Case Study Analysis - 4-5 pages in 6 hrs

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GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

IBM 4801 International Business Strategy

Hutchins – Summer 2019

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Preparing the Case Before you begin writing, the following guidelines will help you prepare and understand the case…

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Preparing the Case

• Read and examine the case thoroughly

• Take notes

• Highlight relevant facts

• Underline key problems

• Read the case again…

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Preparing the Case

• Focus your analysis

• Identify two (2) to five (5) key problems.

• Why do these key problems exist?

• How do these key problems impact the organization?

• Who is responsible for these key problems ?

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Preparing the Case

• Uncover possible solutions

• Review course readings (this class and other courses)

• Reference class discussions

• Outside research

• Your own experience

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Preparing the Case

• Select the best solution

• Consider strong supporting evidence

• What are the Strengths + Weaknesses (pros & cons)

• Is this solution realistic?

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Drafting the Case Once you have gathered the necessary information, a draft of your analysis should include the following sections…

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Drafting the Case

1. Introduction

2. Background

3. Alternatives

4. Proposed Solution

5. Recommendations

6. Citations (MLA Format) 8

Drafting the Case

1. Introduction • Identify the key problems and issues in the case study.

• Formulate and include a thesis statement • Summarize the outcome of your analysis in one (1) to two (2)

sentences.

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Drafting the Case

2. Background • Set the scene:

• Background information • Relevant facts • Most important issues.

• Demonstrate that you have researched the problems in this case study.

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Drafting the Case

3. Alternatives • Outline possible alternatives (not necessarily all of them)

• Explain why alternatives were rejected

• Constraints/reasons

• Why are alternatives not possible at this time?

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Drafting the Case

4. Proposed Solution • Provide one specific and realistic solution • Explain why this solution was chosen • Support this solution with solid evidence • Concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures) • Outside research • Personal experience (anecdotes)

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Drafting the Case

5. Recommendations • Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing

the proposed solution.

• If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues.

• What should be done and who should do it?

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Drafting the Case

5. Citations (MLA Format – In-Line Citation)

The strategy, management program, and all other human

resource activity are then required to determine relevant

dimensions of performance and the impact on the company’s

success (Cania, 2014).

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MLA In-Line Citation

Drafting the Case

5. Citations (MLA Format – Reference Page) References

Batchelder, Anna. (2010, July 6). “Students Brains Are Being Digitally Rewired.” Literacy Is Priceless. WordPress, 15 May 2012. Web. 26 March 2014.

Brown v. Board of Educ. 347 US 483-96. Supreme Court of the US. 1954. Supreme Court Collection. Legal Information Inst., Cornell U Law School, n.d. Web. 4 April 2014.

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Finalizing the Case After you have composed the first draft of your case study analysis, read through it to check for any gaps or inconsistencies in content or structure…

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Finalizing the Case

Is your thesis statement clear and direct?

Have you provided solid evidence?

Is any component from the analysis missing?

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Proofreading & Editing Strategies Make it Correct!!!

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Proofreading & Editing Strategies

Additional Strategies: 1. Take a Break 2. Read Aloud to Yourself 3. Involve Others 4. Proofread with a Ruler 5. Run Spellcheck 6. Use your computer’s ‘Speak’ feature 7. Go to the writing center 8. Use Grammarly

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Proofreading & Editing Strategies

• Run spell check. • Read your writing aloud to be sure it flows smoothly. • Correct spelling, capitalization , and punctuation. • Be sure all sentences are complete. • Replace unclear or overused words. • Make sure your paper is correctly formatted in MLA style and all your

research is cited within your paragraphs and in your references page.

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Case Study Analysis Example Case Study: An Analysis of Human Resources Practices at Starbucks Coffee Company

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Running head: ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 1

Case Study: An Analysis of Human Resources Practices at Starbucks Coffee Company

ABC 123

Professor Tough

Aimée Garten

December 2, 2050*

*Adapted by the Writing Center from original paper by Aimee Garten. Used by

permission.

What is a Case Study?

A case study analysis requires you to investigate a business problem, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence. A case study should include background information on the specific topic, an analysis of the case under study showing problems or effective strategies, as well as recommendations. A case study can focus on a business or entire industry, a specific project or program, or a person.

ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 2

An Analysis of Human Resources Practices at Starbucks Coffee Company

Organizations must perform at reliable and successful levels to stay in business.

One indicator of organizational performance is its human resources outcomes. To be

competitive in a global marketplace, a large multinational organization should manage

human resources as strategically as any other division or department. Starbucks is an

example of strong human resources strategy coupled with logistical planning and

effective management. It serves as a strong example for all large organizations to model

human resources upon.

