Palamon Case

Instructions for how to write a business case Your case writing should be your original work, if you need to reference any data from outside resources and

you have to do list as references. Internet search for case solutions will not be allowed. Each case has its own individual aspect and it is unique. Any

plagiarism will lead to fail of the course. What is a 'business case'?

A business case is a scenario that gives you the opportunity to identify business issues, apply theory, analyze problems and recommend course of future action. Business case is based on real life but maybe fictional for some

Situations.

What is your role as an analyst?

In analyzing a case your role is to

• identify the problem(s) in the situation presented in the scenario • analyze the key issues within the context of theory presented in your case • develop and compare alternative solutions to the problems with qualitative and quantitative factors • analyze the advantages and disadvantages of various possible solutions • select the best solution and make recommendations for future action • write up your case analysis in appropriate case analysis report format.

Why are you asked to write case analyses? You are asked to write case analyses to enable you to demonstrate that you can apply conceptual frameworks from your course to real situations and integrate topics in your analysis.

Case analysis also enables you to improve your critical thinking and analytical abilities, your ability to evaluate sources of information and your written communication skills.

Case analyses can also be used in employment interviews to assess:

• how you think • how you structure problems • your ability to analyze, solve and recommend decisions

What are the stages in preparing a case analysis? There are a number of stages in preparing a case analysis. These are:

• understanding the case • identifying the core problem in the case • analyzing the issues in the context of a theoretical framework • exploring alternative solutions • analyze with qualitative and quantitative skills • choosing the best solution with best reasoning • making recommendations for action.

What do you need to do to understand the situation? You first need to identify factors of the case,the following questions can guide you in doing this.

• What is the mission of the company/organization? • Who are the "stakeholders" within the organization? • Who are the "stakeholders" or target groups outside the organization? • What is the formal decision making process in the organization? • What are the informal decision making processes in the organization? • What is the process of production or service delivery? • Who are the competitors? • What external factors impact on the organization? • What is the major problem? • What are subsequent problems and implications? • What is the role of management in relation to the problem? • What is the role of production/service providers in relation to the problem?

As you are reading you will also need to fill in gaps based on your knowledge of theory and of the world and ignore irrelevant details.

What are the steps in identifying the core problems? As you identify the facts of the case, you will begin to think about the problems and to decide which problems are core problems. In doing this you will need to

• distinguish between symptoms of the major problems and the major problems themselves • distinguish between immediate and longer term problems • find evidence to support your decision about what you believe to be the core problems.

What are the steps in analyzing the issues? As you identify the core problem(s), you will begin to analyze the issues underlying these problems. The following steps assist with this.

• Identify any bias in the way the case is described. • Classify the factors that influence the problem as internal or external to the organization. • Reflect on theoretical principles from your course that might explain aspects of the case. • Apply analytical models from your course to further illuminate /reevaluate the situation. • Identify the decisions that need to be made with both qualitative and quantitative supporting factors • Compare benefit/cost for possible solutions • Identify strategic issues. • Identify risk factors. • Identify historical precedents.

What are the steps in exploring alternative solutions? As you are analyzing the issues, you will begin to think about alternative solutions. You should:

• Consider decisions at individual and organizational levels • consider the long and the short term • define the alternative possible solutions • compare the alternative solutions in regard to *theoretical grounding, *strengths and weaknesses, *risk

factors.

How do you choose the best solution? As you explore the alternative solutions you will begin to decide on the best solution for the organization in solving its problems. It is important at this stage to provide a justification for the solution you choose. There will not be a single best solution, every analyst will recommend their best solution with their justification.

What are the steps in making a recommendation? When you have decided on the best solution, you will be able to make a recommendation or recommendations.

At this stage you should do the following:

• Express your recommendation(s) precisely with your best justifications • Ensure that your recommendations are complementary. • Ensure that it is feasible to implement the recommendations • Ensure to recommend for future action and risk analysis.

How do you present your case analysis?

Present your case in PPT format with the following framework as suggestions:

Title : Case name+ your name Introduction: Describe the situation and identify the main problems Body: Analyze the problem, weakness/strength, SWOT analysis, etc. Calculate/evaluate with theoretical support or quantitative reasoning Compare alternative solutions with risk factors Analyze benefit/cost for each recommendation Conclusion: propose the best solution Advise for future action

What makes a good case analysis? A good case analysis:

• clearly identifies the core problem(s) • provides a justification for the choice of core problem(s) • analyses the issues underlying the problem in terms of the relevant theory • uses appropriate terminology • justifies the alternative solutions in terms of appropriate theory with both qualitative and quantitative skills • justifies the choice of the best solution • presents feasible and complementary recommendations for implementing the best solution • is presented in appropriate report format.

Is there a best answer for a case analysis? There will not be a single best solution, every analyst will recommend their best solution with their justification. As in real life, there is more than one way to solve problems.

Are all case analyses similar? The general principles explained in this handout are relevant for all case analyses. However, there are some differences in requirements from one to the other.

Is the sample case provided perfect?

As we discussed, there is no single solution for any real life case. Case is always open to all possible outcomes. Please read above instructions and follow structure guidelines for each case. The sample case is not perfect and some factors have not been considered, but it will help you build an idea where to start.