Teaching Methods
The majority of classes are taught using the case method, a teaching approach developed and refined by Harvard Business School over the past century. Each case study presents a real-world situation or challenge faced by an organization. As in real life, there is rarely a single correct answer—most cases offer multiple possible solutions, each with its own pros and cons. The goal of the discussion is not to identify one “right” answer, but to explore the alternatives and understand the decision-making process.
Case moderators are graduates of Harvard Business School programs (MBA or Executive Education), occasionally joined by individuals with specialized knowledge and expertise. Many are company presidents or entrepreneurs, while others serve as Executive Directors of nonprofit organizations. Most have experience serving on nonprofit boards.
Their professional backgrounds span a wide range of industries, including marketing, manufacturing, banking, real estate, consulting, service, and healthcare, in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. This diversity of experience is a vital component of the case study learning process.
Moderators and participants engage in a shared learning experience, working collaboratively to analyze and resolve the issues presented in each case. To deepen understanding, the course also includes supplemental notes and articles that expand on the topics and themes introduced in the case studies.
Each participant reviews the assigned materials with their assigned study group in preparation for class, identifying the management implications of the issues presented and determining an appropriate course of action. During class, students share their analyses and recommendations through group discussion.
Every participant contributes a unique set of skills and experiences, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas. These conversations explore critical aspects of management, including making timely decisions with incomplete or imperfect information, challenging assumptions, communicating and negotiating effectively across differing viewpoints, and adjusting tactics or strategy as new insights emerge.
The HBS Club of Buffalo Management Development Program embraces AI to sharpen, not replace, human thinking, empowering business leaders with critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and decision-making agility. To that end, moderators and students are welcome to experiment with the use of AI to strengthen case preparation and class participation. The Club can provide links to resources for those interested in pursuing this topic, and in the spirit of collegiality, encourages them to share their findings with other moderators and students. Using AI does NOT substitute for reading and analyzing the cases!
“The cases make you think like a general manager.” – Marketing Manager, Manufacturing Company