1. Final Case ISQA 458

2. Case Story Intro: Usually sets up the central character or decision maker in his/her context –central player acting under pressure and caught in a situation which requires the exercise of judgement in choosing a course of action? –This may concern a specific organisational problem, whether or not to develop a new product/enter a new market; to reorganise, or it may involve an ethical dilemma. –As the case unwinds, the central actor will be the vehicle for problem analysis and the identification of alternative courses of action.

3. Context Does the story unfold within a complex organisational context whose characteristics can be fully described? Characteristics common to other organisations: –the history of company, financial (if possible) –performance, products, organisational structure –structure of the industry in which it operates, key competitive success factors –key competitors –company culture –company’s past and present strategy –human resources – any recent changes in personnel, old hands –background of key players and organizational position

4. Courses of Action The central issue could involve a choice to be made, making that choice should bring in broader management issues for consideration. By the end of the case: –The reader should have an understanding of the alternatives so the reader can come up with a list of pros and cons for each one (maybe you supply numbers so they can see both the financial and non-financial implications)

5. Decision Point Is the end a critical decision point: –the central player must decide what to do –Remember that the effects of the implementation of the decision or actions will not be part of the case, leaving room for an analysis of the effect of that decision

6. Questions Provide 3 to 4 focus questions that would accompany your case Your case should contain all the clues needed to answer those questions

7. The case 25% of your grade Actual quotes from your protagonist should be included Supplemental material is encouraged! Menus, org charts, industry statistics Please refer to any of the cases used for this class as a template (6-18 written pages with appendices) Professionalism and competition ready cases are expected.

8. Rules of Thumb If the case has all the qualities of the cases that you have seen in class Follows the directions given in the syllabus Is professional and ready to enter in either competition Then: It will get an A

9. Taking responsibility for your learning experience There is not final exam for this class This case and your class participation is worth 50% of your grade –What you put into the case and class is what you get out of it –If you have not participated in class, left early, and/or missed frequently: the case is your chance to raise your grade.