Analyzing Case StudiesGEB 1440 – Fundamental Concepts of BusinessInstructor Kalena GreenFall 2014

What Is a Case Study?

“A case study is a description of an actual administrative situation involving a decision to be made or a problem to be

solved. It can a real situation that actually happened just as described, or portions have been disguised for reasons of privacy. Most case studies are written in such a way that the reader takes the place

of the manager whose responsibility is to make decisions to help solve the problem.

In almost all case studies, a decision must be made, although that decision might be to leave the situation as it is and do nothing.”

What Is a Case Study?

In other words, practical examples of scenarios within the business environment in which we utilize what we have learned within the

textbook and course materials to make a decision.

Preliminary Case Study Preparation

• Read the assigned reading from the textbook prior to attempting to complete the case.

• Read the Case.• Read the Case Questions.

Steps to Analyzing a Case

1. Gather information vital to the case: industry, timeframe, decision maker etc.

2. Identify and briefly describe the primary concepts from the Chapter that are illustrated within the case

3. Identify and describe the primary business dilemma that is presented in the case.

4. Provide alternatives to the dilemma. What were the decision makers other options? This will require external research.

5. What is the best option? What criteria were used to identify the best option.

Steps to Analyzing a Case

6. Answer the accompanying case study questions. Be sure to re-state within your discussion the concepts from the Chapter that are most relevant to each case question.

7. Proofread your work.

Congratulations!

You are on your way to being a case study analysis Pro!