Case Study Roles

Each student in this course will engage with our weekly case studies in one of three ways:

1. A Fishbowl participant
2. An Observer
3. A weekly submitter of a short written reflection

Role Expectations

🗣️ Fishbowl Team

You and your team will lead the in-class case discussion for your assigned week. This is your chance to take the perspective of an entrepreneur, investor, or analyst—and practice real-time decision-making and communication.

Your responsibilities:

• Read the full case carefully.
• Meet with your team in advance to prepare your analysis.
• Come ready to present: no slides are required, but visuals are welcome.
• Participate fully in the discussion, bringing data, insight, and clear recommendations.

Resources:

• Case Analysis Worksheet
• Michael A. Roberto. (2022). Case Companion

How You’ll Be Graded

You will lead one in-class fishbowl discussion during the semester.

Criteria	Points	Description
Preparation & Accuracy	50	Demonstrates clear understanding of the case and relevant facts.
Critical Thinking	50	Applies course frameworks and considers trade-offs or alternative viewpoints.
Communication & Clarity	40	Ideas are clearly expressed and organized during the discussion.
Engagement & Responsiveness	30	Listens to others, responds thoughtfully, and builds on peers’ comments.
Professionalism	30	Participates respectfully, stays on topic, and shows up prepared.

Total: 200 points (20% of final grade)

👁️ Observer Team

Your job is to observe the fishbowl discussion critically and constructively. You will model active listening and provide structured feedback to your peers.

Your responsibilities:

• Submit the weekly pre-class reflection like everyone else.
• During class, take notes on the discussion and complete the observer form:
  • 1–2 sentences of praise: What did the group do well?
  • 1 question you would have added to the conversation.
  • What did you learn from observing?

You’ll submit your feedback via Canvas right after class.

How You’ll Be Graded

You will complete one observer reflection during the semester.

Criteria	Points	Description
Summary of Key Points	30	Accurately captures the main ideas shared during the fishbowl.
Insight & Analysis	40	Provides thoughtful commentary or critique of the discussion.
Connection to Readings	20	Links discussion themes to course materials.
Professional Presentation	10	Submission is clear, polished, and submitted on time.

Total: 100 points (10% of final grade)

✏️ All Students: Weekly Pre-Class Reflection

Every student will complete a short reflection before each Thursday class, due by 11:59pm the night before.

What to include:

• Summary (100–150 words): What is the core challenge in the case?
• Your Recommendation: What would you do in the entrepreneur’s shoes?
• Discussion Question: One thoughtful question you’d ask in class.

You’ll complete this in Canvas. These reflections will help you stay engaged and give the fishbowl team great questions to work with.

How You’ll Be Graded

You’ll submit 10 short case prep assignments, each worth 15 points.

Criteria	Points	Description
Completion & Accuracy	5	Fully answers all assigned questions correctly.
Depth of Thought	5	Shows critical thinking and thoughtful engagement with the case.
Clarity & Presentation	5	Well-organized, professional, and on time.

Total per week: 15 points
Total across 10 weeks: 150 points (10% of final grade)