Students’ perception towards IFAMA agribusiness case study competition: do culture, discipline, and training experience matter?

Abstract

Case study competition is an effective tool used in higher educational institutions to augment students’ learning experience. Although many studies have explored this phenomenon in business and management discipline, no study has been conducted in agribusiness yet. The current research is conducted to explore students’ perceptions towards agribusiness case study based on cognitive ability, affective ability and development ability. It further explores how cultural difference, students’ discipline, and training experience influence participants’ perceived benefits. Using online survey and a face-to-face interview, it selected 65 participants who had the experience of the agribusiness case study competition. According to students perception, it is apparent that culture had shown main effect in all aspects, while discipline only made a significant difference in development ability. The qualitative analysis unveiled that students preferred to be trained by advisors belonging to field of agricultural economics and management, and are enthusiastic to deal with the real business world issues, and also hold experience of past competitions. Based on these findings, this study may provide guidelines to educators and organizers to improve the case study method of learning and teaching, and efficiently planned the strategies required for competition.