Case writing workshop on Micro Insurance

November 13-15, 2008

Case method of pedagogy has increasingly gained importance not only in management education but in various capacity building programmes. It provides platform to students and practitioners to experience real-life situations, process information and evaluate decisions made during case analysis. It is an effective simulation for management students and managers at decision making levels to develop their knowledge base, chisel skills and apply theoretical tools and techniques. The case method persuades the students and trainees to participate actively in the learning process. The method provides students and trainees an environment to comprehend the importance of interventions in organizational processes. It also involves cases aiming at developing the understanding on a framework of experience to encourage learning by doing and promotes interest and enthusiasm by stimulating the students to propose solutions to the problems in varied situations. The method not only introduces pragmatism into formal ins tructions but also facilitates in developing and improving independent thinking and analytical skills amongst learners and practitioners.

The Indian insurance environment still lacks an adequate number of qualitatively rich cases to expose students to the nitty-gritty of work in a diverse culture. The challenges and intricacies involved in Indian insurance management are still not fully demonstrated.

Advanced Centre for Skill and Knowledge Mutual Insurance (ASKMI) established at Tata-Dhan Academy, a development educational institution promoted by DHAN Foundation (a pioneering not for profit development organisation), Madurai is compiling quality cases related to insurance mainly to enhance the knowledge and skill of practitioners and students. ASKMI uses mostly case method in training programmes, workshops and other related activities. Since the participants are representing different states of India and several countries, we need to provide information on the present context of insurance in their respective states and countries. In view of the inadequacy of suitable case literature reflecting Indian situations, the workshop aims at following objectives

• To develop case writing skills of the participants.
• To encourage the use of case method as a pedagogical tool which provides rich inputs for improving the analytical skills of participants.
• To develop and publish case studies to use in teaching and training sessions.

Case writing workshop will be organised in two phases. In the first phase, case leads will be finalised; in the second phase, case presentation and approval will happen.

• First phase (preparatory phase) _ 13th to 15th November 2008
• Second phase (approval phase) – 20th to 22nd January 2009

Venue

The three day workshop will take place at the TTS Centre in Madurai city. The TTS Centre offers modern training facilities that combine training rooms and accommodations. All participants will be accommodated in single/double occupancy rooms with attached bathrooms.

The address of the venue is:

Participants

Experienced persons from academic institutions, domestic insurance and reinsurance companies, development organizations, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority and for those who have a flair for writing.

Programme content

1. Preparatory phase (phase 1)
• Understanding and appreciating the need of case study in the insurance field.
• Presentation and finalising case leads.
• Method of writing case study.
2. Approval phase (phase 2)
1. Case study presentation and finalisation
2. Analysis of a case for its suitability and application
3. Appreciation and remarks
4. Way forward

Honorarium

To encourage the participants in writing case studies related to micro insurance, an honorarium of Rs 10,000 per case will be given. Each participant should follow the method of writing a case which will be taught during the workshop. We will reimburse the shortest train or bus route economy to and fro fare for participants for both the phases.

Enrollment

We would be very happy if you participate in this workshop and share your views and experiences in the form of case studies. Last date for enrolling is 30th October 2008. The Enrolment form can be downloaded from our website www.dhan.org/tda or www.askmi.in. The enrolment form can be submitted through our email tatadhanacademy@sify.com or info@askmi.in.

Submission of case leads

You are expected to submit (150 words) a case lead, identified from your field experience in Micro insurance before October 30, 2008.