BCG and COVID-19: correlation or causality or neither?
Publication date: 12 March 2021
Abstract
Learning outcomes
The learning outcome is to understand the difference between correlation and causation.
Case overview/synopsis
The case is set during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, globally a search for effective treatments were underway. An initial forerunner that was being considered was Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), given its effectiveness in the treatment of tuberculosis and other pulmonary-related infections. While there were a lack of randomised controlled trials, initial data from publicly related secondary data sources indicated that, in countries with BCG inoculation policies, the severity of the spread and mortality of COVID-19 was muted. The case is centered around the available information on BCG and COVID-19.
Complexity academic level
Post-graduate students learning statistics as part of a degree programme. The case assumes no prior statistics knowledge and therefore is aimed at teaching the difference between correlation and causation.
Subject code
CSS 7: Management Science
Supplementary materials
Teaching Notes are available for educators only.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Disclaimer. This case is written solely for educational purposes and is not intended to represent successful or unsuccessful managerial decision-making. The authors may have disguised names; financial and other recognizable information to protect confidentiality.
Citation
Chiba, M.D. and Verachia, A. (2021), "BCG and COVID-19: correlation or causality or neither?", , Vol. 11 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-05-2020-0166
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2021, Emerald Publishing Limited