Teaching MBA and EMBA Students in Asia: Using Case Method and Online Education Software for Strategic Management

Abstract

Aims: MBA and EMBA students in higher power distance countries such as Taiwan used to listen lectures, not to express their opinions and discuss issues at classes openly. We used case method and online education software for teaching David's (2015) Strategy-Formulation Analytical Framework at the course of Strategic Management. MBA and EMBA students in Taiwan were pleased to submit their opinions by the on-line software; therefore, teachers can lead them to solve problems by discussing cases. Study Design:  We used the case method and online educational software to teach Strategy-Formulation Analytical Framework for MBA and EMBA students in a university in Taiwan. Place and Duration of Study: Studies carried out at one university in Taiwan between 2016 and 2017. Methodology: Our sample came from around 40 MBA and EMBA students who attended Strategic Management courses in a university in Taiwan. Results: At the end of the courses, MBA and EMBA students can use the David’s Strategy-Formulation Analytical Framework in other industries such as tourism and higher education industries. Conclusion: Teaching in higher power distance countries are quite difficult to use case method since most students has been trained to listen teachers' lectures from primary schools. Although some students would be asked to answer questions, but most of the students in class felt it's not their business. Combining case methods and online education software may allow all students in class to submit their opinions and listen to other's opinions. We recommend teachers in Asian countries with high power distance and low individualism, such as China, Japan and Korea use this teaching method.