Case Writing Capstone Project

This project provides the background and theological basis for using the case method in teaching MSC 613, The Capstone Project. The Capstone Project course is the culmination of a series of courses in the Master of Arts in Social and Community Entrepreneurship (MASCE) program at Bakke Graduate University, the students completing their Social Venture Plan and addressing implementation of their plan. The
cases used in the course place MSC 613 students in the role of leaders of a firm and confront them with questions about implementing a business plan for selling innovative products. The students will also discuss decisions they themselves must make about leading the firm described in the case.
The cases were developed using the descriptive case study method because it was possible to record real-world issues of innovation, project plan implementation, and economic development. The sources interviewed were professionals involved in the rattan and AEC sectors and included the inventor and manufacturer of Permacane products, sustainability economic development program managers, and architects. The sources shared a common understanding of innovation, economic development, private sector management, and sustainability.
This project resulted in cases depicting a fictional organization selling building materials based on the innovative use of rattan. The MSC 613 case supported graduate courses related innovation and economic development through social enterprise. The cases also promoted critical thinking about innovation and economic development. The cases promoted an understanding of how the transformational leadership perspectives facilitated leadership of a social enterprise that could contribute to economic development through innovation. The cases included learning objectives and teaching notes to optimize their use in classes and facilitated discussion of the role of transformational leadership competencies.