VCL Didactical Design Patterns

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* Time allotted to the case-study solution: Complex case studies require more solution time. If the VCL project takes place in a short period of time (3-5 weeks), the case-study topic should be less complex.

• Number of members per group: Bigger groups are capable of solving more complex problems, as they have more expertise and time on their hands. However, the group’s ability to solve complex problem is not linear to the number of its members; bigger groups will require more effort in coordination and alignment.
• Background knowledge and experience of the participants: Participants that already possess background knowledge in the case-study area can solve more complex problems. Also, participants with previous experience in group work, virtual work, and problem solving will be more efficient and can thus tackle more complex case studies.
• Case-study area: Not all areas/topics have a comparable complexity; for example strategic decision-making is more complex than operative decisions. Some topics may even be too simple, making it unnecessary to cooperate in team.
• Aim of the VCL Project: If the topic of the case-study is of lesser importance for the project (e.g., because the group-work experience is in focus), then the complexity of the case study (beyond a basic complexity requiring group work) is also secondary.
• Documentation of results: The time and effort necessary for the documentation of the results will directly impart the complexity of the case study, as the participants will be able to invest less time into the case-study solution.

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