Case Analyses
by Pamela Hubbell
Cases are detailed descriptions of real management situations. In the Case Analysis your objective is to analyze the management problem and make a recommendation for solving that problem. By applying concepts to actual cases, you improve your ability to think analytically when identifying problems and creating solutions.
Preparing the Case Analysis
There are four basic steps to follow when preparing a Case Analysis. However, because you will encounter a wide variety of cases and problems, you should determine the appropriate approach to each situation. Generally, the four steps are:
1. Clearly define the problem.
Be sure to identify the problem and not the symptom of a problem. For example, a decline in sales is a symptom of a problem; you must identify the actual cause of the decline in sales. It is also important to establish that the problem is a major problem for the company.
Figure illustrating how two solutions to Apolloniu...
Fourth pair of solution circles for Apollonius' pr...
New version of Image:Apollonius_solutions_4AB.png,...2. Formulate alternative solutions to the problem.
It may be helpful to brainstorm as many solutions as you can and then narrow your list down to three or four solutions you feel are the strongest.
3. Evaluate and compare the alternative solutions.
To evaluate alternative solutions you should consider their strengths (e.g. increased productivity) and their weaknesses (e.g. increased cost).
4. Recommend and justify an effective solution.
Be sure to record the reasons why the chosen solution is most effective. In your Case Analysis you must provide a recommendation that is supported by your analysis.
Note: Your assignment may require that you identify more than one problem and develop a set of recommendations.
Writing the Case Analysis Report
Once you have the results of your Case Analysis you are ready to prepare the written report. It is important that your report include both qualitative and quantitative evidence to support...