Case Studies in the Age of Generative AI: Scenario-Based Learning Environments Through Multi-Agent Systems

Generative AI is rapidly transforming higher education teaching while also opening up new opportunities to further develop established teaching methods. This is precisely where a new project by Prof. Dr. Michael Wessel comes in. In business education at universities, the case study method specifically fosters decision-making skills, perspective-taking, and critical reflection. Its relevance is increasing as growing automation is causing traditional entry-level positions to disappear—positions in which early-career professionals have traditionally developed these competencies step by step.

The project deliberately turns generative AI into a tool for better learning. Its aim is to develop an AI-based multi-agent system that transforms traditional case studies into dynamic, scenario-based learning experiences. The AI agents embody the perspectives and interests of different stakeholders, such as employees and managers. Students are required to justify their proposed solutions to the agents, negotiate compromises between conflicting interests, and deal with uncertainty. In this way, generative AI becomes not a shortcut tool, but an interactive sparring partner that promotes independent thinking and makes case study work more practice-oriented.

The project is one of ten initiatives selected for funding by the expert committee of the Academy for Teaching Development (ALe) from more than 25 submitted proposals. The funded projects contribute to the further development of teaching in different ways, for example by promoting transfer processes or opening up interdisciplinary perspectives.

Link:https://www.uni-jena.de/81455/innovation-in-der-lehre de