FIRESIDE CHAT: Ace the Case Method!

As we shift from the mainly quantitative classes of Term 1 and 2 to more open-ended, qualitative topics in Term 3, such as Marketing and Strategy, first year students will confront classes centered the case method. Sean Gilmour, MGSA VP of Academics will host a fireside chat with Professors Larry Vincent (Marketing Management) and Shon Hiatt (Competitive Issues in Global Strategy) to discuss how to approach and excel in this new paradigm.

The case method, made famous by Harvard Business School and widely taught at top business schools around the world, immerses students in real-world business scenarios. Through whole class discussions, students face practical situations, apply frameworks and theoretical ideas, and propose their own insights. In these classes, professors will often use the Socratic method — posing open-ended questions to encourage deep thinking and collaborative discussion. This approach is uncommon outside of graduate classes and feels unconventional, unfamiliar, and even a bit opaque. Nonetheless, it’s proven to generate the greatest improvements in learning by pushing students to tap into their critical thinking and make decisions as though they ran organizations themselves. While unfamiliar to many at first, this dynamic format elevates diverse perspectives, bringing together students from different backgrounds to offer unique insights from their own experience that enrich discussions and broaden everyone’s understanding of complex issues.

To help you navigate this new style of learning, we'll address FAQs and common concerns from past MBA students, offering tips on how to effectively tackle cases, confidently engage in discussions, and make the most of these classes!

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