Case studies

Each case is worked in four stages: read the facts, identify the issues, propose a decision, compare with the solution adopted. Group discussion is essential: it brings out each person's arguments, doubts and points of view.

A case does not always have a single solution: the aim is to develop judgement, not to memorise an answer.

Among the cases: "The Mombasa mask" (customs check of an object without documents), "The inherited painting" (uncertain provenance after a death), "The bronze too good to be true" (warranty of authenticity), "The restitution mission" (negotiation between a museum and a community).

Each case includes the facts, annexed documents (contract extracts, photographs, emails) and the questions.

Cases are drawn from real situations but anonymised: names, places, dates and amounts are changed. The parties concerned have agreed. No case makes it possible to identify an ongoing matter or a person.

An ethics charter governs their writing: accuracy, respect, no judgement on individuals.

Trainers may use the cases in class: a teaching guide offers facilitation plans, variants by audience and assessment criteria. Simulations (role-plays) are offered for the richest cases.

The cases also serve for self-study: an isolated reader can work alone, then compare with the answer key if a trainee.

Alumni and trainers may propose a case. A writing template guides the drafting: context, issues, documents, questions, elements of the answer key. The editorial committee checks anonymisation and teaching value.

Authors are named in the publication; their contribution is recognised in their professional record.

The Academy's reception service answers practical questions Monday to Friday, in French, English and Spanish, and can direct each visitor to the programme, scholarship or free resource that fits their situation. A guidance counsellor also offers a thirty-minute individual meeting, by appointment, to build a realistic training pathway.

Trainees' feedback is valuable: each session gives rise to a questionnaire, and the most useful suggestions are examined each quarter by the teaching committee. Do not hesitate to write to report a difficulty, propose a subject or tell us what the training has changed in your practice.