The Business Case Investigation module at Glasgow Caledonian University is a core undergraduate module within the School for Business and Society, engaging around 700 students across multiple programmes. Through live case studies and applied business analysis, the module enables students to explore complex organisational challenges and develop entrepreneurial mindsets. Learners work collaboratively to analyse business issues and propose innovative solutions grounded in real industry contexts.
Context and Rationale
Glasgow Caledonian University has a strong reputation for graduate employability, and the Business Case Investigation module contributes to this by preparing students for the realities of professional practice. The module responds to the need for graduates who can analyse complex business situations, identify opportunities and develop practical solutions.
Using an authentic business case study, students engage in multidisciplinary analysis that draws on knowledge from across their degree programmes. This approach encourages learners to apply theoretical concepts to real-world challenges while developing key competencies required for modern business environments.
The module reflects the university’s values of Integrity, Creativity, Responsibility and Confidence, encouraging students to approach business problems with innovative thinking and a sense of social responsibility. By working through real business challenges, students develop the confidence and analytical capability needed to contribute to organisations or entrepreneurial ventures.
The Learning Activity
The module combines lectures, case-based learning and tutor-led seminars to create an interactive learning environment centred on real business challenges.
A central element of the module is the use of a comprehensive case study that provides students with an authentic organisational scenario. Through analysing this case, learners apply knowledge gained from other modules within their programmes to address strategic business problems.
Lectures are delivered by discipline-specific teaching teams and often include guest speakers from industry. These sessions provide students with insight into professional practice while supporting the development of analytical and creative thinking skills.
Assessment is based on a 2,000-word portfolio and a poster presentation in which students propose a solution to a selected business issue drawn from the case study. Examples of topics may include strategies for entering new markets, improving operational performance or responding to industry challenges.
Students develop a series of artefacts that support their proposed solution, including research insights, strategic analysis and visual materials. The final presentation allows learners to share their ideas with peers and receive feedback on their proposed strategies.
Importantly, many of the case study challenges are developed in partnership with external companies. This ensures that students engage with realistic industry scenarios and gain insight into the complexities of real organisational decision-making.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
The module supports the development of a wide range of entrepreneurial and professional skills.
Students build strategic thinking and decision-making skills by analysing complex business situations and designing practical solutions. Working with real case studies strengthens problem-solving and analytical capabilities, encouraging learners to evaluate data and identify opportunities.
Collaborative learning activities also develop teamwork, leadership and communication skills, while presentations help students gain confidence in explaining their ideas to others. Engagement with real-world business challenges encourages open-mindedness and independent thinking, helping learners develop the ability to approach problems creatively.
In addition, students gain experience using digital tools and presentation platforms, strengthening their digital literacy and professional communication skills—capabilities that are highly transferable to modern workplaces.
Impact and Outcomes
Through engaging with live case studies, students develop a deeper understanding of how business knowledge can be applied in real organisational contexts. This experience prepares them to tackle the complexity of modern business environments and supports their transition into employment after graduation.
The module encourages learners to think creatively and independently, helping them develop innovative mindsets that are increasingly valued by employers across industries. Students leave the module with stronger analytical and strategic skills, as well as greater confidence in their ability to contribute ideas and solutions within professional environments.
At an institutional level, the module also reinforces Glasgow Caledonian University’s commitment to innovation and the “Common Good”, ensuring graduates develop the knowledge, values and capabilities needed to make meaningful contributions within organisations and society.
“I design entrepreneurship education around real-life complexity. Students don’t simulate business – they engage with it, ethically and critically.”
— Melissa Mesek, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Further Information