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Case Studies Module

OverviewWhy use case studies

Learning objectives of case studiesSteps 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 managementeducation to give student a feel for the difficultyif 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 thecase are, and why they have occurred, to considera 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 solutions5. 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

Read the case quickly to gain familiarity withmajor events and characters and to note whatseems to be the central problem(s).

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Note that case studies often contain important

information with information presented insometimes confused order.

Case studies usually present information

sequential.

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=define+sequential&sa=X&ei=ynPXUuSHGsOGrgeV_4GQBA&ved=0CCoQ_SowAA&biw=1024&bih=665https://www.google.co.in/search?q=define+sequential&sa=X&ei=ynPXUuSHGsOGrgeV_4GQBA&ved=0CCoQ_SowAA&biw=1024&bih=665https://www.google.co.in/search?q=define+sequential&sa=X&ei=ynPXUuSHGsOGrgeV_4GQBA&ved=0CCoQ_SowAA&biw=1024&bih=665https://www.google.co.in/search?q=define+sequential&sa=X&ei=ynPXUuSHGsOGrgeV_4GQBA&ved=0CCoQ_SowAA&biw=1024&bih=665

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2. Establish what has happened orthe Business Problem

There is at least one fundamental businessproblem in every case.

To go over the case in greater detail to establish aclear picture of what has happened.

Establish the who, what, where, and when of thesituation.

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Specify an objective for themanagers involved

Once the business problem(s) have been identifiedstudents should think about the outcomes theywould most hope to see for the company.

Let students know they are Consultants on thecase.

Quantify the desired results if possible.

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3. Determine the causes and issues

Ask students to consider a variety of possiblecauses or issues to see how well they aresupported by the facts of the case and how wellthey 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 solutionsto 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 exactlywhat 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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Write up solutions

It is generally a good idea to have student groupswrite up solutions to cases and hand-in to theirinstructors.

If class time permits, instructors may call onvarious groups to present problems and solutionsrecommendations.

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Common Errors in Analyzing CaseStudies

Not understanding and accepting the facts of thecase.

Not explaining exactly what the problems are andwhy they have occurred.

Making unnecessary assumptions to try to simplify

the case.

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