CASE STUDY MEMOS
The purpose of the case study method is to acquaint you with the complexity of management and socialize you to a flexible, problem-solving approach to management issues. Essentially, while there are a number of theories that can serve as guides, most management problems do not have a specific, easy to identify, best solution. Robert Behn (1988) refers to the necessity of learning to manage by “groping along” because each management task is different, providing new challenges and opportunities. Alan Altshuler (1988) refers to management as a “complex craft… with a near-infinite variety of unpredictable circumstances” (665).
A case study approach is well suited to preparing students for the art of managing. Rather than mastering discrete facts, the case study approach forces students to confront conflicting options; juggle organizational, political, ethical, and practical realities; take risks; and make mistakes. In short, it prepares you for the complexities of managerial work. Cases should promote interesting discussion and dynamic interactions between class participants.
Although learning to deal with ambiguity is beneficial, I think a few guidelines for analyzing the cases are in order. In exploring these complexities, case study analysis should be comprehensive, systematic, and rational. Use the following as a general outline for issues to be addressed. (Adapted from Infeld & Kress, 1989.)
1) Essential background information: What are the facts of this case? What are the relevant issues? Who are the key players?
2) What are the issues in this case: What is at stake? What are the primary problems and their components? If possible describe these in terms of their priority. How are the problems interrelated? Who controls the solutions? Do the solutions of one problem have implications for other areas? If so what are they and how does this impact the case as a whole? You are required to support, document, and reference your points with class readings, lectures, and discussions.
(I will attach the materials accordingly)
3) What theories are useful in assessing the case? In what way? This part of the analyses asks you to remove yourself from the personalities of the case and to think about the case conceptually. Because a thorough analysis may require supplemental reading and investigation you are encouraged to discuss your cases with each other, practicing administrators, your mother, your roommate or anyone else who may provide useful insights. You are expected to document your cases with references from the literature.
4) What else do you need to know and what are your strategies for obtaining needed information? (i.e., bring in a consultant, conduct a needs assessment or a budget analysis) Generally you will be asked to identify with a specific role in the case, most often the manager.
5) What do you presume to be the possible courses of action? What are the anticipated consequences (i.e., the benefits and liabilities of each)?
6) Based on the options that you have delineated, what do you consider to be the best course of action? Ground your answer in theory and also present logical arguments based on the facts of the case. Include a systematic presentation of the strategies that you would pursue.
Case write-ups should be limited to 1500 words excluding name, date, and references. Words beyond will be discounted. The following criteria will be used to grade your case. In order to receive an A the analysis should be: comprehensive, logical, justified and well-documented, original and innovative, and well-executed.
The following questions (and percent weighting) will be used to assign your grade:
1) Comprehensive Analysis: Have you clearly delineated all of the issues, players, constraints, and consequences or have you focused only on a portion of the case while overlooking critical components? (30%)
2) Specific, Concrete, and Logical Case Analysis: Is your presentation of options logical, rational, and specific enough? Does it make sense based on the facts that you have presented? Does it make sense based on the facts of the case? (20%)
3) Documentation/Support: Have you documented your analysis extensively and correctly with relevant course reading and information from course lectures? (35%)
4) Execution: Is your paper is well thought-out, well-organized, well-written, attractive, and grammatically correct? (15%)
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