Experiences using thematic assignments in an undergraduate management science course

This paper presents a theme-based approach for individual and group assignments in an undergraduate Management Science course. We have been using this approach since Fall 2001, with three different themes. In Fall 2001 we used a “generic” entertainment venue theme. For Spring 2002 we focused the “venue” theme, took advantage of current events, using the Winter Olympics as a basis for the assignments. In Fall 2002 we switched to Socially Responsible Investing as the theme throughout the term. The use of a theme to link assignments throughout the term is a middle ground between cases (instructor-specified) and student-defined projects. The aim was to combine some of the best features of both approaches to the active learning component in the course. This paper discusses our approach, outlines the assignments, and provides student feedback regarding their perceptions as to the effectiveness of the assignments.