Guidelines for Case Analysis
Case studies are the real life application of the concepts you are learning. They provide
information about specific situations that you might encounter in your own work. They
provide data, observations, comments, and/or decisions taken in order to help you get
immerse in the situation and arrive at a conclusion. There are different types of cases.
Each case you read might require to be analyzed in a different way, but at the end you
normally need to evaluate the decisions that were made and/or recommend the best
course of action. Remember that in case study analysis you are entitled to your own
opinion as long as your back your opinion with the case facts and fact-based logical
inferences.
Two step approach:
1) Discussion
The first part of the assignment is a discussion of the case. We will meet two times
via zoom, and you are required to meet and contribute to the discussion both times.
You will be evaluated on your individual participation and contribution to the
analysis of the case. There is no minimum or maximum number of comments
requirement but I expect you to be fully prepared and engaged in the discussion.
On the other hand, don’t monopolize the discussion. You also want to listen. The
idea of having a discussion is to find out about different points of view, so try to
understand what others are bringing to the discussion.
2) Report
Document Format
Font Font size 12, single-spaced
Margins 1 inch on all sides
Length 1 page
The rest of the format is up to you. You can structure it as a memo, a report, an
essay, or an executive summary. Just avoid doing a whole document of bullet
points. You need to narrate your findings. Be creative, but make sure the
information flows smoothly so it is easy to understand what you mean. Note: Proper
grammar, spelling and punctuation should be used. I can excuse one or two
mistakes, but if your writing obscures the message your grade will suffer. No need
for citations unless you consider information that is not in the course material (e.g.
different theory of leadership that we didn’t cover).
The group analysis from this discussion is the basis for this individual report.
Therefore, you should consider the opinion of others to improve inform your own
opinion. You can submit your report at any time after your second meeting up to
the due date.
For this course we are analyzing 2 cases. The cases require a different approach and
therefore the information you are require to analyze is different. Read the guidelines
for the specific case you are analyzing.
Case study: The Lumen and Absorb teams
at Crutchfield Chemical Engineering
Prior to the meetings, you need to read and fully understand the case. The success of
the meeting highly depend on your knowledge of the facts and your interpretation of all
the information provided.
To analyze the Lumen and Absorb case in the first session we will:
1. Identify the initial problem.
2. Assess the evidence provided to analyze the case.
3. Evaluate the positive and negative behaviors from the people involved in the
case and how that impacted the outcomes.
4. Understand the factors outside the control of the individuals.
In the second session we will:
1. Summarize what we have learned so far.
2. Apply the theories we have learned in the class.
3. Find the root problem by following the 5 why framework.
4. Make an overall evaluation.
In both sessions we will back up our analysis with the information we have learned in
the course, so have your notes and class material available each time.
Now is the time for your paper.
At this point, we have finished our analysis of the case, and you have been exposed to
different opinions about what the problem is and how to solve it. The focus of the paper
is to provide recommendations on how to solve the problem. Of course it is possible
that you comment on specific things that we discussed to back up your
recommendations, but remember that the paper is only one page long, so use your
space wisely.
Your paper must include:
1. Explanation on what the real problem is. Back up your explanation with the
applicable theory (state the theory).
2. Short term recommendations (up to one year).
3. Long term recommendations (longer than a year).
Each set of recommendations should include the specific actions that have to be taken
in order to solve the problem, state who is responsible for each action and what
resources (if any) are needed. Don’t forget to consider the actions that can be taken to
reduce the impact of contingencies.
Now you are done with the case. Submit your paper.
