Project

case study method

Lead
Lay summary
The main objective of tertiary education in Ukraine and Poland is to conduct scientific research, create and provide students and environment with knowledge as well as encourage civil conduct, but the quality of education and teaching doesn't fulfill the requirements. The submitted project is a contribution to implement new teaching methods to the participating universities. Lecturers as well as students benefit from an improved quality of teaching. Using new teaching methods (like the case-study method) by involving students and discussing real economic problems shows the practice-oriented approach and integrative view of the universities. To compete on a national and international level the quality of teaching and the relevance for practice is a crucial element for universities. The case study method allows a direct cooperation between universities and the regional economy. Both sides can benefit from a practical oriented education. Universities have motivated students and high qualified graduates who contribute to the reputation of the University and fulfil the requirements of the labour market. Enterprises are interested in high qualified graduates and try to keep in contact with universities. Another important effect by implementing case studies is the improved relation between universities and their role as a regional stakeholder. The method of case studies can close the gap between universities and regional enterprises and in consequence to hold the universities to account for its regional responsibility.

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Last update: 21.02.2013

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The main objective of tertiary education in Ukraine and Poland is to conduct scientific research, create and provide students and environment with knowledge as well as encourage civil conduct. As reports and surveys undertaken by the national government and other institutions show the quality of education and teaching doesn't fulfil the requirements. The main weaknesses are the low quality of the educational system, the missing scientific cooperation between universities and enterprises and the lack of innovative teaching methods. As a consequence students are not well prepared for the demands of the labour market and due to the missing practical relevance few motivated. One reason for these drawbacks is the missing access of lecturers to modern teaching methods. The lecturers do not have competence in linking theory to practice and to make students more active during classes. Using the method of case studies allows combining theoretical approaches with relevant challenges in economic life. This method has a long tradition in social and economic sciences. A case study is a documented study of a specific real-life situation or imagined scenario, used as a training tool in business schools and firms. Students are required to analyze the prescribed cases and present their interpretations or solutions, supported by the line of reasoning employed and assumptions made. The aim of the submitted project is to implement case study teaching in economics and management education. The case study method will be adopted to improve the quality and effectiveness of education in the field of management and economics for all three participating partners. In order to achieve this aim the project is divided into five modules: 1. Kick-Off Meeting, 2. Analyzing teaching methods and preparing Summer School, 3. Summer School, 4. Implementation, and 5. Evaluation Workshop. At the Kick-Off Meeting the current situation in every partner institution will be analyzed and specific needs will be defined. During the next module the Summer school will be prepared according to the results of the Kick-Off Meeting. The Summer School is the core of the project. 10 Lecturers from each participating University will take part. The main topic will be to transfer knowledge about the method of case studies and to enable the participants to implement case studies in their courses. During the following months the participants will get the opportunity to test and implement the case study method in their courses supported by permanent evaluation. The evaluation workshop will summarize the experiences of the participants and elaborate improvements. As a result of the project a case study manual will be published and provided for each University.The case studies elaborated during the Summer School will be pubblished as well. The submitted project is a contribution to implement new teaching methods at the participating universities. Lecturers as well as students benefit from an improved quality of teaching. Using new teaching methods by involving students and discussing real economic problems shows the practice-oriented approach and integrative view of the Universities. To compete on a national and international level the quality of teaching and the relevance for practice is a crucial element for Universities. The case study method allows a direct cooperation between universities and the regional economy. Both sides can benefit from a practical oriented education. Universities have motivated students and high qualified graduates who contribute to the reputation of the University and fulfil the requirements of the labour market. Enterprises are interested in high qualified graduates and try to keep in contact with Universities. Another important effect by implementing case studies is the improved relation between universities and their role as a regional stakeholder. The method of case studies can close the gap between universities and regional enterprises and in consequence to hold the universities to account for its regional responsibility.