Case Preparation Chart Details

Case Preparation Chart Details

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Definition of a Case A case study presents a business situation which allows you to understand and apply the concepts learned in the course. There are usually problems in the situation that require a decision. These problems may arise as a result of actions taken (or not taken) by the management of the business or they may be the result of factors outside management’s control. Analysis of the case must be carried out under conditions of incomplete knowledge and some amount of uncertainty and risk – conditions very similar to those found in real world decision–making. A case serves as a catalyst to speed up the process of learning by experience.

Objectives of a Case Study Cases are usually written from the point of view of the decision-maker involved. You, as a case analyst, will take the position of the decision-maker involved, analyze the situation presented, and answer the question, “What would you do if you were in this situation?” Skim the case (read the first and last sentence of each paragraph). Reread the case and begin to fill out the basic information – what is the name of the company or main individual, and if an individual, what is their position in the organization? Then, in more detail – identify who is the case about; what is the situation; why has this situation arisen; and when will this situation need to be solved? The remainder of the chart should be completed after you have fully read the case.

Note: not all sections of the chart are equally important with every case (refer to marking rubric). List at least 3 immediate issues that need to be addressed. These are the issues or problems in the case situation. Remember to look at the root causes of the issues that are presented in the case. For example, rather than saying employees are unhappy as an issue; identify what is causing this unhappiness or what is causing low employee morale.

Issues or Problems: 1. 2. 3.

Basic Course Topics:

Basic Chapter/Course Topics refers to the content of the course. What topics or theories from the course (specific chapter/s) do these issues refer to, or fall under the category of? Only list the topics that you are prepared to discuss and apply in your case analysis.

Case Overview: Name: Position: Who: What: Why: When:

Case Preparation Chart Details

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What type of factors will affect the outcome in this case? These are factors you must take into consideration when developing alternatives. Examples include people (customers (external – outside the organization), employees (internal), etc.), profits, market share, competition, corporate image, etc.

INTERNAL FACTORS:

EXTERNAL FACTORS:

Alternative Analysis 1. This is the crucial segment in the development of a case. What do you want your proposed solutions to do for this

organization? These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, focus on a business result (such as profit, market share, employee motivation, etc.) and have a time frame attached.

2. Next, generate several alternative solutions for each problem. List the three best (most feasible) alternatives that will

address the primary issues. Choose 3 decision criteria and use these same 3 criteria to evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative. Each alternative should be a viable action that the decision maker would consider implementing.

3. Your analysis should be organized in accordance with the basic issues or factors in the case. Relevant course

material should be integrated and applied throughout your case analysis.

Indicate which of your 3 alternatives you recommend. You may recommend more than one, but you must only recommend alternatives that were analyzed. State what the outcome should be.

3 Criteria to evaluate each alternative Qualitative: Quantitative: Quantitative or Qualitative: Why did you choose these 3 (relevance to the case)?

Alternatives to solve issues: 1. pros: cons: 2. pros: cons: 3. pros: cons:

Preferred Alternative/s

1 2 3 Predicted Outcome:

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Recommendation/s For each problem, state in point form the course of action which you believe to be the best solution based on your analysis of all alternative possibilities and the objectives you hope to meet. Clearly state your recommendation/s. Do not write, I recommend Alternative 1; instead write what Alternative 1 is:

Apply the Expectancy Theory to improve employee motivation

You would then describe in the next section the actions that need to take place to implement this recommendation.

Implementation Plan Write an implementation plan which identifies the major steps you think should be taken next in order to achieve your recommendation/s. Expand this box to provide further detail explaining the “how” in detail. You should be explaining and applying the relevant theories, concepts, etc. in resolving the issues in this case.

Action & Implementation Plan Who What When Where How (details):

Equally important issues in any case study are the two following sections. Do not leave them blank.

Missing Information: What information would have been helpful that was not provided?

Assumptions: Indicate what assumptions you have made. Note assumptions as you complete each “block” in the chart