General Instructions for Case Studies

A case study is a short description of a real business situation. Analyzing case studies gives you
the opportunity to apply those concepts 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. 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 on
your impressions of the topic prior to taking this course, 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 correct the situation, based on the
knowledge you have gained in this course? Be sure to support your recommendation by
citing references in the text and in the supplementary readings. 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?
It may be helpful for you to “role-play” this assignment. Your presentation should cover the
points listed above. By “role-playing” the situation, using the questions at the end of the case as
hints, and by using this guide, you should be able to develop an action-oriented analysis with a
recommended course of action.
Your analysis of each case study should be a minimum of 4 pages and written in APA format.
Evaluation Criteria:
? Have you identified the critical issues/problems in the case and analyzed the key facts
related to the issues/problems?
? Have you discussed a tentative solution that addresses the issues/problems and how you
would implement your solution?
? Is information from the textbook and other sources integrated into your analysis
appropriately? For all sources, you must provide complete citations.
? Is the paper professionally presented? Remember your audience. It is important to
present your information as clearly and succinctly as possible. (Do not sacrifice
thoroughness for mere brevity.)