An organisation case study is a snapshot of an organization or an industry wrestling with a dilemma, written to serve a set of pedagogical objectives. It is a detailed examination focused on a specific situation or issue within a business or industry context.
According to the provided reference, what truly distinguishes a pedagogical case study, whether it's a raw, unprocessed account or a more structured narrative, is its focus on one or more dilemmas. These dilemmas are central challenges or problems that the organisation or industry faces.
Understanding the Core Components
Breaking down the definition helps clarify what an organisation case study entails:
- Snapshot: It captures a specific moment in time or a particular period, providing a detailed look at the situation as it unfolds.
- Organisation or Industry: The subject of the case study is typically a real (or sometimes hypothetical, but realistic) business, non-profit, government agency, or an entire sector.
- Wrestling with a Dilemma: This is the critical element. The case study presents a significant challenge, decision point, or problem that the organisation or industry is grappling with. This dilemma requires analysis and often a proposed solution.
- Pedagogical Objectives: Case studies are primarily educational tools. They are written to help students, managers, or trainees develop analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, decision-making capabilities, and a deeper understanding of business principles and real-world complexities.
Why Focus on Dilemmas?
The emphasis on dilemmas is crucial because they provide a realistic context for learning. Instead of presenting theoretical concepts in isolation, case studies immerse learners in actual situations where difficult choices must be made under uncertainty, with potentially conflicting objectives or limited information.
Structure of an Organisation Case Study
While formats can vary, a typical organisation case study often includes:
- Introduction: Setting the scene, introducing the organisation/industry, and briefly stating the core dilemma(s).
- Background Information: Details about the organisation's history, structure, market, products/services, culture, etc., providing context.
- The Situation/Problem: A detailed description of the events leading up to the dilemma and the dilemma itself. This often includes relevant data (financial, market research, operational, etc.).
- Protagonists/Stakeholders: Identification of key individuals or groups involved and their perspectives or roles.
- The Ask/Challenge: Often, the case concludes by posing specific questions or tasks for the reader/learner to address, centered around analyzing the dilemma and proposing actions.
How Organisation Case Studies are Used
Organisation case studies are widely used in business education and professional development:
- Business Schools: They are a staple of MBA and undergraduate business programs, facilitating classroom discussion and analysis.
- Corporate Training: Companies use them to train employees on specific industry challenges, strategic thinking, or functional area problems.
- Consulting Projects: Sometimes, internal or external consulting projects are structured as case studies to analyze specific business units or problems.
Examples of Dilemmas in Case Studies
- A company deciding whether to enter a new international market.
- A startup facing intense competition and needing to pivot its strategy.
- A non-profit organisation struggling with funding challenges.
- An industry grappling with regulatory changes or technological disruption.
- A manager needing to resolve a conflict within a team.
Benefits of Learning with Case Studies
Learning through organisation case studies offers several advantages:
- Practical Application: Bridges the gap between theory and practice.
- Critical Thinking: Encourages deep analysis of complex situations.
- Decision Making: Provides a safe environment to practice making difficult choices.
- Communication Skills: Often involves presenting analysis and defending recommendations.
- Industry Insights: Offers exposure to various industries and business functions.
In essence, an organisation case study is a dynamic teaching tool that uses real-world business problems as the foundation for learning and skill development.
