The Case Method
The case method is very different from other teaching/learning approaches. Many other teaching techniques simply provide information, concepts, and theories. The case method provides students with the opportunity to integrate and extend concepts learned in class by applying them to a real life situation.
Outline for a Case Analysis
The format for the cases prepared for this class should include the following steps:
- Executive Summary
Each case should begin with a 1 page summary that includes: 1) key issues affecting the firm’s management, 2) your recommendations for dealing with these issues, 3) the impact on the firm if your recommendations are followed. You should write this section after completing your analysis.
- Analysis of the Situation
You should analyze the external and internal factors affecting the firm. Use a SWOT analysis. External threat and opportunities should include environmental and industry trends. Internal strengths and weaknesses should identify the firm’s strategic competitive advantage as well as areas of vulnerability.
- Identify the Problem
Here you should identify the most important issues affecting the firm at the time of the case. These are the problems your recommendations will address. Issues of importance usually will affect the firm’s future growth and its short-term and long-term strategy. These issues will often involve an external matter that will affect the company internally.
- Identify Alternative Strategies
These alternatives should include all relevant options available to the firm. These options must be reasonable given your analysis of the company’s situation. For each alternative, describe how the strategy will help the firm and solve the problems you have previously identified.
- Recommendations
Make your final recommendations and develop an implementation plan for them. These recommendations should be drawn from your list of alternative strategies. For each recommendation, describe the consequences to the firm for the following strategy, both positive and negative. Be sure to provide substantial support for any recommendations given. (It is not enough to say, “They should stop making the product.” You must support any conclusions you make.)
