A case study (officially “case method”) has three implicit rules. This is the main subject of this article. The first rule, in particular, is one that both the participants and the teacher need to follow for the case to succeed, so please read it carefully.

1. There is no right or wrong answer
2. Comments are opened up to the entire class
3. Students’ levels of contribution to the lecture are reflected in their grades

Since the situation given in a case study lies in the past, the decision of the protagonist has already been made. Being excessively curious as to which decision that protagonist made in the end is a trap that is easy to fall into. The best approach to a case study is to think about and discuss what you as a participant would decide, rather than correctly “guessing” the protagonist’s decision. In other words, it is not about looking for the right answer.

・ If you were the protagonist, would you enter the Chinese market?
・ If you were the protagonist, would you appoint Mr. A. as the successor?

Perhaps this will make you wonder, “Wait a minute, I want to learn business administration in an MBA program, but there is no right answer?” However, consider, for example, a simple calculation like 1+1, which only equals 2 in a few cases. The managers often expect a synergy effect of 1+1=3 but, in many actual situations, it results in 1+1=1. If there is a right answer in business administration, it is that “there is no absolute answer.” Teaching the right answer is a very simple task, but practicing a case study, which does not involve trying to teach the right answer, is a difficult yet profound experience.