On 3rd November, a presentation on 'A student guide to using theory critically' was organised at Nottingham University Business School China (NUBS China). Dr Peter Lamb, Director of Teaching and Learning Advancement at NUBS China, together with Mr Mattia Miani as the Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning for Preliminary Year, delivered the presentation.

Management theories and case studies are the two staples of business education. Students are often asked to apply theories in case study assessments but many do not know how this can be done effectively. Many students struggle to 'apply theory' because they often do not know what constitutes theory and what theory is used for, and also they have never been taught how to 'apply' theory properly. Students often struggle when they find that theories do not connect well with the reality presented within a case. This presentation was organised to address the abovementioned issues and guide students on how to apply management theories in case study assessments. Students also learnt how to enhance their critical thinking skills which are essential in navigating such assessments successfully.

In addition, Dr Peter Lamb focused on several important issues using leadership theories with a particular focus on Transformational Leadership theory. He instructed the students to consider whether it is a universal theory and whether it is a good or bad theory, and he also presented how the Toxic Triangle Leadership theory can be applied to two different cases of toxic leadership in which different results were demonstrated.

Finally, the following conclusions were reached:

• If you find differences between a theory and a case, don't be put off by them;
• No theory can possibly address all the variables and important factors in a real-life case;
• In sum, engage with theory critically. Don't be slavish to it but do not disregard it either.

The presentation was well-received by all the participating students. One of the students Han Jianing said, "I learned how to critically analyse a theory and how to use it in a case study. There is no perfect theory that fits all circumstances, and the key to the evaluation of theories is to find out the differences between them and to use them to show our critical thinking."

NUBS China is dedicated to designing its teaching and learning programmes and activities to equip students with skills, critical thinking and lifelong learning habits necessary to achieve their full potential for a career in a challenging and globalising work environment.