A case study is defined as a written

description of actual managerial

problems, situations and events.
A case study provides a simulation of
various organizational problems facing
on a daily basis.
The purpose of a case study is to provide learners:
 an experience of applying OB/Management concepts to an
organization.

 an experience of organizational problems that they have

probably not had the opportunity to experience in.

 an opportunity to practice their research and oral presentation

skills when presenting their reports in class.
 PREPARING A CASE FOR DISCUSSION

3. Read the case thoroughly rather quickly for familiarity with situation
and issue/s.

5. Read the case a second time to develop an overall situation and

issue being described.

7. Study all the exhibits carefully: the numbers may alter or affect the
diagnosis of the situation.

9. Decide what the strategic issues are. You will not know how to
analyze if you don’t identify the issues first.

11. Start analysis of the issues with some numbers from the exhibits
given. Checking by some kind of number crunching – calculating to
determine financial conditions and performance of the company. Use
key financial ratios.

1
 the history, development and growth of the organization

 the identification of the organization’s strengths and

weaknesses

 the identification of the organization’s external

opportunities and threats

 the kind of business strategy pursued by the organization

 the nature of the organization’s structure

 recommendation/s.
 State clearly the major problems, causes and
recommendations in a single paragraph on the first page of the
report.

 This will permit the reader a quick insight into the

logic of the analysis: for example,
Begin with ‘The major problems are …’, ‘The causes of these
problems are …’
and end with ‘Consequently we recommend that …’.

 This format allows to understand quickly

 conveys the authors’ conclusions.

 Present briefly (in no more than two pages) the
key facts and major assumptions.

 Explore the significant factors in the organization’s

internal and external environments.

 Include any important assumptions made.

 Include a concise statement of the major problem/s
identified, prioritizing these into major and minor.

 Identify the relationships between problems. This should

be a relatively brief section, more like a list than a
detailed analysis, which will take place in the next
section.

 Include any opportunities facing the organization, as well

as any problems.
 It is very important to distinguish between symptoms of a
problem (for example a fever) and the underlying causes
(for example a bacterial infection), and their relationship.

 A causal diagram (with arrows) will usually be of

assistance.

 Clearly apply the course material to defend your stated

opinions on the causes of the problems
Technical POIITCAL
Cultural

The Organization

Private or Public
Sector

Economical
Legal
 SWOT
ANALYSIS
 Indicate a number of possible realistic solutions,
including maintaining the status quo.

 Identify the strengths and weaknesses of each one in

terms of the firm's objectives, the characteristics of its
internal and external environments and the presenting
problems.

 Include the expected outcomes of each.

 The solution will be some combination of the above alternatives.

 Specifically state what will be done, by whom, when, how, where and,
most importantly, why.

 Justify the decision with sound theoretical logic. Why will this approach
work?

 Apply the course concepts to the solution. Additional research may be

necessary and is encouraged.

 Ensure that the solutions do indeed address the identified problems and
causes.

 Outline how one would go about assessing the effectiveness of the

developed plan.

 Be sensitive to the needs of the organization and tailor your analysis to

suit the specific issue discussed in your case.