Case Solving

This course is about analyzing business problems by critically thinking about:

• the origins of the business problem (where did it start?)
• the context of the problem (what is surrounding it, or what is contributing to it?)
• the impact of the problem (what chain of effects does it cause?)
• the key processes (what is causing what to change and how?)
• the alternatives, or the solutions to the business problem (how can it be reversed, or altered?)

As this is an integration course, the content, exercises and assignments have been chosen so that MBAs learn-by-doing. Three topics are covered in the course: identifying the business questions, critical evaluation of qualitative and quantitative information, and making a business case (and critically evaluating the cases made by others). In addition, delivery of cases through structured ppt presentations will be sought.

Simon is Professor of International Trade and Economic Development and MBA Director at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. Simon specialises in how governments tilt the commercial playing field in favour of local firms. At the start of the Global Financial Crisis Simon created the Global Trade Alert initiative, the leading independent monitor of protectionism and commercial policy choice based at the University of St Gallen. Simon regularly engages with private sector practitioners, government officials and other thought leaders. He has taught at the Said Business School at the University of Oxford, the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan (where he was a Visiting Professor of Corporate Strategy three times), and Rutgers University. In addition, Prof. Evenett has served as a World Bank official twice, has been a Non-Resident Senior Fellow in the Economics Studies programme of the Brookings Institution, and a member of the UK Competition Commission. Recently, he was the DLA Piper Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Carey School of Business, Johns Hopkins University. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Yale University and a B.A. (Hons) in Economics from the University of Cambridge. Simon has written over 200 articles, book chapters, and volumes. He is regularly quoted in the international media.

Note: All information is accurate for the 2020-2021 academic year and is subject to change for future classes