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CASE STUDY INSTRUCTIONS

For the case studies in this course, it is strongly recommended that you follow the prescribed step-by-step approach to analysis before you attempt to answer any of the questions in the textbook.

Step 1: Frame the key issues, or identify the problem statement.

Step 2: Analyze the likely contributory factors and determine which of those factors are the likeliest to be the root causes.

Step 3: Determine possible solutions that solve the problem.

Step 4: Analyze the proposed solutions and determine the advantages and disadvantages of each. Consider the tradeoffs that may be necessary in order to implement the solutions. Also consider any possible unintended consequences or ramifications associated with the proposed solution.

Step 5: Make your final recommendations. If you follow these simple steps, there is a greater chance that you will solve the right problem with the right solution, rather than solving the wrong problem with the wrong solution.

Make sure to set paper up like so:

Tips on How to Improve the Case Study Analyses

· In Step 1, state your key issue as a  problem statement .  Avoid any conclusions, or causal factors in the statement.  Focus on the  effects  of the problem, rather than the  causes  of the problem.  The key issue statement can be phrased in a declarative manner, or as a question.  

· Often, the key issues can be found embedded in the questions that follow the case studies.  Those questions should give you a good idea as to what the key issues are.   

· For Step 2, don’t settle on the first thing that pops into your head.  Almost always there are numerous likely contributory factors that you need to consider.  Some case studies are relatively simple, and some are very complex.  Typically, there are at least 2 or 3… or more contributory factors that need to be considered in Step 2.  

· Don’t just list the factors in Step 2.  Explain in a narrative form how the contributory factors in Step 2 are related to the key issues in Step 1.

· Make sure that your contributory factors in Step 2 align with the key issues in Step 1.  In other words, you need to explain how the factors in Step 2 cause, or contribute to the issues in Step 1. 

· Make sure that your solutions in Step 3 align with the causes and contributory factors in Step 2.  

· Consider multiple solution options in Step 3.  Don’t just settle for the first thing that pops into your head.  Consider all viable options… not just the ones that you think will work best.

· In Step 4, make sure that you provide advantages/disadvantages to  all  your solution options from Step 3.  It is best to list them separately for each solution option.

· Every solution option has at least one disadvantage.  If you can’t think of one, it’s because you’re not trying hard enough. 

· In Step 5, make sure that your recommendation was one of the solutions that you previously stated.  Don’t come up with a recommendation out of the blue that was not previously considered in the analysis. 

I recommend that you follow the below outline.  If you do, the chances of all five steps aligning with each other will be much greater.

Key Issues

The key issue of this case is ....

Root Causes

The most likely contributory factors in this case are....

Possible Solutions

Option 1:  Do nothing….

Option 2:  Do something…

Option 3:  (some other solution in the middle)

Advantages & Disadvantages

Option 1:  Do nothing….

Advantages…

Disadvantages…

Option 2:  Do something…

Advantages…

Disadvantages…

Option 3:  (some other solution in the middle)

Advantages…

Disadvantages…

Final Recommendations

I recommend that....