GUIDELINES IN ANALYZING BUSINESS CASES
GUIDELINES IN ANALYZING BUSINESS CASES
Objectives of the Case Method
1. To make the student become more efficient and accurate in finding the cause and effect of business problems.
2. To train the student become more imaginative in formulating efficient and effective solutions.
3. To help the student apply his own special experience, and to handle new situations if he has little or no experience.
4. To develop his skill in interacting, cooperating and fostering closer working relations with his group members.
Basic Characteristics of a Good Case Analysis
1. It is based on particular situational facts.
2. There is good understanding and identification of the central problem.
3. The solution must be highly creative and have the makings of being practical and workable under the given circumstances.
4. The student’s position must be supported and defensible.
Suggested Outline in Solving Business Cases
I. Time Context
II. Viewpoint
III. Statement of the Problem
IV. Objectives
Must Objectives/ Short-Range
Want Objectives/ Long-Range
V. Areas of Consideration/ Analysis
VI. Alternative Courses of Action
VII. Recommendation
VIII. Conclusion/ Detailed Action or Implementation Plan
Outline Details
I.Time Context
Specify the time context (month and year). The time context should tell us when the problem was observed, which requires the necessity of an action. A business problem will have different solutions under different political and economic environments.
II. Viewpoint
In solving business problems, the student must specify must specify the viewpoint he is taking. It is always on the manager’s viewpoint. Given a business problem, the president of a company will most likely have a different approach or solution from those of other company officers.
III. Statement of the Problem
A problem is a deviation or an imbalance between what should be and what is actually happening. This imbalance is caused by a change of one kind or another. A problem could be
Objectives of the Case Method
1. To make the student become more efficient and accurate in finding the cause and effect of business problems.
2. To train the student become more imaginative in formulating efficient and effective solutions.
3. To help the student apply his own special experience, and to handle new situations if he has little or no experience.
4. To develop his skill in interacting, cooperating and fostering closer working relations with his group members.
Basic Characteristics of a Good Case Analysis
1. It is based on particular situational facts.
2. There is good understanding and identification of the central problem.
3. The solution must be highly creative and have the makings of being practical and workable under the given circumstances.
4. The student’s position must be supported and defensible.
Suggested Outline in Solving Business Cases
I. Time Context
II. Viewpoint
III. Statement of the Problem
IV. Objectives
Must Objectives/ Short-Range
Want Objectives/ Long-Range
V. Areas of Consideration/ Analysis
VI. Alternative Courses of Action
VII. Recommendation
VIII. Conclusion/ Detailed Action or Implementation Plan
Outline Details
I.Time Context
Specify the time context (month and year). The time context should tell us when the problem was observed, which requires the necessity of an action. A business problem will have different solutions under different political and economic environments.
II. Viewpoint
In solving business problems, the student must specify must specify the viewpoint he is taking. It is always on the manager’s viewpoint. Given a business problem, the president of a company will most likely have a different approach or solution from those of other company officers.
III. Statement of the Problem
A problem is a deviation or an imbalance between what should be and what is actually happening. This imbalance is caused by a change of one kind or another. A problem could be