The case study method

Harvard Business School (HBS) pioneered the use of case study methodology in their Master of Business Administration (MBA) course over a century ago. The MBA format pioneered by HBS, whilst receiving periodic updates is almost unchanged from its original structure.

The majority of MBA assessment utilises case studies; however, as an online student we were also required to submit essay type assessments. When undertaking an online MBA, it is somewhat difficult to present a case study whilst taking questions and defending methodologies and recommendations.

Whilst I am familiar with online assessments where we would firstly undertake a solo case study followed by working in remote teams on the second case study, I feel full-time on-campus is an easier option as collaboration is easier.

We utilised almost exclusively HBS case studies, as I understand it, HBS professors write case studies and use for a year or so before producing new case studies and sell now obsolete case studies to other universities. This, I believe, works well for all institutions as HBS continuously updates their materials whilst MBA students worldwide benefit from quality HBS materials.

For a world renowned business like HBS, they are able to attract world class scholars and staff, the Harvard MBA is not only world class, the lecturers are pretty much the pick of the crop and in high demand. Clearly, business schools such as Harvard attract the highest level candidates with competition for places difficult to achieve with 8% acceptance rates fairly standard.

Second tier business schools such as the one I attended do not have the same capabilities, reputation and quality of candidates as HBS. I am ok with this as my MBA education, whilst nowhere the price of HBS also doesn't offer the same opportunities for graduates so it is up to me to get on with it and earn my ROI.