Comparing Live and Traditional Case Studies in a Dual-level Compensation and Benefits Course

Abstract

When compared with the traditional case study method, the live case method has been regarded as having greater realism (Burns, 1990; Markulis, 1985) and as being “…a more experientially-based pedagogy” (Markulis, 1985, p. 168). This paper establishes the groundwork for comparing and contrasting the use of both methods in a dual-level compensation and benefits course. Preliminary findings will be shared during the presentation, including pretest and posttest data, performance on the cases and in the course, and anecdotal feedback from the students and the client. Implications for course design and delivery, especially for human resource management professors, are discussed.