What is a case?  A written description of a business situation or problem  Provides factual information about a company’s background ○ organizational or financial data related to the present situation  Also information outside the immediate company related to: ○ Sociocultural ○ Political ○ Legal ○ Technological ○ Competitive environments

What is a case?  Raises contemporary issues  Provides information to analyze from a business perspective  It is your job to propose solutions to the problems!

Case Study Method  The case study method is An active, problem-solving way of learning Think about the problem Use the facts provided Decide on the most appropriate action  Consider both External environmental factors Specific internal facts about the company and the situation

Case Analysis  Assume the role of the challenged individual in the case and react as you believe that person should  There is never... A single solution A right answer A wrong answer  Your recommended best should be based on the facts contained within the case, along with the basic concepts and/or principles provided in the case

Case Analysis  Often it may seem that you don’t have enough information to solve the case problem Welcome to the real world of business!  Often, decision makers do not have all the information needed for a “good” decision  But they must make a decision with the information available at the time

Case Analysis  When a group approach to case analysis is used, students must understand that participation by everyone is absolutely necessary for this approach to be effective  Assuming that you are a part of a management team charged with a problem to solve may also help to motivate everyone in the group to participate

Case Analysis  Using common sense may help you to realize what is relevant for solving a case  Logic is another tool: assist you in formulating ○ your plan of action ○ your arguments ○ justifications for the selection of the best alternative solution

A Recommended Approach for Case Analysis  Read the case completely through, along with the major question.  Reread the case and any accompanying illustrations or data carefully and do the following: 1. Clearly define the immediate problem to be solved. 2. Develop several alternative solutions to the problem and that could be applied to the situation. 3. Evaluate each alternative by listing its advantages and disadvantages. 4. Identify the recommended solution along with any further justification. 5. Develop a recommended course of action if needed.

Sample Case Study