Note to the student: How to study and discuss cases

Technical Note One
Summary: Note to the student: How to study and discuss cases.
This technical note, that is written to the students, serves as a how to guide for the studying and discussion of cases. The note highlights three main points that may increase learning and analysis of cases. A mixture of good attitude, good infrastructure and good execution may prove to be successful for most students. Each main point has several sub points that provide perceptive information. Good attitude requires the student to take the initiative to learn on their own while being patient and persistent but willing to take risks. However, students must also be willing to communicate with others. Good infrastructure requires the student to invest time into the study of each case as well as getting familiar with financial jargons and the use of data that he/she may encounter over time. The student should also create a learning group to help in the analysis of cases, but the professor should also be a part of the learning process. Good execution is needed in order to have a good attitude and infrastructure. Therefore, the student must read each case along with supplementary materials thoroughly. Good execution means taking a firsthand approach to each case as one tries to discover the real problem that exists. In class discussions it is important that each student be willing to take a stand, but also be open to new ideas. It is a better learning process when everyone is active in the class discussions. Note taking and corrections should be left for after class discussions. Finally, the case method should be a process that eventually leads to results/conclusion. Each case studied will help to foster critical business analysis thinking which will be vital to one’s job or career.