case study
Case Study Guidelines
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.
Paper Formatting
These papers must be formatted according to APA 6 th
Edition standards including the title and reference page.
Papers MUST include the following sections:
Title Page: Include name, paper title, course title, instructor’s name, and date.
Abstract: 120 words maximum
Introduction: Discuss the purpose of the paper in succinct, declarative sentences. The introduction should offer a preview of the paper, its value, and be based upon the concepts studied in the course.
Discussion Content: This section should include 3 elements: 1) a brief examination of the issue, concept, or consequences of actions taken, 2) the concepts or theoretical applications that pertain to this topic, and 3) a discussion of your position on this topic, supporting your argument from the text or other appropriate sources. It is highly recommended you make use of appropriate headings to guide your reader.
Conclusion: Include a summative paragraph which includes a restatement of key points in your discussion.
References: A minimum of four academic references per page (not including your text) MUST be used to
support your discussion. Document all sources according to APA style.