Standing up the MDLF Case Study Library

case stud·y | /ˈkā(s) ˌstədē/ | noun
A process or record of research in which detailed consideration is given to the development of a particular person, group, or situation over a period of time.

Hello MDLF Network!

On Friday, August 26, Class V MDLF Fellows were onsite at Cook Medical embarking on the first (of three) Case Study days in their Year One Curriculum. Whether they’ll admit it or not, I anticipated each of them had a glimmer of uncertainty regarding what the day might hold, some questions related to what the exercise would entail and a bit of nervousness around the team competition component (please tell me I’m not the only one who gets anxiously amped at anything remotely close to a spirited competition?!).  These are all healthy quandaries we coached them on throughout the day as we encourage them to embrace being beginners again on this new endeavor. 

While the Fellows participated in this pilot effort, it’s with excitement I share with you MDLF’s aim to stand up a Case Study Library that encapsulates major efforts of the Daniels Administration, and President Daniels’ accomplishments while leading Purdue University! The purpose is for these topics to be documented and ensure they can live in perpetuity to inspire future Hoosier leaders by way of lessons learned.

This first Case Study will focus on key concepts that transformed the Indiana BMV and is grounded in this Sagamore Institute Case Study in Culture Change: How Reforming the Bureau of Motor Vehicles Can Change a State. There will be three objectives for the Case Study Exercise: Interpret, Translate and Implement. We’re grateful for the guidance of our Board, Fellowship Committee (most recently Chaired by Ron Stiver and presently Chaired by Blair Milo) as well as Neil Pickett, Former Senior Policy Director for Governor Daniels and David Shane, Founding MDLF Board Member, for helping us launch this effort.

While the term “case study” is defined as a noun by the Oxford Dictionary, the records of research we’ll write and study are bold, unique and transformational. Our aim is to inspire action (more like a verb might do) and enable our MDLF Fellows to interpret for themselves these fundamental learnings and apply it to real world issues they are compelled to change. 

Be on the lookout for more information forthcoming!

Lauren James
Executive Director