MBA & Master Glossary
Case Study
Definition
The Case Study method is a central teaching approach in MBA programs, developed at Harvard Business School. Students analyze real business situations and company problems to make strategic decisions. The process: Students receive a detailed case (10-30 pages) with company data, market analyses, and decision situations. They prepare the case, discuss in small groups, and present their solutions in plenary sessions. Benefits include practice-oriented problem-solving, development of analytical skills, and practice in decision-making under uncertainty. Top business schools like Harvard, INSEAD, and IMD make extensive use of case studies (up to 500 cases during the program).
Example: "In the case study the group decided whether a mid-sized company should enter the US market."
Why this matters for your MBA
"Case Study" is one of the terms you will come across when comparing MBA and Executive MBA programmes in Germany, Austria and Switzerland — in admission requirements, accreditation details or programme descriptions. On mba.de you can check how individual business schools handle it and compare programmes independently.
Source: mba.de – independent comparison portal since 2003.