1. Level 3 Programme Case Study Introduction
Mars LCS Level 3 Process
Level 3 Programme Case Study Introduction

2. Agenda Introduction Case study structure Case study assessment
Mars LCS Level 3 Process
Agenda
Introduction
Case study structure
Case study assessment
Writing the case
Support
Timetable – review next actions
Case Study Introduction Session

3. Introduction

4. Case Characteristics
Case focus: design, implement, sustain major value stream QCD improvements.
Organisation, division/dept/group, extd value stream
Role: significant involvement in the project’s design and development
Role: significant management/leadership aspects
eg managing people or teams, communication, engagement, planning, control, implementation responsibility etc.
The project should have clear strategic linkage
aligned to organisational objectives, KPI’s and strategy.

5. “Lean” Case
The word ‘lean’ does not have to feature explicitly in the project.
If the project aimed to achieve the following (not necessarily all), then it is suitable:
Release/create capacity
Enhance, add value for customers/stakeholders
Reduce waste
Improve throughput, flow, compress time
Improve quality

6. Draft submission with feedback Case 2, 3 development with feedback
Mars LCS Level 3 Process
Cases introduction
Case Writing Process
Outline proposals
Briefing session
Develop case 1
Draft submission with feedback
Progress review
Case 1 submission
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
Guides, documents on web/cloud
Group interaction
Facilitator advice & feedback
Case 2, 3 development with feedback
Cases submitted
Case Study Introduction Session

7. LEVEL 3 – Higher Level Thinking
Ref: Bloom’s Taxonomy
Case Study Introduction Session

8. Critical Thinking & Reflection
What happened (describe the experience)?
Why /how did it happen? What factors contributed? How do you feel about it?
What is your new interpretation of the experience? What is the significance? What did you learn about yourself and others?
What will you do as a result of this experience? How will you use it to inform your future?
See video:
Case Study Introduction Session

9. Case Study Report Structure

10. CRITICAL ANALYSIS & REFLECTION
Case Study Structure
Typical section guidelines:
not prescriptive
Executive Summary
Aims & Background
Description, Method & Role
Results & Analysis
Conclusions & Sustainability
PDCA cycle
Plan Do
Check
Act
CRITICAL ANALYSIS & REFLECTION
Case Study Introduction Session

11. The Executive Summary High-level view of the case
Mars LCS Level 3 Process
The Executive Summary
High-level view of the case
Explains in a condensed form:
The problem that the project intended to solve
The desired outcome, key objectives
The major considerations
The resources required
Methods, tools used
Key findings, conclusion
Presented first but written last

12. Aims & Background Overall context of the project: eg
business need, strategic linkage
analysis of the situation, eg how it came about.
objectives, preferably quantified (eg QCD), timeline
criteria to determine the success of the project
Problem statement: an articulation of the problem that the project is supposed to solve, eg areas with issues that need to be addressed.
A statement on why the project is ‘lean’ and why it is strategic

13. Description, Method & Role
Project description
Key stages, milestones, assumptions, dependencies, risks.
Role in the project, responsibilities, dates etc
Overall approach taken and methodology adopted – such as specific models, tools and techniques employed
Describe data gathering and analysis undertaken
Resources and organisation of the project:
people/resources required to implement – eg who was involved, other resources used
Budget, any financial projections, eg ROI
Project management approach adopted

14. Results & Analysis
Description of the results, outcomes of the project.
This should link back to the objectives/aims and success criteria.
Analysis and interpretation of results
Methods of evaluation used
Solution options identified; cost/benefit analysis
Implementation actions description.
Issues that arose (resolved or unresolved)

15. Conclusions & Sustainability
Recommendations made
Summary and critical evaluation the overall project experience
Impact and benefits (intended or not intended)
Outline of the lessons learned (positive and negative)
Outline further work required, or the next stages required to continue the improvement into new or related areas
Description of the actions or strategy put in place taken to ensure the improvement could be sustained.
Sustainability issues

16. Other Aspects Endorsement Appendices Length
A statement that the report provides an accurate account of what took place and resulted
By an appropriate person - eg line manager, customer or project sponsor
Appendices
Supporting information (eg data, charts, images, etc)
Length
The guideline is 2,500 words, not be seen as prescriptive,.
Around 10 pages in length (plus appendices).

17. Case Assessment

18. Case Assessment Form Assessment Areas: Aims & Background
Description, Method & Role
Results & Analysis
Conclusions & Sustainability
Presentation
[Endorsement]

19. 1. Project Aim & Background
Assessment Criteria 1 2 3 4
Aims and objectives are expressed clearly. ☐
The project is strategic in nature.
The business context is clear.
The project is aligned to business goals.
(10% of marks available)
Key to Assessment Criteria Rating Scale ☒ ☐
1. Indicates the statement is true
2. Indicates that the statement is true to some extent
3. Indicates that the statement is not true to some extent
4. Indicates the statement is not true

20. 2. Description, Method & Role
(25% of marks available)
Assessment Criteria 1 2 3 4
Appropriate methodologies and techniques have been used. ☐
The project was clearly described and sufficiently detailed
The project was well organised.
The candidate’s role was significant and directional.
Advanced lean knowledge has been used in the project.

21. 3. Results & Analysis 1 2 3 4 ☐ Assessment Criteria
(25% of marks available)
Assessment Criteria 1 2 3 4
Results are described thoroughly and clearly ☐
There is discussion on the impact of the results.
There is evidence data analysis.
The limitations of the results are noted and explored.
There is evidence of critical analysis of the results.

22. 4. Conclusions & Sustainability
(30% of marks available)
Assessment Criteria 1 2 3 4
Well thought out conclusions have been made ☐
Reference to the original project objectives are made and the degree to which they were met.
Comment is made on the implications of the results on future plans and strategy.
A statement is made on further work required as a result of the project’s findings
There is evidence of critical reflection and evaluation on the overall learning gained from the experience.
There is understanding of sustainability issues. 
Sustainability actions have been identified and implemented.
The degree of success of sustainability actions has been noted

23. 5. Presentation 1 2 3 4 ☐ Assessment Criteria
(10% of marks available)
Assessment Criteria 1 2 3 4
The report is well organised and structured. ☐
The narrative flows well.
The report is well presented
The executive summary is succinct, clear and contains all the essential elements.

24. Writing the Case Study

25. Key Steps in Writing the case
Analysing the case topic, title
What’s behind the case?
Core theme, storyline
Main area(s) of focus
Documents, reports, working papers, etc
Contact (ex) colleges, project participants
On line material options
Make notes – mind-maps, bulleted lists, post-its etc
Obtaining & noting relevant material
Drawing up the report plan
Work to a defined structure; identify key sections
Rough sketch – basic plan – extended plan – evolving plan (outlining, ordering key points)
Writing the report
Turn notes, bullet points into paragraphs, narrative
Reviewing and redrafting
Ask someone to proof read
Read through in one go – overall flow, sense check
Have a cut off point!

26. Writing Key Points Narrative flow, Logical structure
Analysis: back up with facts
Language: succinct – minimise padding
Conclusion: logical consequence of what has gone before
Write in the third person
Include charts, diagrams etc
Supplementary material in appendices
Assignment Writing & Support

27. Using MS Word Effectively
Improve writing efficiency
Use the Styles feature
Especially effective use of Headings
Automatically create table of contents
Assignment Writing & Support

28. Support

29. Support & Guidance
One-to-one support when producing the elements of the portfolio
Drafts reviews should be ed as MS Word documents, not pdf’s to allow use of the MS Word Review feature.
Resources on group website
Case Study Introduction Session