1. Analyzing and Critiquing Business Cases Dr. John Hadjimarcou Summer 2005

2. What are Cases? Cases are short stories describing a company, its environment, and challenge (s) it is facing [at the time the case was prepared]. Some cases may in fact suggest alternative courses of action Other cases may mask the problem or opportunity. YOU ARE responsible for uncovering it!

3. What is Case Analysis? A thoughtful and thorough examination of the facts at hand –Identification of problem, challenge, or opportunity What is the main issue in this case? –Identify the firm’s vision, mission,objectives, and strategies –Internal analysis Internal strengths and weaknesses (IFE matrix) –External analysis Competition and industry (EFE matrix) –Prepare: SWOT matrix, strategic position and action evaluation (SPACE) matrix, BCG matrix, IE matrix, grand strategy matrix, and QSPM matrix.

4. Recommendation(s) –Recommendations for action Recommend specific strategies and LT objectives and show costs vs. benefits Offer several strategic alternatives Recommend one alternative and explain why Recommendations must be based on facts and should not represent “gut-feelings” alone!

5. What is Case Analysis? (cont.) You are not encouraged to collect information outside of the material found in the case Page limit? Max. 20 double-spaced pages… Organization: Address the areas mentioned earlier Presentation: –You will have up to 20 minutes to present your analysis. –You should expect questions from the audience. –You must provide a final draft of your presentation to the instructor (preferably via e-mail) 24 hours prior to the presentation.

6. Grading Criteria Presentation (comprehensive?, interesting?, well organized?, questions answered adequately?, professional?) Written report (comprehensive?, well organized?, grammatically correct?, ample explanations?, thorough?, [proper]use of strategic management terminology, professional?, interesting?)