Guide Case

Many students find case analysis to be difficult due to the relative lack of structure of most business challenges. No correctly answered list of questions or mechanical process will lead to the "right" answer. In fact, there is no single "right" solution to most business cases as often success hinges on execution as well.  

When analyzing a case, remember that there are many possible approaches and solutions. The goal is not to figure out "the answer" but to sharpen your analytic, problem solving, and decision-making skills. The following steps outline a basic approach that you may follow when analyzing a case, whether for class discussion or in preparation for a written analysis.

In preparation for case analysis read and review the assigned readings remembering that all prior course curriculums and all coursework completed previously may have an impact on your case analysis.  You will be held accountable for previously taught knowledge, whether in this course or others in the past; such knowledge should be applied where relevant.

I believe the very first step in effective case analysis is to review the data presented in the case BEFORE reading the case.  This frees you of normative biases related to the context of the case.  This information is "factual" and "unbiased"; essentially most business problems will be identified through the symptoms that arise in business data.  Look for trends in the data, calculate applicable ratios, and make general assessments concerning what needs to occur to resolve the issues that impact the business data.

Second, read the case. Take notes about the important issues that the case raises and the material from the reading that seems to apply. As yourself,