MGT659-91

1
MGT659-91

• Intro. to Personal Case Analysis
• Michael L. Bejtlich

2
Lecture Objectives

• Review the requirements of the personal case
  analysis
• Trace a hypothetical personal problem which makes
  use of this model

3
The Harvard Case Study Method

• See your Course Description and look for
• Explanation of Personal Case Analysis
• Modified Harvard Case Study Guide
• Evaluation Sheet

4
Example of solving a personal problem using The
Method

• Hypothetical student Claire

5
Strengths

• Highly motivated to succeed in school
• Good verbal aptitude
• Has some business work experience
• Enjoys school projects when working with others
• Is considered to be friendly and outgoing

6
Weaknesses

• Often takes on too many projects
• Shaky performance in courses involving math
• Unsure of the training program requirements
• Dislikes studying and other desk work when
  alone
• Is sometimes perceived as overly talkative

7
Opportunities

• Potential entrance to retail training program
• Participate on the college debating team
• Can pick up more hours at work, since a co-worker
  has quit
• Is considering arranging tutoring in CASA
• Has just saved enough for a down payment on a new
  car

8
Threats

• Aware that the retail training program is
  becoming more competitive
• Purchasing the new car will require extra work
• The debating club could drain her time
• Changes in the financial aid laws might require
  her to work more

9
Claires Mission (Long-Term Goal) Statement

• To successfully complete her Associates of
  Science degree in the Fashion/Retail Management
  Program and find employment in a retail
  management training program in the northeast
  region

10
Claires Problem Statement

• How do I best structure my schedule this term in
  order to achieve my long-term goals?

11
Claires Alternative Solutions

• Reduce her work hours and concentrate on her
  school work
• Increase work hours and purchase the new car
• Arrange tutoring and attend the math lab
• Try to do everything (purchase car, join debating
  club, etc.) and see what happens
• Request an interview with training program
  director

12
Claires Selected Criterion

• Feasibility
• Effectiveness
• Cost
• Risks
• Time

13
Claires Criterion Chart

• Chart with factors weighted the same
• Chart with (1) factor weighted differently

14
CLAIRES CRITERION CHART ANALYSIS (EQUAL WEIGHTS)

• FEAS. EFFECT. COST RISKS TIME TTL
• SCHOOL 4 3 5 4 3 19
• NEW CAR 5 2 1 2 4 14
• TUTORING 5 3 5 4 4 21
• EVERYTHING! 1 1 1 1 1 5
• INTERVIEW 3 3 5 4 4 19
• COMBO. 1,3,5, 4 5 5 5 2 21
• LEGEND 1LOWEST, 5HIGHEST DEGREE OF
  DESIRABILITY

15
CLAIRES CRITERION CHART ANALYSIS (EFFECTIVENESS
FACTOR AT 150 WEIGHT)

• FEAS. EFFECT. COST RISKS TIME TTL
• SCHOOL 4 4.5 5 4 3 20.5
• NEW CAR 5 3.0 1 2 4 15.0
• TUTORING 5 4.5 5 4 4 22.5
• EVERYTHING! 1 1.5 1 1 1 5.5
• INTERVIEW 3 4.5 5 4 4 20.5
• COMBO. 1,3,5, 4 7.5 5 5 2 23.5
• LEGEND 1LOWEST, 5HIGHEST DEGREE OF
  DESIRABILITY

16
Claires Best Solution

• Discuss all solutions against all criterion
• Specifically discuss the use of her final
  criterion chart scores
• Combination solution appears to be the best,
  particularly if effectiveness is 150 weighted

17
Claires Implementation

• Explain how best solution will go into action
• How will risks be averted? e.g. time management
  issues
• Drawbacks minimized? e.g. rewards if she studies
  according to her schedule
• Claire will discuss exactly how and when
  solutions 1,3 and 5 will be put into action in
  very specific terms

18
Claires Feedback

• Who will she receive feedback from?
• On what basis will the feedback be received?
• She might include teachers, advisors, her
  manager, family members, friends, etc.
• Be specific

19
What to Skip

• No extra charts required (Step 9)
• No outside research required (Step 10)

20
Evaluation Tips

• Focus on clarity
• Focus on the process
• Review your finished product and make sure it
  makes sense

21
Lecture Objectives

• Reviewed the requirements of the personal case
  analysis due in Week 6
• Traced a hypothetical personal problem which
  makes use of this model