Find MBA Case Studies From Top Business Schools

Many business schools use the case method to teach MBA students how to analyze business problems and develop solutions from a leadership perspective. The case method involves presenting students with case studies, also known as cases, that document a  real-life business situation or imagined business scenario. Cases typically present a problem, issue, or challenge that must be addressed or solved for a business to prosper. For example, a case might present a problem like: ABC Company needs to increase sales substantially over the next several years to attract potential buyers.U-Rent-Stuff wants to expand but is not sure whether they want to own the locations or franchise them.Ralphies BBQ, a two-person company that makes spices for BBQ products, needs to figure out how to increase production from 1,000 bottles a month to 10,000 bottles a month. As a business student. you are asked to read the case, analyze the problems that are presented, evaluate underlying issues, and present solutions that address the problem that was presented. Your analysis should include a realistic solution as well as an explanation as to why this solution is the best fit for the problem and the organizations goal. Your reasoning should be supported with evidence that has been gathered through outside research.  Finally, your analysis should include  specific strategies for accomplishing the solution you have proposed.   Where to Find MBA Case Studies The following business schools publish either abstracts or full MBA case studies online. Some of these case studies are free. Others can be downloaded and purchased for a small fee.   Harvard Business School Cases - Harvard offers thousands of case studies on every business topic imaginable.Darden Business Case Studies - Thousands of MBA case studies from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia.Stanford Case Studies - A searchable database of MBA case studies from Stanfords Graduate School of Business.Babson College Case Studies - A large collection of business case studies from the Babson faculty.IMD Case Studies - 50 years of case studies from the IMD faculty and research staff. Using Case Studies Familiarizing yourself with  case studies  is a good way to prepare for business school. This will help you familiarize yourself with various components of a case study and allow you to practice putting yourself in the role of a business owner or manager. As you are reading through cases, you should learn how to identify relevant facts and key problems. Be sure to take notes so that you have a list of items and potential solutions that can be researched when you are done reading the case. As you are developing your solutions, make a list of pros and cons for each solution, and above all, make sure the solutions are realistic.