What is a case study

A. Pooja Narayan

Case study

It refers to the collection and presentation of detailed information about a particular situation by a participant or small group. Evaluators generally do not focus on the discovery of a universal truth, nor do they typically look for cause-effect relationship, instead the emphasis is on exploration and description.

How does the case method work?

When student are presented with a case, they place themselves in the role of the decision maker as they read through the situation and identify the problem.

Why have a case study?

The case method of learning is based on the belief that management is a skill rather than a collection of techniques and concepts. The best way to learn this skill is to experience it.

You can learn how to

Make decision-making easier Improve the analytical quality of decisions Reduce the time required to take decisions Increase the frequency of correct decision.

Steps to solve a case

Read the case thoroughly Define the central issue Define the firms goals Identify constraints to the problem Identify all relevant alternatives Select the best alternative Develop an implementation plan

Read the case thoroughly

Read the case rather quickly the first time to get an overview of the industry, the company, the people and the situation. Read the case again more slowly, making notes as you go.

Define the central issue

Many cases will involve several issues or problem. Identify the most important problems. Examine related problems in the functional areas( marketing, finance. And so on)

Define the firms goal

Inconsistencies between a firms goal and its performance may further highlight the problems discovered in step 2. this will provide a guide for the remaining analysis.

Identify constraints to the problem

Constraints may limit the solutions available to the firm. It may include limited finances, personnel limitations, strong competitors and so on.. Constraints have to be considered when suggesting a solution.

Identify all relevant alternatives

Use your creativity to come up with the alternative solutions.

Select the best alternative

Evaluate each alternative in the light of the available information. Resist the temptation to jump to this early in the case analysis. you also need to explain to explain the logic you used to choose one alternative and reject the others.

Develop an implementation plan

The final step in the analysis is to develop a plan for effective implementation of your decision.

The report

Written reports Oral report

Written reports

Executive summary Problem statement Alternatives Conclusion implementation

executive summary

Executive summary is a concisely written statement, less than one page, placed at the front of the report. it briefly summaries the major points of the case and your solution. It should describe the major issue, the proposed solution and the logic supporting solution.

Problem statement

Present the central issue or major problem in the case here.

alternatives

Discuss all relevant alternatives. Be sure to state your assumptions and the impact of constraints on each alternative.

conclusion

Present the analysis and the logic that led you to select a particular solution. Also discuss the reasons you rejected the other alternatives.

implementation

Outline a plan of action that will lead to effective implementation of the decision so that the reader can see not only why you chose a particular alternative but also how it will work.

Oral reports

Students should include the following whenever discussing a case in the test:Description of the case situation Problem statement Analysis of the key alternatives Conclusion Implementation

THANK YOU