The LUSEM Case method – an alternative approach? – some reflections on hands on learning and abstract knowledge.

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Summary, in English

The MBA case method of how to use cases steam from Harvard and has almost become a norm for what the case method represents concerning the purpose, form and content. However, the Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM) way of using cases differs from the MBA Case Method in several important aspects. This paper discusses the potential merits of using an alternative approach (LUSEM case Method) to the MBA case method.

The empirical data in the paper steams from the authors’ joint experiences from more than 30 years of teaching with cases in different settings within Lund University. Most experiences are drawn from graduate and under-graduate courses within the School of Economics and Management. However, both authors have also used cases in leadership training with practitioners, Executive MBA-classes as well as coaches in international case competitions.

The LUSEM case method has at least six features that differ from the MBA case method. In the LUSEM case method the students use of conceptual thinking when discussing the cases, is the main criterion. This focus also make it important to choose cases wisely, depending on how matured the students are in their conceptual thinking. If cases are wisely chosen, it is argued that the cases may by their nature provide students with a “Kolbian experience” of an authentic empirical expression that awakens their senses and give concrete stimuli of similar experiences. If so, the cases cause them to experience greater degree of relevance of the given moment of learning.

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