Are teaching cases appropriate in a Mainland Chinese context? Evidence from Beijing MBA students

Business programs in Mainland China have witnessed an increased interest in the use of China- and Asia-related cases. This increased interest is predicated on two assumptions: (a) Chinese students are as receptive to case-method teaching as Western students, and (b) locally oriented cases are more effective than material developed outside Asia. Using data gathered directly from over 76 MBA students at a top Beijing university, this study offers strong empirical support for the use of cases, particularly those concerning Chinese firms. These results also support decisional over illustrative cases, and cases on service as opposed to manufacturing firms, and highlight some significant gender-related differences.