GlobaLens Product Type: Full Descriptions

Case:
A case is a detailed organizational description which contains, implicitly or explicitly, a management task. This task is usually the result of a crisis, challenge, turning point, decision, opportunity, etc., and demands some sort of action. Students, therefore, adopting the role of a real-life manager, must diagnose the situation then complete the task. Cases may be accompanied by video or other ancillary materials, and are, on average, 20 pages in length.

Mini-Case:
A mini-case is a less detailed description of an organizational situation-- usually 1-3 pages in length-- but, like a case, usually contains a management task. The shorter length often means, however, that the task cannot be completed, and, consequently, mini-cases might be used to tease out existing concepts or raise questions. When bundled together, they can also provide multiple perspectives on a single issue.

Note:
A note is an overview or summary of a specific management concept, theory, or topic (for example, purchasing power parity, international trade theory, and nation branding). At about 10 pages, a note resembles a textbook chapter, minus the anecdotes, illustrative "boxes", chapter summary, chapter questions, etc. As a synthesis of general knowledge, a note is commonly used as a stand-alone foundational reading, or in combination with a case, mini-case, or other teaching tool.

Profile:
A profile, like a case, is a detailed organizational description, but without the task orientation. It might chronicle a company"s evolution, for example, or survey an industry structure, or highlight a specific event. It is similar to a newspaper article (although typically longer at 10-15 pages), but often has some built-in controversy or "tension" which initiates discussion.

Exercise:
Exercise refers to quizzes, problem sets, structured examinations, classroom activities, and other teaching tools which are mostly intended for student practice or evaluation. An exercise might work in concert with a mini-case or be paired with a note (exchange rate note and exchange rate problem set, for example).

Simulation:
Like exercise, simulation is a term which refers to a variety of different teaching tools. Simulations all share an action-oriented experiential focus. Examples include role-plays, computer- and board-based business games, outward bound activities, and management challenges. Simulations can be used alone or in tandem with notes or other teaching tools.