The case-study method is an important way Michigan develops BBA students' skills for effectiveness in the workplace. Business cases are demanding. They are the same problems used as part of programs to train both MBAs and, frequently, senior executives. Cases are used in many classes. Business cases require careful analysis and actionable solutions.
Cases simulate the problems and decisions faced by business executives.
They describe real issues that have been faced by real companies, such as cash-flow problems, ethical issues, marketing challenges, and mergers. In the cases, students are presented with an issue and a set of facts, and must develop recommended actions. Michigan introduces BBAs to the case method during orientation. A special session involves taking a dry run through a case similar to those that will be used in classes. During the session, one of Michigan's top faculty members walks through how to approach a business case, the type of strategies that can be used in analyzing the case, and how to crack cases as part of a team.