What is the Case Study Method?
Overview
Celebrating 100 Years of the Case Method at HBS
The 2021-2022 academic year marks the 100-year anniversary of the introduction of the case method at Harvard Business School. Today, the HBS case method is employed in the HBS MBA program, in Executive Education programs, and in dozens of other business schools around the world. As Dean Srikant Datar's says, the case method has withstood the test of time.
Case Discussion Preparation DetailsExpand AllCollapse All
In self-reflectionIn self-reflection
In a small group setting In a small group setting
In the classroomIn the classroom
Beyond the classroomBeyond the classroom
In self-reflection
In a small group setting
In the classroom
Beyond the classroom
How Cases Unfold In the Classroom
Preparation GuidelinesExpand AllCollapse All
Read the professor's assignment or discussion questionsRead the professor's assignment or discussion questions
Read the first few paragraphs and then skim the caseRead the first few paragraphs and then skim the case
Reread the case, underline text, and make margin notesReread the case, underline text, and make margin notes
Note the key problems on a pad of paper and go through the case againNote the key problems on a pad of paper and go through the case again
Read the professor's assignment or discussion questions
Read the first few paragraphs and then skim the case
Reread the case, underline text, and make margin notes
Note the key problems on a pad of paper and go through the case again
Case Study Best PracticesExpand AllCollapse All
ParticipateParticipate
UnderstandUnderstand
Prepare
Discuss
Participate
Relate
Apply
Note
Understand
What can I expect on the first day?
Most programs begin with registration, followed by an opening session and a dinner. If your travel plans necessitate late arrival, please be sure to notify us so that alternate registration arrangements can be made for you. Please note the following about registration:
HBS campus programs – Registration takes place in the Chao Center.
India programs – Registration takes place outside the classroom.
Other off-campus programs – Registration takes place in the designated facility.
What happens in class if nobody talks?
Professors are here to push everyone to learn, but not to embarrass anyone. If the class is quiet, they'll often ask a participant with experience in the industry in which the case is set to speak first. This is done well in advance so that person can come to class prepared to share. Trust the process. The more open you are, the more willing you’ll be to engage, and the more alive the classroom will become.
Does everyone take part in "role-playing"?
Professors often encourage participants to take opposing sides and then debate the issues, often taking the perspective of the case protagonists or key decision makers in the case.