Management: Case Analysis

MGMT 645

Group PowerPoint/Collaborate Case Analysis Guidelines and Rubric

While you previously completed an individual case analysis, you will also complete a case analysis with your group. You will go through the same steps that you did in the Individual Analysis however, your final analysis will be presented both as a PowerPoint and as a Collaborate presentation in our class.

Case Analysis Guidelines

The purpose of a case analysis assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to apply concepts from class to actual situations. Your group case analysis should be professionally written, concise, and in APA format. Please be sure to incorporate theories or concepts from class, and outside research. Reference them appropriately.

Your case analysis should follow the model described below:

· Read the case thoroughly in 1-2 readings.

· Reread the case and begin your written analysis using the following format and/or headings:

· Synopsis of the Situation: Write a brief synopsis that describes the background information about the case, an overview of the case.

· Key Issues: Define the key issues/factors and the roles of the Key Players. You should include only those issues that impact the identified problem.

· Define the Problem. Identify one key problem. While there may be several problems and a multitude of symptoms, attempt to identify one problem, the resolution of which would alleviate most of the symptoms found in the case. The problem can frequently be defined around one of the key factors of marketing, target market, environment, or marketing mix elements (product, price, promotion, or distribution).

· Alternative Solutions. Develop two or more alternative solutions to the defined problem. This should not be a laundry list of actions one could take to address every symptom, but alternative actions that could correct the problem at hand. Identify the pros and cons of implementing each alternative.

· Selected Solution to the Problem: Select one of the alternatives and explain why it would be best. Most of this work is already done if the alternative solutions clearly point out advantages and disadvantages to each.

· Implementation/Recommendations: Identify how to implement the selected solution and what the expected results (positive and negative) might be. Your job is to identify an action, not put off action.

General Guidelines: 1. The final group analysis will be presented both as a PowerPoint presentation and as a recorded Collaborate presentation in our class.

2. Use the information learned in Week 3 to develop and agree upon a group charter. 3. Spend more time on Alternatives than Synopsis of Situation. This is where you demonstrate your problem solving abilities. Be sure you (a) identify alternatives, (b) evaluate each alternative, and (c) recommend the alternative you think is best. 4. Be specific in your recommendations. Develop specific recommendations logically and be sure your recommendations are well defended by your analysis. Avoid using generalizations, clichés, and ambiguous statements. Remember that any number of answers are possible and so your professor is most concerned about how your reasoning led to your recommendations and how well you develop and support your ideas. 5. Do not overlook implementation. Many good analyses receive poor evaluations because they do not include a discussion of implementation. Your analysis will be much stronger when you discuss how your recommendation can be implemented. Include some of the specific actions needed to achieve the objectives you are proposing. 6. Specifically state your assumptions. Cases, like all real business situations, involve incomplete information. Therefore, it is important that you clearly state any assumptions you make in your analysis.

7. Include a title slide that lists each participating team members name and a reference slide that indicates the outside resources used to prepare your presentation. One team member should submit your PowerPoint to the grade book via the Group PowerPoint Case link that you’ll find under the Written Assignment area of the course. All participating team members will receive the same grade.

8. Present your project via the Collaborate Live Classroom. Make sure you record your presentation so the instructor is able to view it. Ideally each team member should present his/her own portion of the analysis, but there are times when this is simply not possible. So as a team, decide how you want the presentation done. You may have one person present or multiple presenters – the choice is yours. The final presentation should be uploaded and presented in your teams live classroom. ONLY ONE presentation should be submitted for your group.

Note: There are two steps to submitting your group project. Both steps must be completed in order to earn credit for this assignment.

1) Submit your PowerPoint to the grade book via the Group PowerPoint Case link that you’ll find under the Written Assignment area of the course.

2) Present and record your presentation in your groups Collaborate classroom. You will need a microphone and speakers or a headset with a microphone to record the presentation. The USB headset eliminates that annoying feedback.  

Group Case Analysis Grading Rubric

Exemplary Level

Meeting all requirements that include this criterion will earn a maximum of 100 points

Leadership: 10

Group provided realistic strategies to lead effectively, which include but are not limited to: building teams, innovation, ethics, integrity, vision, originality etc.

X/10

Mastery Level

Meeting all requirements that include these three criteria areas will earn a maximum of 90 points

Recommendations & Goals: 10	Problem Solving & Decision Making: 10	Measuring Outcomes: 10
Group provided relevant, feasible and high quality recommendations and goals. Alternatives are provided and concepts are supported.	Group applied a variety of quantitative and qualitative techniques to make business decisions.	Student provided details to measure outcomes to provide the best recommendation(s). Measurables are well-thought and realistic.
X/10	X/10	X/10

Competency Level

Meeting the requirements of the four criteria areas will earn a maximum of 60 points

Collaboration: 15	APA and Formatting: 15	Engagement: 15	Organization: 15
Group worked together to collaboratively develop and present case analysis.	Student followed APA formatting guidelines with at least four citations (in-text and reference list match) from peer-reviewed journals. Clean presentation free of errors.	Student participates and is interactive in the dialogue with thoughtful peer replies that further the discussion.	Ideas are arranged logically to support the purpose or argument. They flow smoothly from one to another and are clearly linked to each other. The reader can follow the line of reasoning.
X/15	X/15	X/15	X/15

NOTE: If you do not contribute and participate throughout the assigned period, you will not earn credit for the group assignment.

January 9, 2013