Real-time case s(t)imulation

1
Real-time case s(t)imulation

• Eva Boxenbaum
• Assistant Professor, Dep. of Organization
• Learning Lab, May 2nd 2007

2
What is a real-time case?

• It is a case that is being addressed in the
  real world as we speak.
• The problem has not yet been solved.

3
ExampleOrganizational Behavior

• Problem
• How does Novo Nordisk build a reputation of
  responsible competitiveness that is stronger than
  that of its competitors in the pharmaceutical
  industry?
• Context
• Consumers demand higher social responsibility of
  pharmaceuticals than they do of other industries.
• A damaged brand can be very costly.
• Emerging markets are attractive.

4
Example Qualitative Methods

• Problem
• How to design a research project that
  investigates creativity in the Danish workforce?
• Context
• Denmark scores very high on measures of
  innovation relative to other EU countries.
• Creativity and innovation are deemed to be
  sustainable competitive advantages of Denmark on
  a future global market.
• The government just launched a campaign to market
  Denmark as a creative nation.

5
Why use real-time cases?

• Their unsolved status and current news value make
  them stimulating for students (and engaging for
  teachers)
• They minimize the perceived distance between what
  students learn in class today and what they can
  use in the real world tomorrow. This is
  particular acute for practice-oriented
  bachelor-level students.

6
How to use real-time cases?

• Simulate problem-solving activities as they would
  occur in the real world
• Example (OB) simulated international conference
  with participants from industry (case company)
  and academia (students).
• Example (Methods) simulated announcement of
  targeted research funding with a deadline.

7
How to use real-time cases?

• Organize the course so it corresponds to a
  natural problem-solving process
• case presentation
• theory/ methods of increasing complexity
• analytical skills and tools
• reporting to different audiences

8
How to use real-time cases?

• Make the use of modern technology an obligatory
  point of passage
• Semi-complete curriculum incomplete references
  to required readings contained in library data
  bases, individualized curriculum
• Web 2.0 introduction of novel web application
  for manipulation of internet sources, e.g. Google
  Notebook, Del.ici.ous

9
Advantages Disadvantages

• Students engage more easily in class
• Students learn about analytical processes and
  new technologies
• Teacher is more engaged (and engaging)

• Students tend to neglect activities that are not
  graded
• Students confused about criteria for good output
• Teacher needs to do more last minute preparation