Overall Human Resources Strategies

Human capital is a large investment for any organization. Management of this

capital is a necessary task to ensure strong return on the investment. Human resource

management requires strong strategy to effectively and efficiently achieve goals,

objectives, and – in turn – better performance. The strategy, management program, and

all other human resource activity are then required to determine relevant dimensions of

performance and the impact on the company’s success (Cania, 2014).

Starbucks, a Seattle-based global coffee company, follows a mission to “inspire

and nurture the human spirit: one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time”

(Starbucks, 2015, para. 4). The company fulfils this mission through ethical sourcing of

product, environmentally friendly processes and recycling practices, and employee

service in the community. After the era of Great Recession, the company launched a new

motto: “Great Coffee Everywhere” and grew to include international locations and at-

home products (Noe, et. al, 2013). This growth also included the acquisition of the La

Boulange, Seattle’s Best Coffee, Tazo, Evolution Fresh, and Teavana brands. With large

Introduction The introduction of your case study should introduce the business, industry, project, or person that is represented in your study.

Thesis Statement The thesis should state the proposed solution to the problem you have determined or state the general assessment of the case being studied.

Section 1: The first section of the case study should

discuss the background of the organization, industry, or program.

ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 3

competitors like Dunkin’ Donuts and new start-up Joyride, Starbucks is poised to be a

leader in the next generation of coffee shops or be left behind as an outdated relic (Sacks,

2014).

Unlike most large companies, employees of Starbucks are called “partners” and

are encouraged to join young and build a career with the organization. Human resources

are handled by Starbucks’ “Partner Resources Department” with 500 employees serving

roles in staffing, learning and development, compensation and benefits, organizational

development, and partner services (Starbucks, n.d.). Researchers Korschun,

Bhattacharya, and Swain (2014) describe the engaged employee’s impact on the brand as

follows:

Employees who identify with the organization will adopt suggested

workplace behaviors and be motivated to support the company’s products

and brands. Yet prior research also prompts us to suggest that this effect

will be mediated by the employee’s customer orientation. Identification is

known to encourage behaviors that benefit the collective. Thus, the more

an employee identifies with the organization, the more he or she will seek

opportunities to contribute to company performance. Because serving

customers’ needs is a key way that frontline employees help the company

maintain and deepen relationships with those customers, such employees

may view their own efforts to contribute to customer loyalty as helping

drive long-term organizational success (p. 24).

To remain competitive in the coffee and food-and-beverage marketplace, Starbucks needs

to keep its partners happy and the public coming back for more.

ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 4

Recruiting Practices

Recruitment processes are an important part of any human resources strategy.

Economic crisis, market booms, natural disasters, and other unforeseen occurrences

should not send the hiring and firing process into a tailspin. Instead, organizations should

have strong plans to weather any literal or metaphorical storm. Long-term vision should

include anticipation of the need for new hires, job specificity, strong candidate pools,

logical assessment of candidates, securing the best talent, integrating new hires, and

reviewing processes for efficiency and efficacy (Fernandez-Araoz, et al., 2009).

Though Starbucks responded to the recent recession with slashed jobs and closed

locations, later efforts focused on long-term goals and recruitment strategy. The

“Starbucks College Achievement Plan” was recently launched, offering free college

education through Arizona State University Online to all partners, including part-time

employees (Starbucks, n.d.).

Training Structure

Business failures can sometimes be solved through training to develop new skills,

refine efficiency, and instruct staff on new policies, procedures, and tools. Issues

frequently trigger training but training efforts should always trigger business results

(Castaldi, 2012). When a large mistake, error, or need for improvement arises, not every

company is prepared to make improvements. As a large successful company, Starbucks

has more resources available to take staff out of their daily work and place them in

training sessions. Investment in training needs assessment and training sessions

themselves may be daunting for small companies; however, an organization operating in

Sections 2-4: In the following three sections, the writer

focuses on several key points or operations about the case.

Here, the author ties her evaluations of the case to theories or research. What theory can you use as support to show that your case study has a problem, or is an effective practice?

It isn’t enough to simply state what is working or what is not working. You need to support this with evidence from theories, experts, or examples.

Be sure to

include an

evaluation of

each key point

of the case.

ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 5

more flexible environments can reap the rewards (van Eerde, Tang, & Talbot, 2008). As

an example of a luxurious training session, Starbucks took their entire work force off the

line for a three-hour barista training event, focused on making perfect espresso, in the

middle of the economic meltdown of 2008 (MacDonald, 2008). Most retail outlets would

steer clear of a door-closing event during busy open hours. Starbucks, however, deemed

the reward to be greater than the risk.

Organizational Effectiveness

Starbucks has a strong human resources strategy and management system. This

has led to high organizational effectiveness in the industry, stemming in part from

successful employee engagement. Positive employee engagement leads to a

psychological climate, cultural attitude, and set of employee behaviors that positively

impact an organization from top to bottom (Kataria, Rastogi & Garg, 2013). Therefore, it

is safe to say that Starbucks’ Partner Resources has had positive effect on the

organization as a whole.

