Case Study Examples The Comprehensive Case Study

DOE-HDBK-1116-98

APPENDIX B

The example comprehensive case study that follows was used to train personnel in the

commercial nuclear industry. Because of the length of the comprehensive case, trainees may

need to spend considerable time (as much as two or three hours) in preparation for the case

discussion session. The discussion is very nondirective, with the instructor's role being that of

catalyst, encourager, climate-setter, devil's advocate, issue sharpener, referee, etc., rather than

that of expert, lecturer, authority figure, and the like. The instructor's technique to start the

discussion is often a simple question: " hat seems to be going on here?"

The group typically will identify many issues in the case since it is so comprehensive and diverse.

A major goal is for the trainees to see the " ig picture,"the relationships of events, the internal

and external forces at work, the role of personality in decision making, and so forth. Learning

takes place largely because of the different views of the group.

B-3