How to write the case summary Fall 2001

How to write the case summary Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 1

What is a case? n n n Story Real management problems Under a specific context Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 2

What is the content of a case n n n Introduction Company Background Information related to the management problems Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 3

Case teaching n n n Understand the organizational situations Identify problem(s) Analyze problem(s) n n Provide criteria List alternatives Compare alternatives Offer suggestions Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 4

What can we get from the case teaching n n n Enhance analytical skills Practice problem solving skills Improve communication skills Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 5

Case preparation n n n Read through the case once, go back Identify the key issues of the situation Identify the problem/opportunity to be resolved Analyze the key factors Identify alternatives Recommendations Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 6

The reasons for the case summary n n n Attract attention Persuade managers Identify problems Provide advices Action Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 7

Format of the case summary n n n Executive summary Problem Criteria Alternatives Action plan Length: less than 4 pages Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 8

Case summary –executive summary n n Usually a paragraph Describing the relevant background information Stating the problem Making clear your recommendation (specify what to do in what time frame) Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 9

An example Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 10

As the one of the largest grocery retailers in Canada, Green has been reducing prices to attract customers. However, with the market continuingly slumping, Green’s third-quarter revenue is 20% lower than that in the same period last year. The reduced margin has seriously affected the normal operation of Green. For Green to compete effectively in the market, I recommend laying off 200 employees within the next three months. Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 11

Case summary -- problem n n Analyze in detail 2 -3 causes of the problem you identified Length: a paragraph Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 12

The example n Two causes: n n Fall 2001 Weak economic situations Reduced revenue Case Summary and Analysis 13

Case summary -- criteria n n Standards used to evaluate alternatives 3 – 5 criteria Explain criteria Indicate why you choose the criteria Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 14

The example n n n Maintain the current advantages reduce costs Beneficial for the long-term development of the organization Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 15

Case summary -- alternatives n n 2 -3 alternatives Analyze advantages and disadvantages based on the criteria Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 16

The example n Do nothing n n Lay off employees n n Disadvantages: high costs, harmful for long term and organizational advantages Advantages: reduce costs, maintain current advantages, long term development Change product structures n n Fall 2001 Disadvantages: may need changes in strategies, cost reduction not obvious in short term Advantage: beneficial to long term develop. Case Summary and Analysis 17

Case summary – recommendation n n state which alternative you will choose and why you choose it Briefly provide action plan for how to implement your suggestion (when, who, how) Consistent with the introduction and alternative analysis A paragraph Fall 2001 Case Summary and Analysis 18

The example n n Based on the above analysis, I recommend alternative 2 because … I propose three steps to lay off 200 employees n n n Fall 2001 1 -2 month: get a list from branches At the same time, HR draws up the plan 1 -2 month: evaluate the candidates and send the list to the top managers Case Summary and Analysis 19