The Introductory Management Course: Taking Theory Application One Step Further

Abstract

Undergraduate students, particularly those with little work experience, have difficulty making the transition from the more abstract concepts found in texts and lectures to the more practical aspects of real-life situations. Case analysis is often used to increase student skills in applying theories to specific situations. A method is proposed which takes the application of theory one step further: students are required to analyze a case analyze their operation in a functioning organization. Experience has shown that this technique helps students to internalize concepts and develop a workable set of skills which they can then use in other situations.