Kuala Lumpur, June 21: Another Harvard Case Studies Workshop was held at Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on June 19 and will end June 22, 2012.
The facilitators are an alumnus of Harvard, Habib Rahman who has written a number of the Harvard Case Studies himself and Sandra Sutherland from one of the universities in Boston.
The participation in this workshop are not just among UTM academics, but the workshop has also attracted individuals and groups from various institutions and organizations around the country, who have shown interest in the use of Harvard Case Studies as part of training and teaching.
As a research university, UTM is transforming fast, especially now that it has become an autonomous institution. Through the New Academia concept, UTM promotes new and fresh dimensions to knowledge advancement across disciplines in a dynamic, vibrant and enriching way based on meaningful engagements beyond conventional paradigms. The aim is to promote mindset change to one that is innovative, entrepreneurial and global towards sustainability for the academia.
The adoption of the Harvard case studies is a teaching and learning innovation for UTM which aims to give value added dimensions to learning among UTM students. This innovative approach is in line with the New Academia concept that UTM is advocating, involving UTM students from all levels of studies in various disciplines, aimed at engaging them in an enriching learning experience.
By using the HBS case studies, students are exposed to real situations in related industries which will engage them in discussions and deliberations on various issues, challenge them to think critically with a view to resolving problems and making decisions by looking at possibilities from different perspectives.
UTM is also proud to be the first local university to use case studies from Harvard, the world’s top university, in its academic programmes. At present, various faculties in UTM have started using HBS case studies as part of their teaching and learning approach. For example, undergraduates studying information and communication technology (ICT) have been exposed to cases related to ICT companies such as Apple, IBM, Google and HTC.
It is worth noting that the management of UTM is working in close collaboration with the HBS Alumni Club of Malaysia to invite a few professors of HBS to train more UTM academic staff to conduct HBS case studies approach more effectively.
UTM’s engagement with Harvard Business School is part of its internationalisation effort, and this collaboration supports the concept of New Academia in terms of smart partnership, synergistic alliance, value-driven approaches and impactful strategies.
This engagement further strengthens our belief that universities should leverage on international network and strategic alliances in stimulating greater exchange of knowledge, talent and expertise.
The use of the HBS Case Studies would thus redefine teaching and learning in meaningful ways in pursuit of innovation excellence and instilling entrepreneurial mindsets among staff as well as students. Most importantly, this approach is most relevant to prepare students who would make a difference and remain competitive in the current global environment.
Eriacta