Business Case Analysis Hemantha De Silva 1 15.03.2017

Learning Outcomes Knowledge : 1.Understnad content of a case, central problem and analytical questions 2. Understand the connection between a case and subject matters in accounting , business, and strategy.

Learning Outcomes Competencies 3. Read and understand cases in relation to their central issues and underlying subject matters 2. Map an analysis combining the related subject matters

Learning Outcomes Skills 1.Analyse , discuss , and present some cases 2. Comment on others analysis with a clear position

What is Business Case A business case is an argument, usually documented, that is intended to convince a decision maker to approve some kind of action. The document itself is sometimes referred to as a business case. As a rule, a business case has to articulate a clear path to an attractive return on investment (ROI).

Guide to analyze a Case Study What is case study Appreciate the benefits of using case studies in the learning of strategic management and how their use can help develop key managerial skills. Understand the key steps in analyzing case studies. Apply theoretical concepts and frameworks to the material in the case. Identify and appreciate different ways to present case analysis.

What is a case study? A case study is a particular account of a set of circumstances faced by an industry, specific organization or individual. It provides information about a real life business situation and gives examples of how strategic issues are managed by real organizations. A case study describes an actual situation,such as the current state of an industry and factors influencing it or, for example, specific problems facing an organization.

What is a case study? Typical case scenarios in strategic management might include, for example: an analysis of the external environment in which an organization is competing; the resources of the organization; and its core competences. In such a scenario you could be asked to undertake a strategic analysis and identify the key issues facing the organization, now and in the future. Other scenarios might outline the strategic direction the organization is pursuing, where the task is to evaluate those strategies. Alternatively, it might asses how an organization has implemented their strategy or the problems it has encountered in doing so.

What is a case study? Whatever the question(s), it will relate to a specific part(s) of the strategic management process. When undertaking such analysis, you would be expected to utilize relevant theoretical concepts and frameworks.

The Benefit of using case studies The lecture material presented will identify the key theoretical concepts and tools of strategy as well as the key issues facing business managers in today’s competitive environment. Though the lecture programme identify some of the key skills required in management practice today, it will not give you the opportunity to actually develop some of those skills yourself. As such it is very importance to practice to acquire new skills by yourself . The case study allows you to engage in the practice by putting yourself in a decision maker’s position and forcing you to grapple with real life business scenarios facing actual managers in the workplace .

Skill development using case studies Analytical Skill Decision Making Skill Application Communication Skills

Key Steps in analyzing a Case Read the case Read the case questions to understand the key issues you expected to address Read the case bearing in mind the case questions Make sure you understand any numerical information outline d in tables, charts etc Make sure you explain the rational for any assumptions made in your analysis Draw conclusions /Recommendations from issued identified

Theoretical concepts and Frameworks Tools allow , you to better understand the different specific issues in different situations and contexts. Using those tools will allow you the opportunity Not every tool or model will be relevant in every case . You should use specific cases to analyses specific issues. The issues being addressed in the case should become clear as you read and reread the case through several times.

Ways to present case analysis There are different way to present case analysis Oral Presentations a Written presentations a General class discussions

Oral Presentation Include An introduction : aim and objectives of the presentations An outline of how you undertook the analysis and identification of the key models and tools applied Conclusion: It is usually customary to allow some time for the audience to ask any question or points for clarification Need to provide the audience with a short handout of key points covered in the presentation and any sources of information that might be useful to expand on the situation in the case.

Visual impact Need to sue sort of visual impact to maintain the audience’s attention and reinforce the key point to be drawn from the case. You might want to consider some of the folloing points. Telling the audience who are and identifying the scope of the presentation. Identification of the objectives of the presentation an outline to the questions posed in the case A statement of recommendation which are clearly supported and justified in light of the previous analysis Consideration as to how you can make the slides interesting for the audience. think about timing

Written Presentation Identify the target audience and the purpose of the report , as content might vary depending upon whom and what purposes . Your roll mentioned in the case words limit A Title page An Appendix You should read your complete report several time prior to its submission to check language

Class discussions A key objective is to maximize student learning Tutor ‘s role is mealy a facilitator Students should - Has prepared the case thoroughly prior the class discussion Is willing to participate in the discussion Is preparing to be challenged and justify his contribution Si prepared to listen to the views of peers and challenge them on what they have to say.

Conclusion Key points A case study describes an actual situation with which you can practice your skills Practice and develop many important managerial skills when working on a case study In analyzing case studies there are key steps that you should engage in, such as reading the case before the class and reading the case question to understand the strategic issues being addressed Three main ways of presenting the case analysis Finally there are no right or wrong answers

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