MBA case method (made famous by Harvard Business School) requires a different study approach than lecture-based courses. Each class typically covers one 15-30 page case, and 50% of grades may come from class participation. This hub provides the standard case-prep workflow that experienced MBA students use.
The structure
The case-prep workflow has four phases: (1) First reading — facts, dates, decisions. (2) Frameworks — apply relevant frameworks to identify analytical structure. (3) Recommendation — develop your specific recommendation with evidence. (4) Class prep — anticipate counter-arguments and questions.
Step-by-step walkthrough
- First reading — facts, dates, decisions, key people (no analysis yet)
- Identify the management decision (what is being decided?)
- Apply relevant frameworks (PESTLE, Porter, SWOT, financials)
- Generate alternatives (at least 3)
- Develop recommendation with evidence
- Anticipate counter-arguments
- Prepare to participate (raise hand within first 10 minutes)
- Take notes during class for synthesis later
- Post-class: write 1-page case summary
Pitfalls when using this hub
- Reading without framework structure
- No specific recommendation
- Failing to participate (50% of grade in many courses)
- Not anticipating counter-arguments
- No post-class synthesis (cases blur together)
How to use this hub
Use this hub as your standard workflow for any case-method class. The discipline of reading-frameworks-recommendation-prep is what separates A-level from average MBA students. Pair with framework concept guides and with the case-study-template hub for written assignments.