General Guidelines for Case Write-Up

General Guidelines for Case Write-up

Why Cases? • Case studies contain real or hypothetical business situations. • Provide tools to effectively: -Apply theories to real business situations -Generate solutions to real business problems

Steps to Complete a Case Report • Read the case carefully • Determine the main problem and any associated problems • Establish the important relevant facts • Analyze the situational factors (external, internal) • Apply course concepts or theories • Develop alternative solutions, based on your analysis. • Recommend the best solution. • Organize and write your case report

Writing a Case Report (suggested headings) • Problem statement • Analysis • Research and Rationale (course concepts) • Alternatives • Recommendations • Application

Problem Statement • Overriding problem and its consequences if left unresolved • Associated problems and how they are linked to the key problem.

Analysis • External Environment • Internal Issues • Other analysis specific to case (eg competitive analysis)

Research and Rationale • Identify appropriate concepts or theories • Expand on theories and substantiate your arguments • Try to apply more than one theory (max 3 per case)

Alternatives • Briefly outline the key alternatives you have considered.

Recommendations • State your solution (short-term and long-term). • Explain how you arrived at the solution from your analysis. • Outline your implementation plan. • Include the costs and benefits of your recommendations. • Explain how the solutions address the problems and show the limitations.

Application • Case studies help lead to management, leadership and personal reflections. • Explain how you might apply aspects of the lessons learned to yourself.

Format for Written Report

• Word