Solutions

Competitor’s Human Resources Strategies

In a recent article, food editor Bret Thorn (2014) described the

“starbucksification” of Dunkin’ Donuts. While a donut shop is not, specifically,

competition for a coffee shop, customers are loyal to the coffees made by each

establishment. This includes the spread of Dunkin’ Donuts to wider regions across the

United States with larger retailing of their coffee products. Like Starbucks, Dunkin’

Donuts offers K-Cup and ground coffee in supermarkets and convenience stores around

the world.

Here again, the author is presenting an evaluation of this particular practice of this company. The author also uses theory or research to support her evaluation.

Solutions:

If your case study focuses on a problem within the company or project, you would include a section on your proposed solution.

Be sure to both present your solution and to also present theory or research to support your solution.

What theory, expert, or example can you use as support to show that your proposed solution would work?

In this section, the writer is showing a comparison of her case study to a case study from a competitor.

ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 6

Like Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts (n.d.) recruits online, focusing on entry-level

employees who seek career mobility. Unlike Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts has only 7,500

storefronts in just 40 states. Each location is a franchise with unique local business

owners running daily operations. Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. is the corporate entity and also

owns the Baskin Robbins ice cream shop chain. Corporate headquarters boasts free

coffee, donuts, and ice cream at corporate offices along with fitness centers, electric car

charging stations, and half-day Fridays (Dunkin’ Donuts). This cannot be said for

employees of franchised locations.

Without the central mission, homogenous culture, and overall size of Starbucks,

Dunkin’ Donuts cannot provide a bold and uniform human resources management system

for all employees. This gives Starbucks the competitive edge for recruiting from the

common pool of potential employees. With more money to spend, Starbucks has more to

offer in terms of investment in human capital. Thus, Starbucks has the edge.

Conclusion

Employers ask employees to work hard, be pleasant, and show results. The

investment of time and money into human resources can, and will, pay off in positive

organization outcomes if a strategic management system is in place and well-used.

Seattle-based Starbucks has been an example of success through strategic human

resource management through good times and bad. Its practices, though occasionally

flawed, show an overwhelmingly successful model of large company investment in

human capital.

Conclusion: The conclusion is where you wrap up your take-away points for your reader. Here, you may also present the significance of your case study. Why is this valuable?

ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 7

References

Cania, L. (2014). The Impact of Strategic Human Resource Management on

Organizational Performance. Economia: Seria Management 17(2), 373-383.

Castaldi, J. (2012). Constructing a Business Case for Training: Cause, Coincidence, or

Correlation?. T+D, 66(6), 32-34.

Dunkin’ Donuts. (n.d.) Come Run with Dunkin’. Retrieved from

http://www.dunkindonuts.com/content/dunkindonuts/en/ddcareers.html

Fernández-Aráoz, C., Groysberg, B., & Nohria, N. (2009). The Definitive Guide to

Recruiting in Good Times and Bad. Harvard Business Review, 87(5), 74-84.

Kataria, A., Rastogi, R., & Garg, P. (2013). Organizational Effectiveness as a Function of

Employee Engagement. South Asian Journal of Management, 20(4), 56-73.

Korschun, D., Bhattacharya, C. B., & Swain, S. D. (2014). Corporate Social

Responsibility, Customer Orientation, and the Job Performance of Frontline

Employees. Journal of Marketing, 78(3), 20-37.

MacDonald, N. (2008). Starbucks goes back to coffee camp. Maclean's, 121(10), 44.

Marler, J. H. (2012). Strategic Human Resource Management in Context: A Historical

and Global Perspective. Academy Of Management Perspectives, 26(2), 6-11.

Sacks, D. (2014). Brewing the perfect Cup. Fast Company, (188), 86-104.

Starbucks. (2015). Starbucks Company Profile. Retrieved from

http://globalassets.starbucks.com/assets/4286be0614af48b6bf2e17ffcede5ab7.pdf

Starbucks. (n.d.). Supplier Diversity Program. Retrieved from

http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/sourcing/suppliers

References: Be sure to format all references in

APA style.

ANALYSIS OF HR PRACTICE 8

Starbucks Career Center. (2015). Career Center: Working at Starbucks, Military &

Spouses – Serve with Us, Starbucks College Achievement Plan, Our Brands.

Retrieved from http://www.starbucks.com/careers

Thorn, B. (2014). The Starbucksification of Dunkin' Donuts. Nation's Restaurant News,

48(19), 110.

van Eerde, W., Tang, K. S., & Talbot, G. (2008). The mediating role of training utility in

the relationship between training needs assessment and organizational

effectiveness. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 19(1), 63-

73. doi:10.1080/09585190701763917