Page 10 - Articles Written by JGJ EF DPS

Lecturers may not have the motivation to devote the effort and time to
climb the learning curves of the software packages and systems
requirements to produce online, interactive deliverables if they are not
perceived as route to academic advancement. This perception is
dependent to a great extent upon the actions of the institution and its
administrative systems.

Diagrammatically the interactive e-resource case study may be
represented as shown in Diagram 2: the E-Resource Case Study
diagram.

At its heart is the case study which has been developed by the lecturer
for use with the student body. In the e-resource case study diagram the
case study is depicted as being embedded in a matrix where its
compass points depict an integrative and interdependent relationship.
For example, case development may be based on armchair case which
is developed to demonstrate an event, a piece of theory or a situational
analysis. If a live case study is developed then this may not just produce
a case study it may provide an entry point into a business with the
potential for a more lasting relationship. Furthermore, this ‘live’ case
study may lead to further research on the target company, its industry or
pedagogy. Case teaching is not about pedagogy per say, rather it is
partly about releasing the lecturer from the regurgitation of theory to the
interpretation of such through a more dynamic environmental interface.
Likewise, case analysis is not simply about providing a solution to the
case. If it were and if we believe that everything has a price, then the
solution to all cases is simply to sell the company. Finally, research is
not a one off event, rather it is a river at which we drink as the need and
occasion demands. The case study simply provides the access point to
the water.

The diagram’s four quadrants also display the necessity for commitment,
co-ordination, collaboration and co-operation between the stakeholders
in the development, production and use of the e-resource case study.