Each case can be used alone, of course, but because each is part of a greater narrative, the cases can build upon one another and provide a consistent synergistic experience. The challenge is in selecting the right meta-case. A good meta-case, as in the example provided in this session, can cover numerous relevant economic topics and build in increasing levels of complexity. Our sample meta-case addresses conflict of interest and the principal-agent problem, cost-benefit analysis, contrasts in public and private provision of public goods, public choice theory, public-private partnerships, models of municipal government, and more.
In a similar way, the same meta-case could be applied across a series of courses in the economics or business curriculum providing similar benefits across various classes. Students who are aware of certain features of the case have background with which to scaffold their knowledge. The meta-case described in this study can find application in finance, law, ethics, organizational behavior, and leadership courses, in addition to its core economic insights.
This particular meta-case examines the municipal government in Summerville, South Carolina from 2012-2016. In 2012, the mayor decided to champion the development of a hotel and conference center (public-private partnerships; cost benefit analysis). The process leading up to the announcement, including the bidding process, appeared to violate the appropriate processes (conflict of interests). This led to a lawsuit (contracts in provision of public goods). The subsequent election turned on the question of the hotel project (public choice). A new mayor was elected, but the majority of council was in favor of continuing with the hotel project. So, before the term ended, council stripped the mayor of certain important powers in anticipation of the new mayor’s agenda (ethics, leadership). This led to a referendum question in the next election on changing the form of government (e.g., from mayor as part of council to a strong mayor model). Eventually, the hotel project collapsed (cost-benefit analysis), but the town had gone through four years of upheaval in the process.