FROM CASE STUDIES TO REAL CASES: HOW EDUCATION MUST EVOLVE FOR 2025 CAREERS

For many years, business and design students have learned by reading case studies, which are stories about how companies like Apple, Zara, and Toyota solved problems in the past. However, as we approach 2025, the pace of change in the world is accelerating at an unprecedented rate. This makes it clear that what students learned yesterday will not be enough to prepare them for the challenges of tomorrow. The demand is shifting: education must transition from studying cases to solving real cases in real time. This shift is not just a choice; it's a necessity that we must act upon immediately to ensure our students are prepared for the future.

The Time of the Case Study

Generations of managers have learned from traditional case studies, such as Harvard's famous examples of Coca-Cola's marketing strategies or Toyota's supply chain models. They were great for teaching strategy, but they were also pictures of the past that didn't change.

The Growth of Real Cases

Employers today are increasingly seeking new hires with real-world experience. This is why schools and universities worldwide are incorporating real-world projects into their classes. These projects not only provide students with practical skills but also enhance their employability, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. More importantly, these projects give students the confidence and readiness they need to step into their future careers, instilling in them a sense of accomplishment and preparedness.

• Parsons School of Design works with companies like LVMH to have students come up with solutions to real problems in the fashion business.

• The focus of Stanford d.school is on experiential projects where students work with real startups to make things.

• Google Career Certificates focus on real-world problem-solving tasks instead of made-up scenarios.

Why This Is Important for Students

Students in Gen Z and Gen Alpha don't just want diplomas; they want proof that they have the skills they need. They help them with real cases:

• Create portfolios that show real results.

• Get better at adapting by solving problems that don't have clear answers.

• Get to know industry mentors and recruiters in person.

What Will Happen to Education in the Future

By 2030, education will evolve towards dynamic curricula that are constantly adapting to include real-world business problems from industry partners. This collaborative approach, where industry partners play a crucial role, will ensure that students are working on real issues that companies like Amazon are facing today, rather than studying historical cases. Your involvement is not just appreciated, it's integral to the future of education, and your influence will shape the skills and knowledge our students acquire.

At Raffles Jakarta, our Business Administration program is already ahead of the curve. We have been incorporating real-world projects with top companies into our curriculum, ensuring that our students graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience that employers value. We are not just preparing our students for the jobs of the future; we are getting them ready for those jobs now, thanks to our focus on real case-based learning.

Arman POUREISA

Marketing Manager

Business Management Lecturer

Raffles Jakarta

References

Parsons School of Design. (2025, July 24). Top courses with design projects involving LVMH, Kering, Louis Vuitton, and more. FashionABC. https://fashionabc.org/parsons-school-of-design-the-new-school-top-courses/

Stanford Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school). (2025.). Graduate degree: MS Design emphasizes applied design through real-world projects. Stanford d.school. https://dschool.stanford.edu/study/graduate-degree

Stanford Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school). (2025). Real-world industry collaboration and engagement are essential to design impact. Stanford d.school – Innovate. https://dschool.stanford.edu/innovate

Romao, L., Kalinowski, M., Barbosa, C., Araújo, A. A., Barbosa, S. D. J., & Lopes, H. (2024). Agile minds, innovative solutions, and industry-academia collaboration: Lean R&D meets problem-based learning in software engineering education. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/abs/2407.15982