The third and final session of the three-part workshop series on Case Study Methodology for MBA students focused on the practical application of analytical frameworks used during case discussion. The session was designed to provide students with an opportunity to apply the concepts and analytical skills developed during the previous two workshop sessions, to contemporary management situations.

The session commenced with a brief recap of the key concepts and approaches discussed in the earlier sessions. A live management case was already presented to the students, and the day was spent for detailed discussion and analysis of this management case. Students were encouraged to study the case from multiple perspectives and consider the organisational, financial, operational, human-resource and strategic implications of the decisions involved. As part of the discussion and analysis, the students utilised tools such as SWOT, PESTELE, etc. The facilitator, Mr Ajith Sankar R N, Assistant Professor, Ahalia School of Management, guided the discussion through probing questions rather than providing immediate solutions, thereby promoting critical thinking and independent analysis. Students also examined the various alternatives available to the management in the case. The advantages, limitations, risks and possible consequences of each alternative were discussed. Through the discussion, students understood the importance of analysing a problem systematically, considering stakeholder perspectives, evaluating alternatives and justifying decisions with reasoning and evidence.

By the end of the session, students were able to: (a) Understand the purpose and structure of a case discussion. (b) Identify the central problem or decision in a business case. (c) Separate relevant information from supporting or background information. (d) Analyse a case using a structured and logical approach. (e) Develop and evaluate alternative courses of action. (f) Support arguments with evidence and appropriate assumptions. (g) Listen to and critically evaluate alternative viewpoints. (h) Develop a practical and well-reasoned managerial recommendation.

The session concluded by 6.00 PM.