MBA Case Method
A distinctive element of the Darden academic experience is the case method of instruction. In contrast to a lecture-based approach to education, Darden class time is spent discussing cases about actual business problems and potential solutions. Under the skillful direction of a faculty member, you will strengthen your communication and leadership skills by learning to make difficult decisions with limited information and significant uncertainty. You will learn to persuade and inspire others, to reconcile differing viewpoints and to prioritize objectives and capitalize on opportunities.
Over the course of two years, you will study over 500 real-life business cases. Each case presents a series of decisions to be made, and you — as the decision maker — must analyze the situation and express what you would do. If you are able to visit a Darden class, you will see that Darden students do most of the talking.
Visit Perspectives on the Case Method to learn more.
Four-Step Learning Process
Students find the Darden curriculum both challenging and rewarding. Darden’s case method is based on a four-step learning process, which allows for complete understanding and integration of the materials.
- Read and consider each case on your own. You must identify problems, define alternatives, analyze data, make decisions and outline a course of action.
- Share your ideas with your learning team and resolve areas of uncertainty.
- Discuss the case in class and explore the input of everyone in your section.
- Reflect on how your initial ideas changed as a result of the input from your learning team, section and faculty.
Additional Case Method Information
Learn more about the case method by visiting the following links:
