Case Analysis :)

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CASE ANALYSIS
Introduction
Case study has developed into a very effective method
in improving an individual’s ability to analyze a
situation, establish premises, arrive at valid
conclusions, decide on courses of action and
visualize consequences and results.
The case method is a highly effective instructional tool
used in business schools all over the world. In this
method, you will study a case or a business situation,
identify the problem or problem areas, investigate the
problem, analyze possible solution, and make
recommendations. The case analysis is usually
presented in writing; however, for classroom purposes
it may be presented before the class, after which
oral discussion ensues.
Schnelle (1967) gives the following as
Objectives of the Case Method:
1. To teach students to think independently but at the
same time to work cooperatively in team-like situations
2. To introduce realism into formal instruction
3. To teach by demonstration, the infinite variety
of goals, problems, facts, conditions, conflicts,
personalities which occur in the business world
4. To teach decision-making
5. To teach the importance of business research as a
tool for use in problem-solving
6. To present descriptions of actual business
situations to familiarize students with business
principles and methods as they are employed in the
world affairs
Why are we using the case method? Case
analysis demands the exercise of a number of
language and language related skills. It entails the
ability to understand analytically what is read, make
deductions, analyze situations, foresee consequences
of decisions, and make conclusions, generalizations
and recommendations. Furthermore, the writing up of
the case analysis entails the ability to put the above in
a form that the reader can readily understand. The
oral presentation of cases demands the exercise of
vocal and platform techniques, the proper use of
visual aids and the ability to answer questions or
defend analysis.
The case method allows the students to learn and
exercise a lot more skills other than teaching methods.
A case is often nothing more than a “chronology of
events” (Schenelle 1967:15), reading a case should
not be taken lightly. The reading process is
considered so important that many authors recommend
that this should be done at least three times. The
second reading gives the reader a chance to
correct whatever misconceptions he may have formed
during the first reading. Analysis should be started only
after the third reading.
There is a host of factors or conditions that cause it
and a number of ways to solve it. Solving cases is
similar in that the problem may be:
1. Hidden among other facts and related problems;
this makes problem identification complicated.
2. Approached from different angles, depending on
whose point of view the analyst is going to take:
e.g. the employee, the employer, or the consumer
Steps in Solving Case Analysis
A lot of preliminary work needs to be done before an
analyst is ready to write a report on a case. The
following steps are suggested to be able to come up
with a satisfactory analysis.
1. Read the case for the first time to get a general
idea of the situation and the problem.
2. Read the case the second time; this time to
correct the wrong impressions which may have arisen
after the first reading, and get more solid idea of the
problem situation.
3. Read the case the third time; this time take note of
the pertinent facts which may hold the key to
problem identification and solution.
Define the problem. This step is crucial to the whole
analysis. The kind of problem you solve will depend
on the kind of problem you have identified.
Set your objectives for the solution of the problem.
“What do I want to accomplish?” - is the question
that you need to ask yourself. Put it another
way, you should decide the characteristics of the
solution you want.
Outline the alternative courses of action. A problem
may be solved in many ways. Enumerating possible
courses of action will eliminate the possibility of leaving
out other solutions which may work well with the
problem.
Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each
alternative course of action. If possible, express these
in terms of savings and losses.
Recommend a decision. After the alternatives
have been examined, and those which produce more
disadvantages than advantages have been
eliminated, recommend that the alternative which
offers more advantages than disadvantages be adopted.
Suggest specific steps to implement the decision.

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As you can see, from the above steps. Solving case
problems is a complicated process. Solving cases is
like solving problems in the actual world of affairs.
Case problems enable students to analyze fairly realistic
situations (i.e., one which he could encounter at
work) and receive the benefit of feedback from his
classmates and teachers concerning his analysis of the
situation and his proposed plan for dealing with it.
Therefore, you should not take the activity lightly.
There might not be a perfect way to solve a
problem but the “rightness” or “wrongness” of the
solution will depend on the amount of time spent on the
analysis and the seriousness which the analyst
invests in the problem.
Cases may vary in length as well as the manner in
which the problem is presented
Case Analysis Format
A case report or analysis usually contains the
following ( Schenelle: 1967)
1. Letter of transmittal
2. Summary of recommendations
3. Report proper
This format, however, may vary but may include the
following:
1. Background
2. The Analysis Report
a. The Problem – clear and concise statement
of what should be addressed
b. The Objective – based on the problem
statement, what are the things that MUST
be done to immediately address the problem;
and what are the WANTS that may help
better address the problem
c. Areas of Consideration – urgency vs.
importance. Some issues may appear to be
urgent, but upon closer examination are
relatively unimportant, while others may be far
more important (relative to solving our
problem) than urgent. Try addressing issues
that are more important than urgent.
Important issues are those that have a
significant effect on:
 profitability,
 strategic direction of the company, source of
competitive advantage,
 morale of the company's employees,
and/orcustomer satisfaction
d. Courses of Action – find out the cause and
effect of the problem/s; it would be difficult
to come up with a corresponding course of
action if the cause to the problem is
unknown. Try including its advantages and
disadvantages. In coming up with courses of
action, consider the 7Ms of management. And
remember to make them realistic. Remember,
it is supposed to solve the present problem, not
generate a new problem.
e. Recommendation – is where decision-making
matters. Amongst the listed courses of action
which one should be implemented.
f. Plan of action – based on the given
recommendation, what will be the next
step? What are the things/processes that
should be done?
g. Potential Problem – is the concern/s that might
happen when the recommendation has been put
into action.
h. Contingent Plan of Action – alternative action to
be done if potential problem arises
3. Exhibits
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