Perhaps a valid criticism, but I'm not sure someone has developed a better alternative. I've seen too many "executives" whose decision making is based around -

Perhaps a valid criticism, but I'm not sure someone has developed a better alternative. I've seen too many "executives" whose decision making is based around - superficial books they've picked up at the airport and read on the plane. - soundbites they heard on cnn.com. - random advice from other "executives" at parties. Having been on both sides of case-based teaching, I'd say its a useful pedagogical device - imagining that 50 Harvard MBA students actually just "pronounce a decision" is kind of laughable, if you've ever participated in a case discussion. The cases are tools for discussion, and being able to convince others with a cogent powerful argument and build consensus is what is being taught. Something that is quite useful in management. Not to mention that you get exposed to actual thinking beyond the "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" crap. My B-School experience actually included seeing Henry Mintzberg speak.