts Martin Kupp and Urs Mueller explored the opportunities and risks associated with AI's impact on the case method.

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Picture representing 'Learning with Cases: An Interactive Study Guide'
Picture representing 'Learning with Cases: An Interactive Study Guide'
Learning with Cases: An Interactive Study Guide

Learning with cases can be a challenging experience.

Our interactive study guide takes students through the process, providing practical tips, tricks and tools.

Discover more