Teaching & Learning
_Online Cases
Online cases signal a breakthrough in the case study method, the primary form of instruction at HBS. Cases—firsthand accounts of actual business situations, analyzed and discussed in the classroom—have been used in paper form at HBS for nearly a century. Online cases present these very real problems as never before by blending non-linear text, video, audio, graphics, spreadsheets, animation, interactive exercises, and other tools into a rich multi-dimensional learning environment.
Online cases take full advantage of Web technology in serving course content. Faculty find them particularly useful in adding depth, immediacy, and emotional appeal to coursework.
Columbia's Final Mission
This multimedia case asks students to study the organizational events, communications, and lack of communications that led to a major NASA catastrophe. Professor Michael Roberto, Amy Edmonson, and Richard Bhomer produced this case. The learning objective is to teach students how failures can evolve and to think about how to prevent failures in an organization; and to examine how to manage crises effectively. Also, students learn leadership behavior and how to build an organization that is less susceptible to significant preventable failures.
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Pura Vida Coffee
The Pura Vida Coffee multimedia case tells the story of two HBS graduates who sell gourmet coffee over the Internet to support an outreach ministry in Costa Rica. Video vignettes help students to understand the coffee business and the motivation that drives socially oriented businesses.
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Zara Fast Fashion
This online case study uses video, graphics, spreadsheets, and interactive exhibits to help students understand the distinctive operating model of Inditex, an international fashion retailer based in Spain.
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Nehemiah
This multimedia case study uses text, video, and animated exhibits to help MBA students and Executive Education participants understand and assess the leadership challenges involved in implementing an affordable housing initiative in Boston.
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Paul Levy: Taking Charge of BIDMC
This multimedia case study uses video, e-mail memos, reports, newspaper articles, and excerpts from Paul Levy's daily calendar to show how an experienced executive took charge of a large, troubled organization.
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Real Madrid
Professor John Quelch created this case to highlight the development and enhancement of a blockbuster brand in the world of global sports. Video technology brings the excitement that Real Madrid generates among its fan base into the classroom, showing the intensity of the game and giving students insights into star players' personalities.
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