In the intricate landscape of family businesses, staying ahead of the curve requires more than just operational efficiency—it calls for strategic insights deeply rooted in real-world scenarios. That's where Respada comes into play. 

What is a Case?

A business case is typically a description of a real-life management situation. Cases contain relevant data and information about the situation, background about the organization and decision maker(s). A family business case is similarly description of a situation in a family-owned business and the decisions that are made by its protagonist(s). A family case is prepared after extensive interviews with the protagonist(s) and those involved with the situation.

Why Cases?

Many learners have a predisposition for inductive reasoning over deductive approaches, meaning they tend to absorb knowledge more effectively through practical examples rather than abstract principles. In light of this, the incorporation of case studies can serve as a highly impactful pedagogical tool.

Historically, case studies have been a staple in professional education settings such as business schools, law schools, medical schools, and the social sciences. However, their utility extends beyond these disciplines; they are versatile enough to be adapted for any academic field where instructors aim to bridge theoretical learning with real-world applications. The format of case studies can vary significantly, ranging from straightforward hypothetical questions like, "What would you do in this situation?" to complex, multi-faceted scenarios accompanied by data sets for comprehensive analysis. The choice between a simplistic or intricate case study format should align with the educational objectives of the course.

Typically, case study assignments prompt students to respond to open-ended questions or craft solutions to problems that are intentionally ambiguous, allowing for multiple valid outcomes. The level of complexity in the deliverables can also vary widely: responses may range from a concise, single paragraph to an elaborate group action plan, proposal, or decision-making document.

Elements of a Case

Most comprehensive case studies typically feature the following key components:

• A decision-maker confronted with a particular question or dilemma that requires resolution.
• A contextual backdrop that situates the problem, which could relate to specific laws, industries, or familial circumstances.
• Ancillary materials to bolster the case, which can vary from data tables and hyperlinked resources to quoted statements, testimonies, supporting documents, and multimedia such as images, videos, or audio recordings.
• Such case assignments can be undertaken either individually or collaboratively, enabling students to pool their cognitive resources and distribute the workload for brainstorming effective solutions.