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INT 700 Business Case Study Analysis and Writing Guide A case study analysis requires you to investigate a business problem, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution

using supporting evidence. Your assignment will provide you with a case description to get you started. See yourself as the managerial expert at

this point, crafting a solution to a real-world challenge. Business case studies are used to structure your exploration of topics within the

discipline. They are more like puzzles to work on than final exams. Therefore, it’s all about the preparation before the write-up begins.

Before you begin writing, follow these guidelines for help preparing and understanding the case study.

In total, expect to put in 3.5 to 4 hours to proficiently complete a case analysis and write-up. Below the stopwatch icon in the table below, you will see an estimate for the time a student typically spends on each section when submitting a proficient case write-up. If you are taking more than 5 hours to complete a case study, ask your instructor to help refine your problem statement, or conduct research or brainstorm alternative solutions. (Refer to INT 700 Case Study Analysis Guidelines and Rubric Document for submission format and exact assessment criteria.)

Preparing the Case

60 Minutes

1. Carefully review the case directions in the modules. There may be specific questions or suggested topics to address that will help you focus your analysis.

2. Read and examine the case thoroughly.  Take notes, highlight relevant facts, underline key problems

3. Identify the module vocabulary, concepts, theories and analytical models/ tools appropriate for case topic. 4. Focus your analysis.

 Identify one to three key problems  Why do they exist?  How do they impact the organization (strategic positioning, performance, and costs)?  Who is responsible for them?

5. Uncover possible solutions.  Review present and past course readings, discussions, and conduct appropriate outside research

6. Select the best solution.  Always evaluate the two top alternative solutions.  Consider strong supporting evidence, pros, and cons: is this solution realistic?

7. Lastly, formulate a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.

Now, You Are Ready To Begin Your Case Study Write-Up. While every case write-up may be slightly different, you can use this guide for assistance in crafting a well-organized, managerially sound case analysis. When an analysis is completed, it should read as a narrative, summarizing and explaining your findings and your recommendations for solving the given problem. Again, you will find time estimates beneath the stopwatch icon. These are minimal guidelines and reflect one round of editing to refine your analysis, thesis, and supporting content.

Synopsis/Executive Summary

20 Minutes (¾–1 page)

1. Outline the purpose of the case study. 2. Describe the field of research—this is usually an overview of the company. 3. Outline the issues and findings of the case study without the specific details—this is often an overview of the

environment.  Here, the reader should be able to get a clear picture of the essential content of your analysis/write-up

4. Note any assumptions made. (You may not have all the information you'd like, so some assumptions may be necessary. For example: "It has been assumed that . . .")

Situation and Findings

35–45 Minutes (1¼–1½ pages)

1. Analyze, don’t just describe, the current internal and external situation portrayed in the case (e.g., environment, industry, firm, strategy, institutions).

2. Identify the top problems found in the case (no more than two or three for a module case study). For the purposes of INT 700, limit your discussion to the top three problems.

3. Each analysis of a problem should be supported by facts given in the case together with the relevant theory and course concepts.

o It is critical to search for the underlying problems; for example, cross-cultural conflict may be only a symptom of the underlying problem of inadequate policies and practices within the company.

4. This section is often divided into sub-sections and multiple paragraphs, one for each problem. 5. Be sure to summarize main findings and transition to recommendations.

Analysis and Alternatives

30–35 Minutes (1–1½ pages)

1. Summarize the major problem(s). 2. Identify at least two alternative solutions to the major problem(s). (There is almost always more than one solution

per problem.) 3. Briefly outline each alternative solution and then evaluate it in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. 4. There is no need to refer to theory or coursework here.

Recommendations

30 Minutes

(1–1½ pages)

1. Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted. 2. Briefly justify your choice explaining how it will solve the major problem(s). 3. This should be written in a forceful style, as this section is intended to be persuasive. 4. Here, integration of theory and coursework is appropriate. 5. Remember: As the expert consult, you must offer a prescriptive solution that directly solve the case problem—

don’t offer additional alternatives in your recommendation (a steering committee, further research, etc.).

Implementation

20–25 Minutes (1–1½ pages)

1. Explain what should be done, by whom, and when. 2. Ensure your recommendation is feasible and realistic. 3. If appropriate, include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time-related). Estimates that show an

understanding of the recommendation’s impact are better than no consideration of costs at all. 4. Be sure to offer key performance indicators to measure the success (strategic and financial-based) of the project

aligned to its strategic intent. 5. Conduct one last check to be sure your entire case write-up is internally consistent with your final

recommendations.

References and Appendices (if any)

5–10 minutes

1. Make sure all references are cited correctly using APA format. (Include “(author, year)” in-text citations and a formatted page of references).

2. In the appendices, place all major graphics, charts, tables, and any original data that relates to the study but would have interrupted the flow of the main body.

Adapted From: UNSW Australia. (2018). Writing a case analysis. Retrieved from https://www.business.unsw.edu.au/Students-Site/Documents/writingacaseanalysis.pdf

Rasche, C., & Seisreiner, A. (2018). Guidelines for business case analysis. Retrieved from https://www.uni-potsdam.de/fileadmin01/projects/professional-

services/downloads/skripte-ss/Anleitung_Case_Studies.pdf

Monash University. (2018). Writing a case study. Retrieved from https://www.monash.edu/rlo/quick-study-guides/writing-a-case-study