We discuss everyday situations that occur in our daily lives of the relationships with people around us on the basis of the so-called case study methodology. The University of Harvard (USA) developed this method in the early 20th century. This method provides a very good insight into the complicated relationships between people. At Business Schools, this method is often used in small groups, so that each participant can make a significant contribution.
Through the case study, the participants quietly immerse themselves in real situations of young people (students and young professionals) in order to reach a solution in mutual consultation. In this way, they acquire a certain experience of an event in order to react firmly later, when the events actually occur. The analysis takes place in several steps:
- Establishing the facts
- The analysis of the problems
- Looking for solutions
Each case is treated at different levels:
- Written introduction to the case with background information.
- Initial analysis in a team of six to twelve participants (the duration of the team meeting is approximately 1 hour).
- Second analysis with all the teams under the supervision of a moderator (this second meeting lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes).
This method is interactive. To enrich the content of the sessions, the participants are asked to give their opinion, exchange thoughts, ask questions, give examples, etc.
A moderator supervises the second meeting and provides deepened analysis of the topic. He / she also ensures that the educational background aspects of the case are properly explained.