Guide to Conducting Case Analyses

Style & Grammar

•Use complete sentences and do not write in bullet, list, or outline format

•You cannot use any contraction, slang, improper grammar

•Separate sections must have headings and all pages should be numbered in similar format

•Paper must be double-spaced, use 1” margins and use a standard (Times New Roman) 12pt. font

 

Basic Structure

•A cover page with your case name, the date, the course name and number and group members’ name.

•Discuss the key strategic issue, alternatives, recommendation and implementation/action plan

•A financial analysis (in appendix) whose results are included in the analysis where necessary

All works must be submitted as one integrated document ready to be opened and printed. Work submitted in multiple pieces will not be accepted

Structural Elements in Depth

Key Strategic Issue/Problem Identification

•A brief background of key relevant information pertinent to the case.

•Briefly  describing one primary issue/problem facing the organization.

•The problem must be stated in some way that the organization can take action to solve the problem.

•State the Best case, likely case, and worst case scenarios if the issue/problem is not addressed

 

Alternatives section to address the key issues

•Alternatives must be strategic and they must be mutually exclusive

•You will usually develop 2 or 3 alternatives in an analysis

•Briefly detail each alternative
 •Discuss advantages
 •Discuss disadvantages                                                                                                       RecommendationSection 
•Select the best alternative 
•Describe key decision criteria, assumptions with rationale, that will serve as the basis of the decision 
•Describe why the recommended course of action is the best alternative and the weakness of the other alternatives that prevent from being selected as the recommendation

•Describe the goals and objectives of the recommendation. This must include –

•A stated time frame for achieving; 
•Appropriate goals (profit, market share etc.) 
•Expected cost and benefits                                                                                                                                    
 

Implementation/Action Plan Section

•Describe the specific activities that need to be undertaken

•Assignation of responsibilities

•Cost of each activity

•Time frame for each activity

•Measures of success/failure of each activity

•Possible condition issues

•Possible obstacles/impediments that need to be considered/dealt with.

Financial Analysis

•Separate appendix page

•All cases must have a financial analysis, no matter how brief the financial information is presented in the case.

•Any recommendation and/or implementation /action plan that is inconsistent with, or fails to take into account the financial aspect of the case, is severely limited. 

Additional Thoughts

•You will need to do outside research

•Must be limited to the time period in which the case occurs

•Some cases contain an abundance of information, while others contain a dearth of information – just like real world decision situations

•Make reasonable assumption

•You are the consultant being asked to provide the answer

•Be as specific as possible

•Communicate effectively and efficiently

Common mistakes

•Margins other than 1”

•Not using, or Incorrectly using, headings and subheadings

•Charts and graphs that are not in the correct format

•Putting an items into an appendix and not referring to it in the analysis

•Use of heard to read fonts