Case studies in business innovation: Readings for discussion
Task-based course comprising 30 case study readings and engaging projects. For general or business English.
Case Studies is designed for teacher-led classes, but the readings, questions, and A5-sized form factor also support individual self-study. The course is divided into six chapters, with five readings of about 550 to 600 words each. The chapter themes aid comprehension, and help frame tasks and discussions. For example, Chapter 1 focuses on employee support and management, Chapter 2 is on new product development, and Chapter 3 is on strategy and planning.
The six chapters match the six stages of the Widgets Inc. course, so the book can be used either as a stand-alone reading and discussion text, or as a supplement to the Widgets course.
Each chapter begins with a list of fifteen key concepts and an "executive summary" of each reading.
The executive summary presents a short introduction to the reading, in order to activate prior knowledge and prepare the reader to contextualize how the cases relate to each other and to the chapter theme.
Each case reading is about 550-600 words long , and written in authentic English by human writers. No AI was used to research, write, or edit the readings. Space is left in the margins to encourage the reader to take notes.
Readings are then followed by a page of expansion questions and tasks. These can be used to frame classroom discussion, to guide further research into the topic, or to set up cooperative tasks. For more advanced learners, case study questions are provided at the back of the book (pp.158-172).
Five case readings are presented sequentially, each followed by a page of expansion questions and tasks.
Finally, at the end of each chapter, an optional team project provides a practical application of chapter concepts. Specific project parameters are left open so as to maximize flexibility for teachers.
Teachers should note that the case readings present brief targeted “snapshots in time” for each company. They highlight one specific strategy, innovation, or opportunity that the authors considered worthy of discussion. The cases are not intended to provide either deep or comprehensive information, nor do they imply endorsement or criticism of any company. Indeed, the authors have done their best to present each case in a neutral, fair, factual, and historically appropriate way, so that the real work of analyzing, evaluating—and sometimes criticizing—the case can be done by the learner.
