Post on 16-Jun-2015
CASE ANALYSIS
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
CASES
Supplements rather than replaces textbook and lectures
Extends the learning process to the real world.
RATIONALE OF CASE METHOD
Based on realistic business / management concerns Process used to solve cases is similar to actual business
processes on problem solving Develops skills
Analytical Data / fact handling Team effectiveness Communication and presentation
Provides a broader view to problem solving Learning methodology used by best universities
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
TYPES OF CASE LEARNING
Theory application / illustrationWhen the problem has been solved and it is
the student’s responsibility to analyze the outcome and its consequences
Or evaluate the solution to the case and propose an alternative solution if necessary
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
Theory Application / Illustration
IDENTIFICATION
•Major emphasis of case?
•Variables and concepts that apply?
RELATIONSHIPS
•Define and point out models and frameworks.
•Identify and assess relationships among variables
INCONSISTENCIES
•What characteristics and relationships are inconsistent with the theories?
•How can these be applied to the analysis or plan of action?
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
TYPES OF CASE LEARNING
Problem Analysis (More common)
The objective is to analyze and interpret the situation.
Sort out the facts Determine cause-and-effect relationships Design a solution and plan for implementation
The goal is to solve the problem
Reminders!
There is no one best way to go about a case study.
Generally accepted practice – subject to individual preference / style
There is no one best answer for any caseMany variablesLogical assumptions
CASE METHOD PROCESS
Case reading Data collection and interpretation Critical issues
Problem Statement Key Objectives Areas of Consideration Alternative Courses of Action Recommendation Group Meetings Written Report preparation Group presentation
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
Problem Analysis•Data Collection and interpretation.
•Identify relevant facts.
•Identify critical issues and problems. •Theory
application. Which models and theories apply?
•Inconsistencies?
•Generate alternative solutions •Select plan of
action and implementation
Case readingDetermine basic problems
List key objectives
Analysis
Recommendation
Alternative courses of action
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
Problem Analysis
One reading of the case is not sufficient to fully understand the issues presented.Read to get an overall sense of the situationAssess all the variables involved, the
importance of each, and the nature and scope of the situation
Outline significant facts
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
Problem Analysis
Data Collection and InterpretationSorting out relevant from irrelevant data to
develop a diagnosis of the current situation
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
Problem Analysis
Critical IssuesLook for factors that threaten the survival,
goals, or performance of the organization or its major departments
Think in terms of cause and effectDo not confuse the symptoms with the problemDig beneath the surface and determine if
something more basic is generating the problem you have identified
Problem Analysis
Critical Issues – Possible questions to ask What sort of organization does the case deal with? ‘What is the nature of the industry? What is happening in the external environment? What problem does management (or the central
character) appear to be facing? What decisions need to be made? What are the objectives of the organization? What are the resources required or constraints
influencing the decision? What recommendations can help solve the problem? How should the plan of action be implemented?
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Write the identified problem in a one-sentence statement that concisely conveys the main concern.
Generally posed as a question. Question should not be answerable by
YES or NO.
KEY OBJECTIVES
List 3 – 5 key objectives that you aim to attain once the problem is solved.Objectives should be directly linked to to the
problem identified. Should be addressed by:
Alternative Courses of ActionRecommendation
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
AREAS OF CONSIDERATION
Or Analysis of Facts / Situation Analysis Focus on the implications of facts
Use relevant Models / frameworks Examples:
SWOT Porter’s Five Forces
Identify inconsistencies Should be vs. Actual
List all major assumptions made and bases for such assumptions
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION Generating Solutions
Brainstorm list of possible solutions Brainstorming process
Review PROBLEM STATEMENT and identify alternatives that have a direct link with solving the problem
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION Generating Solutions
Combine similar suggestions and begin eliminating alternatives based on your earlier analysis of the situation
Constraints of the organization Theoretical concepts Goals and objectives Interacting variables
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION Evaluating Alternatives
What criteria will you use in evaluating each solution? What requirements must a course of action meet? Are there cost constraints? What about timeliness? Resource availability? Are there constituents to consider? Future shock waves?
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION
= Potential solutions to the problem Include a discussion of pros and cons of each
alternative
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
RECOMMENDATION
Selecting the Course of Action Select the best course of action based on the pros and
cons and the logical assessment of each alternative State the specific steps you recommend and why Be sensitive to the arguments against your decision
and be prepared to refute any challenges to your reasoning
Be willing to take risks that can be supported by your analysis of the situation
Be creative and imaginative in developing your solution, but ensure that it is logically defensible
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
Developing the Plan for ImplementationConsider
People involved Time frame Sequence of events
Will your plan of action address the problem?
Daft, R. and Dahlen, K. 1984. Organizational Theory: Cases and Applications.
Case Method
There is never enough information to make a decision
There is no perfect answer to a case problem Make do with the information you have, draw
logical inferences and assumptions from the available data, and support your arguments with evidence found in the case and theory
GROUP PRESENTATION
Prepare your logistics Business attire Presentation Materials
All group members must participate Avoid reading your report
Cue cards PowerPoint presentation
Keep the presentation concise No need to repeat case facts
Keep it interesting Be prepared to answer questions from the audience