A case study is a short description of a real business situation. Analyzing case studies gives you the opportunity to apply
concepts you’re learning to real business problems. Cases are generally written for several types of analysis. Usually,
there is not a “right or wrong” answer. Rather, cases provide a vehicle for you to demonstrate your understanding and
ability to apply course concepts and theories. You must use appropriate sources (properly cited) to support your
position. Check your analysis by assessing how well it demonstrates your subject knowledge. If your answer relies solely
on your ‘impressions’ of the topic, it is likely that the analysis is not your best effort.
Simply answering the questions which are part of the case is not enough; consider the questions to be clues to the
important concepts and facts. You are strongly encouraged to use the following outline so that your analysis is organized
appropriately:
1. Identify both the key issues and the underlying issues. In identifying the issues, you should be able to connect them
to the business principles which apply to this situation.
2. Discuss the facts which affect these issues. The case may have too much information. In your discussion, you should
filter the information and discuss those facts which are pertinent to the issues identified above.
3. Discuss your tentative solution to the problem and how you would implement your solution. What actions would
you propose to respond to the situation, based on the knowledge you have gained in this course? You should draw
on knowledge gained in your readings, experience and coursework (in this course and others) to support your
response. Be sure to properly cite references in APA format. You should also draw on other references such as
business periodicals and relevant journals. Remember that an analysis is more than simply a summary of the Case
Study.
4. Discuss follow-up and contingency plans. How will the organization know that your proposed solution is working?
What should they do if it does not work?
concepts you’re learning to real business problems. Cases are generally written for several types of analysis. Usually,
there is not a “right or wrong” answer. Rather, cases provide a vehicle for you to demonstrate your understanding and
ability to apply course concepts and theories. You must use appropriate sources (properly cited) to support your
position. Check your analysis by assessing how well it demonstrates your subject knowledge. If your answer relies solely
on your ‘impressions’ of the topic, it is likely that the analysis is not your best effort.
Simply answering the questions which are part of the case is not enough; consider the questions to be clues to the
important concepts and facts. You are strongly encouraged to use the following outline so that your analysis is organized
appropriately:
1. Identify both the key issues and the underlying issues. In identifying the issues, you should be able to connect them
to the business principles which apply to this situation.
2. Discuss the facts which affect these issues. The case may have too much information. In your discussion, you should
filter the information and discuss those facts which are pertinent to the issues identified above.
3. Discuss your tentative solution to the problem and how you would implement your solution. What actions would
you propose to respond to the situation, based on the knowledge you have gained in this course? You should draw
on knowledge gained in your readings, experience and coursework (in this course and others) to support your
response. Be sure to properly cite references in APA format. You should also draw on other references such as
business periodicals and relevant journals. Remember that an analysis is more than simply a summary of the Case
Study.
4. Discuss follow-up and contingency plans. How will the organization know that your proposed solution is working?
What should they do if it does not work?
