Using a Live In‐basket Exercise for Management Training: A Case Study

In May 1985, a new module was added to the syllabus of the Middle Management Course at the Staff College of the National Coal Board. This module, called the “Enterprise Study”, was a live in‐basket exercise based on the experience that NCB managers encountered in establishing a new subsidiary job‐creation company, NCB (Enterprise) Ltd. The teaching format was novel and, as experience was gained from operation, unexpected benefits were derived and drawbacks discovered. The perspective as to the purpose and value was altered as a result.