CASE METHOD STUDY FORMAT

Part 1: Hardcopy Case Report

Identify the TIMELINE

n Check if the year has been identified in the case. If not, try to determine by research or
assume based on the settings indicated in the case.

Determining the VIEWPOINT

n Any person who is a decision maker or who is capable of recommending a solution as

mentioned on the case.
n Usually uses the CEO point of view. However, consider using the Marketing Manager
point of view instead.

Formulating the PROBLEM STATEMENT

n This is the most critical step in the Case Method. All your efforts may be wasted with a
misdirected or narrow problem statement.
n Defines the perceived main problem presented in the case and which is the subject of the
analysis.
n Usually provides the scope and limitation of your study.
n Usually in a question format.
n For example: How to improve the declining sales of Product A in Target Country A?
n May be also presented in declarative form of statement.
n For example: The declining sales of Product A in Target Country A.
n Keep the statement concise and straight to the point.
n Consider the main problem and not the contributory problem.
n Example (contributory problem): The lack of promotion of product A in target country A.

Listing down the KEY OBJECTIVES

n Have about 3 to 5 key objectives that you will be attaining once the problem identifies is
resolved.
n Objectives must satisfy the S.M.A.R.T. test (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic,
and Time- Bound)
n Test your alternative courses of action on how they meet the objectives.
n The best recommendation is the one that meets your key objectives.
n Example: Increase at least 20% of the sales of Product A in Target Country 1 by the end of
the year.

Explaining the THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK/ RELATED LITERATURE/

n Identify 1 Marketing Strategy concept related to the case. Feel free to add supplementary
topics but stay focused on your chosen topic.
n Use textbooks/ journals as reference to explain the theories/ concepts.

Listing down the AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION

n Select only information that are related to resolving the problem at hand. This is not
the background of the case.
n Defines the internal and external environment of the company discernible in the case.
These are factors to be considered in solving the problem.
n You may list down your major assumptions in this area including your basis for making
these assumptions.
n You may use different frameworks in summarizing your key facts such as SWOT/ TOWS
or Porter’s Five Forces.

Case Method Study Format

1 Dr. Dave Vincent Mangilet, CPM
 CASE METHOD STUDY FORMAT
SWOT Analysis

n Strengths – List down key company strengths that help it achieve its objectives.
n Weaknesses – List down the key company weaknesses that are obstructing it from
meeting its objectives.
n Opportunities – List down the possible opportunities that the company can capitalize on to
help it achieve its objectives.
n Threats – List down sources of potential problems or barriers in meeting the objectives.

n Always relate these with the problem and objectives of the case.
n In your case study recommendation, ensure that you show how the company can
n Capitalize on its strengths
n Down play or eliminate its weaknesses
n Take advantage of the opportunities
n Reduce or eliminate threats

ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION (ACA)

n Have at least 2 plausible ACAs. The more you provide, the better.
n Each ACA must be defensible.
n Present pros and cons of each one.
n Each ACA must address the problem directly, be considered as alternative solution,
and achieve the objectives presented.

Give your RECOMMENDATIONS

n Select one of the ACAs that best addresses your problem statement and meets your key
objectives.
n Give your major reasons why this ACA was chosen over the others.
n Provide detailed implementation plan to test this recommendation. Include time frames.
n Provide contingency plans in case there are any potential problems.

Research for CURRENT STATUS/ RELATED CASES

n Determine current status of the company/ industry after the case.

n Look for local companies/ industries with similar issues.

Note: Use PROJECT TEMPLATE

Part 2: Group Presentation

n Presentation time: 30 minutes only.

n Q&A: 1 hour. Another group will act as moderator.
n Each group member should have equal share of topics.
n CREATIVE & INNOVATIVE Presentation is a must.
n Contents: Background of the case and written report details.
n No written report, no oral presentation.

Part 3: Individual Written Analysis (for non-reporters)

(1-2 pages report to be endorsed to the group moderators before the case reports)

FORMAT
n Issue/s, Sub-problems, Topic questions/ inquiry
n Questions you wish you raise for class discussion
n Facts vs. Opinions/ Expectation vs. Reality
n Conclusion/s and Recommendations
n References

Case Method Study Format

2 Dr. Dave Vincent Mangilet, CPM