Professor Lerner's research focuses on the structure of venture capital organizations and their role in transforming scientific discoveries into commercial products. Along with Paul Gompers, he is coauthor of the new book, The Venture Capital Cycle , and of several publications. Professor Lerner is a Research Associate at the National Bureau of Economic Research, and serves as coorganizer of the group, Innovation Policy and the Economy. In its depth, variety, and staying power, the Harvard Business School Executive Education experience is unlike any other in the world. What sets HBS apart are the myriad dimensions of learning offered, especially its often-imitated case study method.
Participants analyze case studies individually, in group discussions, and through team projects.
Putting themselves in the positions of the managers involved, they must analyze facts, define problems, compare alternatives, formulate solutions, commit to an action plan, and sell colleagues on the merits of their respective positions. Debate and interactive discussion are integral parts of the case study experience. This learning by analogy forces participants to challenge conventional thinking and identify the issues and lessons directly relevant to their own work situations-enhancing the takeaway value for the sponsoring organizations. In addition to case studies, faculty members use multiple learning approaches tailored to fit their teaching objectives. These include a variety of methodologies-from lectures and guest speakers to multimedia presentations, computer simulations, and Internet explorations to group discussions and special exercises.