HOW TO ANALYZE

A CASE STUDY

So What is a Case Study

analysis?
separation into parts
examination of a thing to determine
its parts or elements
..with a view toward prescription
Analytical processes used in
medicine, auto repair, business turn
around
More than simple description

Case Study Key Phrases

Describes an actual situation in
narrative form
Requires a decision of a problem or
opportunity
Its not a problem necessarily with a
unique solution
There are different alternatives

Case Study Key Phrases

Describes an actual situation in
narrative form
Requires a decision of a problem or
opportunities
Its not a problem with a unique
solution
There are different alternatives
Critical thinking/Innovation key

Steps in Doing Case Analyses

1. Identify dimension of problem or
opportunity Describe
2. What caused problem/opportunity to
Diagnose
exist?
3. Possible solutions to the problem
Frame prescription options

4. What is the best solution and why?

Prescribe

How Will Case Analysis Work?

Seven Cases will be Assigned This
Semester (plus a trial run with Nest
Fresh Eggs)
Encourage multiple readings of each
case over a series of days
Take lots of notes
Look at other resources where
possible

Preliminary Memo
1-1 pages long
Typically in bullet fashion with short comments
Follows Five Step Case Study Process
Problem or Opportunity
Causes of problem/opportunity/factors-trends
Alternative Solutions
Best Solution and why?
Plan of Implementation
Encourage preliminary observations on competition,
financial analysis, SWOT, etc. describe, diagnose,
frame and prescribe
Must be your own work for individual memos
Grading is based on application of unit concepts

In-Class Discussion
Class-led discussion of the case following
the five step order
We measure participation plus quality of
participation
Preliminary memos are due at the beginning
of class come prepared with additional
notes solution ideas, pros and cons of
various alternatives
Take notes on the discussion your final
memo should reflect the discussion points of
the day.

Final Memo (for Unit Cases)

A final memo is prepared for the case based on
Your preliminary analysis
The in-class discussion from the day of the case

A maximum 5 page final memo one from

each group only - is submitted shortly following
the discussion day see syllabus for due dates
11 pt font, double spaced, 1 margin

Follow the 5 step format for evaluating each

case
Grading is based on application of unit concepts