Case studies

The purpose of the case is to show a typical situation that the student will encounter when working in the public sector or its environment. The case presents information on the background, the current situation of the problem, the main actors and possible policy alternatives at the time of writing the case. In the preparation of the cases, its writers try to present information which is as real as possible, based on the consultation of documentation and interviews. Some cases also have a “teaching note” explainig how to organize the case discussion with the students and showing how they usually answer the questions raised by the case.

Apart from the cases understood as stories, this collection also includes some simulations, negotiation exercises and policy analysis exercises. The latter are characterized by including data that allows the quantitative analysis of the problem, usually with a spreadsheet. All the cases admit different readings and can be used to illustrate different aspects in relation to a policy or the management of an organization (for example, analyzing which is the most efficient option and at the same time its political consequences; illustrating a human resources issue which in turn implies a strategic change; or a health policy issue that implies a change in financing).