case study...

In last seminar, we are informed that the final exam will include case study which is a big challenge because we must read a case and analyzing it under time constrain. For business students, case study is very fundamental and common, and they have studies hundreds of cases. sometimes they even try to solve real cases.
I think business is not like engineering which has well-established laws, theory and formular. What engineering handles is all physical facts which can have clear right or wrong answers. but business is another story that too many external factors can have crucial impact on the decision and business activity. It is more difficult to judge or assess what is undetermined and instable.
Case study is an effective way to accummulate experience for handling similar problem. From the past experience of succeed or pain of failure, we can learn from that, and try to make right choice if similar circumstances happen. Another sigficance of case study is to view a problem from difference angles so that we can have balanced perspective. Those influcing factors can be understood better and how they may interact and cause benefit or harm in one way or another.
It is always easier said than done. we practiced one case in seminar. Our case is a mini case which is about design and implement a wireless infrastruture for a regional food safety initiative in Southeast Asia. Even this mini case, we stil have difficulty to cope with in the sense of overlooking certain issues or suggesting someting unfeasible or ineffective.
The key issue we should always bear in mind is how we can apply new technology to add value to our product and service, how different parties in case can benefit in the sense of profit or convenience. The "all-win" situation is our pursuit.