The Use of Case Studies in Higher Education

The case study method, pioneered by Harvard Business School (HBS) in the early 20th century, has become a cornerstone of pedagogy in leading business schools worldwide. At HBS, this approach immerses students in real-world business scenarios, encouraging critical thinking and decision-making skills. Similarly, IESE Business School employs the case method to prepare students for strategic decision-making through practical engagement with real situations. HEC Paris integrated the case-based method in 1921, enriching its curriculum by placing students in the roles of decision-makers facing complex challenges.

Alongside top business schools worldwide, EHL Hospitality Business School has integrated the case study method into its pedagogical approach, emphasizing experiential learning across disciplines such as management, innovation, sustainability, strategy, service delivery, hospitality, tourism and foodservice. EHL Hospitality Business School's teaching philosophy is built upon pillars like experiential education, social learning contexts, leadership and innovative learning, ensuring that students develop both theoretical understanding and practical skills. By adopting this approach, EHL Hospitality Business School enables students to navigate complex business dilemmas effectively, preparing them for leadership roles in the dynamic hospitality industry.

Case Method Evolves with Demand for Certain Skills

The evolution of the case study method from traditional paper-based formats to multimedia and online simulations has been driven by pedagogical, sociodemographic and technological factors. Pedagogically-speaking, integrating multimedia elements such as videos and interactive content enhances student engagement and mirrors the complexities of real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For instance, Ivey Business School has developed Digital Learning Experiences (DLEs), an initiative that incorporates multimedia to enrich case-based teaching, allowing for more efficient use of class time and deeper student immersion.

Sociodemographic shifts, including the increasing diversity of student populations and the rise of digital natives, have necessitated more dynamic and accessible learning tools. Today's students, accustomed to interactive and technology-driven environments, benefit from case studies that utilize multimedia and online platforms to cater to varied learning preferences.

Furthermore, technological advancements have facilitated the creation and dissemination of web-based multimedia case studies, enabling institutions to offer flexible and scalable learning experiences. As early as 1999, discussions around web-based multimedia case studies highlighted their potential. Overall, the integration of multimedia and online simulations into case-based teaching reflects a commitment to adapting educational methodologies to meet the needs of students and the demands of a rapidly changing business landscape.

Collaboration at the Top: EHL Hospitality Business School and Harvard Business

Developing the Organizational Design Simulation: Evolving Structures was a comprehensive and rewarding endeavor that spanned over 18 months. Collaborating closely with a dedicated team of seven professionals from Harvard Business Publishing and five software developers, we aimed to create an immersive, educational experience that effectively conveys the complexities of organizational design.

Our collaboration involved multiple trips to Boston, facilitating in-depth discussions and iterative development sessions to ensure the simulation's quality and relevance. To validate its effectiveness, we conducted beta testing with MBA and Master in Management students at HBS, as well as with a sample of Bachelor students from EHL Hospitality Business School. This rigorous testing phase allowed us to refine the simulation based on valuable feedback, ensuring it meets the educational needs of diverse student populations.

The simulation puts participants in the shoes of a CEO at Ecotripp, a rapidly growing online travel agency. Their task? To steer the company through complex organizational change by experimenting with different aspects, e.g., shaping how work is divided, how teams are organized, where decision-making power lies, etc. This hands-on experience allows students to see how the design of an organization directly influences its ability to adapt and perform.

As they adjust various elements, their decisions create ripple effects throughout the company. Some changes may boost morale, others might streamline processes or shift how the company responds to market demands. The platform offers more than just theory; it gives students a chance to dynamically refine their ideas based on testing out organizational designs and receiving real-time feedback.

The Future of the Case Method in an AI-Driven World

The competencies required by tomorrow’s business leaders are undergoing a fundamental transformation. While the case method continues to develop essential skills like critical thinking and leadership, it must now also prepare students for a world shaped by AI. Data literacy and ethical judgment are becoming just as vital.

As AI grows more capable, case-based learning needs to expand its framework. No longer just about analyzing static problems, it will soon be about engaging with tech-infused realities such as algorithmic bias and AI collaboration. Imagine case studies where students grapple with dilemmas influenced by AI-driven markets or where they must weigh human judgment against machine-generated recommendations. Simulations of the imminent future could incorporate dynamic AI-driven scenarios that react to student choices, making learning experiences more personalized and responsive.

Furthermore, AI will challenge educators to rethink how knowledge is assessed. Instead of evaluating static answers, future case-based learning could emphasize process-oriented assessments, where students must justify their decisions in AI-enhanced environments that mirror real-world uncertainty.

The next frontier of case studies is not merely digital but deeply interactive and intelligent. Schools that embrace these innovations, pushing beyond static narratives into AI-driven, data-rich learning environments, will lead the charge in preparing students for the complex, technology-infused business landscape ahead. By continuing to experiment with new formats, business schools like EHL Hospitality Business School are not just responding to change, they are actively defining the future of business education.

Written by

Dr. Carlos Martin-Rios

Associate Professor at EHL Hospitality Business School