The Real-Time Case Method: Access to Real-Time, Real-World Cases

Award Winner: 
2003 Sloan-C Effective Practice Award
Author Information
Author(s): 
Theroux James, University of Massachusetts
Institution(s) or Organization(s) Where EP Occurred: 
University of Massachusetts (& others)
Effective Practice Abstract/Summary
Abstract/Summary of Effective Practice: 

University of Massachusetts uses the Real-Time Case Method (RCTM) to overcome the limitations of the conventional case method by providing extended, in-depth coverage and real-time interactivity with the case company.

Description of the Effective Practice
Description of the Effective Practice: 

How this practice supports access In Fall 2001, the Real-Time Case Method (RTCM) Project launched an experiment in business education in which 109 students from four universities (University of Massachusetts, University of New Brunswick, Florida Atlantic University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute) enrolled in entrepreneurship courses featuring a real-time case study, which focused on issues related to an actual high-tech startup company. Stationing a full-time case writer at the company enabled students to view and participate in the company-building process as it happened. By focusing on one study in depth through weekly web-delivered installments, students received more depth and detail than ever before attempted in a case study.

The RTCM contains several elements which support access in a variety of significant and innovative ways:

  • Real-time, real-world interactivity with the case company and its business situationsboth vicarious and first-hand: Students can access the company conveniently on their computers anywhere with a network connection.
  • Simultaneous multi-institutional delivery of a course: Students from the four universities took the course at the same time.
  • Simultaneous multi-modal delivery: The course was offered as both a hybrid and an online course, depending on the institution.
  • Online chats: Enabled students to ask questions about the case company to its managers in real time, resolving one of the most frustrating aspects of conventional case studies.
  • Team teaching: Allows instructors to gain support from other instructors using the RTC, e.g., preparing course materials, sharing teaching responsibility, sharing teaching tips, etc.
  • Case writer as a learning resource: A case writer was stationed full-time at the company site and published weekly case installments, allowing students to view the company-building process as it happened.
Supporting Information for this Effective Practice
Evidence of Effectiveness: 

The RTCM was successfully offered at four different institutions, allowing students from New Brunswick to Florida to have real-time access to the daily workings of a Massachusetts-based company. Each of the above-listed elements was successfully implemented during the pilot offering. The RTCM was just designated by a ten-judge panel of the Decision Sciences Institute as one of the three best instructional innovations of the year 2002. Also see the evidence of effectiveness ins student satisfaction effective practice, "Real Life Engagement: The Real-Time Case Method."

Estimate the probable costs associated with this practice: 

High -- The RTC development was grant-supported and cost >$100,000 to produce.

References, supporting documents: 

Theroux, J. and Kilbane, C. "A New Model for Business Education: The Real-Time Case Method." submitted to the Academy of Management Learning and Education.

Other Comments: 

This is a cutting edge, highly promising method with well-documented results from its first go-round. Related practices improve access in many different areas (course and program access, learning resources, faculty support services). The RTC method also yielded very impressive results in learning effectiveness, student satisfaction, faculty satisfaction, and also promises to be very cost effective if implemented at multiple institutions. [-- John Sener]

Contact(s) for this Effective Practice
Effective Practice Contact: 
James Theroux, Isenberg School of Management, U. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003-4940
Email this contact: 
theroux@som.umass.edu
© 2012, The Sloan Consortium