Developing hypothetical case studies

Using hypothetical scenarios

Description

Developing hypothetical case studies involves constructing detailed, plausible scenarios to simulate real-world problems and test potential solutions. This strategy enables organizations to anticipate challenges, evaluate the effectiveness of proposed interventions, and refine response plans before actual implementation. By modeling diverse outcomes and stakeholder responses, it provides a practical tool for risk assessment, training, and decision-making, ultimately enhancing preparedness and reducing the likelihood of unforeseen consequences in addressing specific world problems.

Implementation

The International Programme on the Management of Sustainability (Netherlands Business School, Nijenrode University) uses case studies reflecting complex environment/development conflicts as learning aids. Each case study involves a detailed scenario, setting out problems and decision points, and a wealth of technical, economic and environmental background information. Participants take on individually assigned "roles", each person playing the part of an industry representative, an environmental official, a development authority, a city councillor or environmental lobbyist. Simulations are played out over several hours as players attempt to reconcile agreed principles of sustainability with the hard realities of the case study: economic constraints, technical limitations, uncertain information and personal (role) self-interest.