SBC Author Profile: David Kimball

David C. Kimball is Chair of the Division of Business and Professor of Business Management at Elms College. He holds an ScD from the University of New Haven and a BS, BA, and MBA from Western New England University. He co-authored the text Sport Management: Principles, Applications and Skills, now in its second edition. He is interested in the role that a mission statement plays in the effort to create a globally, socially oriented organization. He applies his doctoral research on corporate mission statements to assist students in analyzing organizations such as Starbucks Nike, Blockbuster, and Ford.

As the faculty advisor for the Grinspoon Entrepreneurship Initiative, Professor Kimball mentors students developing business concepts and opportunities. 

  • Cases from David on Sage Business Cases

  • Q&A with David

    Q: How do you integrate cases into your classes?

    A: In graduate courses, I like to specifically assign a case as the work to be completed that week. I want the grad students to research the key topics online that are found within the case. Thus, I do not have students use a traditional textbook. The weekly case is the textbook. I assign about 12 to 15 cases or articles for students to analyze each semester. I tend to include cases when undergraduate students are juniors and seniors. However, a short case on a specific topic would be appropriate for freshmen and sophomores.


    Q: How do students respond to the cases?

    A: Students respond with a much higher level of engagement and enthusiasm when participating during case discussions. Students that are typically quiet turn out to be quite interactive during a case discussion. 


    Q: Do you have any tips for those who are new to cases and want to use them in courses?

    A: New instructors to cases should consider if they want to lead the case discussion or assign a student(s) to present the case. I would suggest assigning the students to present the case. Students that are hesitant to participate during a case discussion often do well answering a specific question from the end of the case. They can use the questions to help get them started.


    Q: Do you have any case writing advice for those who’d like to get started?

    A: Case writing starts with a story of someone you know with a specific work situation that is interesting or exciting. You can change the names and places to protect privacy. A critical aspect of case writing is using references to help support and lengthen the case issue.