Case Studies Module Overview

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Case Studies Module Overview

• Why use case studies
• Learning objectives of case studies
• Steps in analyzing a case
• Common errors made in case study analysis
• Sample Board Plans

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Case Studies

• A useful learning tool ? used in management
  education to give student a feel for the
  complexities if the real work and how the
  theories, models and research being studied can
  be used in practice.

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Learning Objective

• To diagnose what the problems or issues in the
  case are, and why they have occurred, to consider
  a variety of solutions and to justify what you
  believe to be the best solution.

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Steps in Analyzing Case Studies

1. Gain an overview of the case
2. Establish what has happened (specify objectives)
3. Determine the causes
4. Develop possible solutions
5. Evaluate these solutions
6. Formulate recommendations (write up solutions)

Alternative 1. What is the business problem 2.
What factors affect the problem 3. How would
your team solve the problem? Justification.
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1. Gain an overview of the case

• Ask students to read the case quickly to gain
  familiarity with major events and characters and
  to note what seems to be the central problem(s).

Its a good idea to ask the students to read the
case to be discussed prior to coming to
class.but in practice this seldom happens.
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1. Gain an overview of the case

• Note that case studies often contain substantial
  information with information presented in
  sometimes chaotic order.
• Case studies usually present information
  chronologically.

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2. Establish what has happened or the Business
Problem

• Ask students to go over the case in greater
  detail to establish a clear picture of what has
  happened. Establish the who, what, where, and
  when of the situation.

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2. Establish what has happened or the Business
Problem

• NB There is at least one fundamental business
  problem in every case.
• The problem may be How to collect money from a
  deadbeat customer but the issue may be broader
  How can they reduce accounts receivable aging to
  30 days or less?

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Specify an objective for the managers involved

• Once the business problem(s) have been identified
  students should think about the outcomes they
  would most hope to see for the company.
• Let students know they are Consultants on the
  case.
• Quantify the desired results if possible. We
  wish to reduce A/R aging by 15.

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3. Determine the causes and issues

• Ask students to consider a variety of possible
  causes or issues to see how well they are
  supported by the facts of the case and how well
  they explain what has happened.
• Try to separate symptoms from problems.
• Rank order the critical problems/issues

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4. Develop possible solutions

• Students should develop several possible
  solutions to the problem(s).
• Different solutions may need to be considered,
  depending upon whether the aim is
• to have prevented what has already happened
• to salvage the present situation
• to avoid similar problems in the future.

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5. Evaluate these solutions

• Consider each possible solution, detailing
  exactly what would need to be done to implement
  it.
• Solutions will likely be in line with the
  concepts learned in the course.

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5. Evaluate these solutions

• Ask students to think about any constraints or
  impediments that are likely to make it difficult
  to implement any of the possible solutions (e.g.
  technological constraints, personal limitations,
  lack of resources (people, budget)
• Assign weights and values to the solutions
• Why are the chosen ideas superior and how will
  they work?

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6. Formulate recommendations

• Students should recommend exactly how the
  solution can be implemented.
• A broad view of the situation should be taken.
• Mention that it may be best to implement a
  relatively simple, inexpensive solution with
  contingency plans for more elaborate solutions if
  the first ones fail

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Write up solutions

• It is generally a good idea to have student
  groups write up solutions to cases and hand-in to
  their instructors.
• If class time permits, instructors may call on
  various groups to present problems and solutions
  recommendations.

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Common Errors in Analyzing Case Studies

• Not understanding and accepting the facts of the
  case
• Not explaining exactly what the problems are and
  why they have occurred
• Making unwarranted assumptions to try to simplify
  the case
• Sticking to generalities, such as they must try
  to improve communication

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Common Errors in Analyzing Case Studies

• Not integrating the various points into a
  preferred solution
• Not using theories and concepts currently being
  studied in the course
• Seeking ways out of the situation (such as fire
  them all) rather than trying to solve the
  problems
• Ignoring practicalities