Case Analysis A Primer Table of Contents t

Case Analysis A Primer

Table of Contents t t t Case Study – Why? General Observations Case Analysis: A Process Pitfalls of Case Analysis A Presentation Template

Case Study – Why? We learn by doing (examples) t Application of theory to practice (difficulties) t Cases are reality (some alterations) t Decisions required t

General Observations t Cases represent a business: t t problem opportunity challenge issue They are “real” t Normally: never enough information imperfect t

General Observations Cases require assumptions t Cases require decisions and action(s) t There is no absolute or “right” answer t There is no one best way to analyze a case t

Case Analysis: A Process t Situational Analysis t t What’s going on with the business? What are the: t t t Problem(s)? Issue(s)? Opportunity(ies)?

Case Analysis: A Process (II) t t What are the critical factors? What are alternative solutions? What is the recommended solution? What is the action plan?

Pitfalls of Case Analysis t t t Regurgitating the case Mistaking symptoms for problems Analysis paralysis Unsubstantiated assumptions Confusing opinion with fact Sweeping generalizations

A Presentation Template The situation t The problem(s) t The critical factor(s) bearing on the problem(s) t The discussion of possible solutions t The recommended solution t The reason(s) for the recommended solution t The action(s) required t