Asian Journal of Management Cases current issue

Editorial

2008-07-29

Summaries and Discussion Questions

2008-07-29

Case Methodology for Adult Learning: A Critical Review of Theory and Practice

Tripathy, M. R. — 2008-07-29

The emergence of case-based learning underscores the relevance of traditional learning discourses in professional education. Modern day cases are not stories of the past but tools of experiential learning, which evoke sharp critical thinking, analysis, interpretation and application. Opponents of the case method may assert that case studies lack in rigour and reliability and that they do not address the issues of generalizability, which can be effectively tackled by quantitative methods. Cases are not designed to present a right answer, which one can memorize in the hope that it can be applied to similar situations. The learning comes from actually participating in the search for solutions. This article explores the domain of case-based teaching as a learning tool and the underlying issues and challenges inherent to the design, analysis and pedagogy of case form. It also attempts to make a critical review of systemic issues related to theory and practices.

Recrafting Iucn--Asia Regional Organization

Qureshi, Z. I. — 2008-07-29

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)—Asia Regional Organization's rapid growth in various countries as well as within the region put pressure on the existing organization structure and its capacity to manage growth in an effective fashion. The Asia Regional Director (ARD) realized that the reorganization of the Region had become imperative in order to manage this rapid growth. She felt the need to seek outside assistance to generate options for the reorganization. Therefore two consultants were hired to analyze the current situation and propose some options. The consultants handed in their proposals in May 2002 for discussion at a meeting in Bangkok. This meeting led to the creation of three Task Forces to tackle the contentious issues surrounding Country Programmes, Regional Thematic Programmes and Corporate Services. ARD told the three Task Forces that she would like to implement the reorganization by December 2002.

Zareen and Majid Durrani

Haque, E. u. — 2008-07-29

This disguised case focuses on the challenges faced by a female entrepreneur, Zareen Durrani, in balancing her personal and professional life. Details about the family background, education and work experience of the two protagonists of the case, Zareen and her husband Majid Durrani, are provided to understand their goals and aspirations. Both are ambitious professionals and their work related ambitions create serious tensions in their personal lives. While the case deals with deeper, macro-level factors (such as socioeconomic, cultural and traditional forces) in shaping the positions and worldviews of the protagonists, an immediate and very real issue of their children coming down with chicken pox brings all the tensions to a head. Which parent should take significant time out will be determined partly by the participants’ own worldviews of the appropriate roles assigned to the two sexes by society. The case examines interesting ways to explore and debate socially designated roles in Pakistani society. Majid Durrani poses specialization of labour, contract violation and cost-benefit arguments to make his case while Zareen has her own set of fairly valid arguments. The case will expose participants to the various issues that women face in balancing home and work.