Creating the Case Study
No less than any other maritime project, the creation, development, and implementation of case studies is process-driven, and the process must be managed systematically. Likewise, it must be deadline driven— recognizing that some flexibility should be built into the process, since, as in any project, exigencies may warp the schedule. A case story incorporates many elements—human and technical aspects—as well as lessons learned. Good case writing takes time and effort.
Final Thoughts on Creating maritime Case Studies
- A case study focuses on a specific aspect, event, or time horizon in the life of a project. Cases do not cover the whole mission, but only tell a certain story.
- Each story has one or more learning objectives that can be used in a discussion, presentation, or self-reflection.
- We write cases, but the story is not ours. It is someone else’s story we are borrowing.
- Case writers build cases on respect and trust, not authority.
- Cases are living documents intended for interaction. They are not dead, cold reports of facts with which no one can argue.
Developing a maritime case study is a unique endeavor, given the nature of shipping business. The principles of the case method of teaching, however, are universal. Told the right way—accurately, vividly, and with clearly defined learning objectives—a maritime case study has the potential to educate effectively.
Author: Dimitris Vintzilaios