Human beings learn better through examples and practical involvement in their study. In many instances, construction of theoretical information and making people understand the same becomes a hard nut to crack. As a result, many organizations have turned to the use of case studies as a mode of learning. Case studies are detailed explanations of specific events concerning an individual or organization. Applying a holistic approach, case studies provide real life experience on the subject of study to enhance understanding. Consequently, case studies have many benefits not only to learners but also to managers especially those in strategic management positions.
To begin with, case studies provide practical examples that can be used to explain how different problems can be solved. As a result, strategic managers will be able to get first hand information concerning various problems. On the same note, case studies help strategic managers to understand which policies have proved ineffective in various settings. This information is vital in ensuring that the same policies are not used because that might be a waste of time. Similarly, after going through enough case studies, managers gain experience which eliminates the element of trial and error in implementation of policies. This minimizes the wastage of resources and ensures that mistakes are not committed (Yow, 2000). It is important to note that inductive mode of learning has been depicted by research to be more effective compared to deductive learning. As a result, the practical mode of teaching is more effective than the logical building of theories. Consequently, case studies are crucial in enhancing learning among managers.
Events that occur in sports are identical and can sometimes be solved using the same strategies. Therefore, case studies provide a very good opportunity for strategic managers to understand how various strategies have performed in real life situations before applying them in solving their problems. The case study of Roy the Young Athletes Development Officer provides practical experience of how to deal with children. It is vital to note that managers require analytical skills for strategic management (Rotella, 1998). In this regard, case studies come in handy because they usually have a problem that should be solved at the end. By solving the case study questions, managers are able to enhance their analytical skills which increase efficiency in their performance. Additionally, case studies pose complex problems to be solved which calls for advanced problem solving skills. This adequately prepares managers for their roles which involve solving complex problems in their organizations.
The use of the T-Ball case study is also common in training of various sports officers. This is usually used to make the learners understand that there are times when one is required to make individual decisions and not just follow what has been done before. In this scenario, case studies are used to enhance the ability of managers to identify problems within their organizations (George & Bennett, 2005). In addition, case studies will enhance critical thinking of managers and thus increase their effectiveness. Furthermore, case studies provide an opportunity of managers to evaluate the approaches used before and identify their loopholes or strong points. Managers can then use the information gained to enhance their management style and thus increase their output (Rotella, 1998). Moreover, case studies have complicated events to be solved which increases confidence of managers and ability to deal decisively with ambiguity.
References
George, A. L. & Bennett, A. A. (2005). Case Studies and Theory development in the Social Sciences. Cambridge: MIT Press.
Rotella, R. J. (1998). Case Studies in Sport Psychology. Sudbury: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Yow, D. A. (2000). Strategic Planning for Collegiate Athletics. Binghamton: Haworth.