How to Write Case Analysis Essay Example
How to Write a Case Analysis
Read a case at your normal speed without stopping to take notes. Read the assignment at the end of the case (if there is an assignment), and then carefully read the entire case again, taking notes in the margins as you read. Your task is to identify problems in the case, formulate recommendations to solve these problems, and then write your analysis with the following four headings: 1. Summary of the facts presented. 2. Analysis of the problems. 3. Recommendations for solutions to the problems. 4. Implications your recommendations will have on the operation of the organization.
Follow the above format even if there are Assignment questions at the end of the case. Important: Weave the answers to the Assignment questions into your “Recommendations” section.
As you write your case analysis, you must include appropriate references to the assigned reading. Your references should be in the following formats: For books and articles, (Brandenburger & Nalebuff, 1996. p. 126) and for Web articles and material, (www.charleswarner.us/articles/BUDGETS.html. September, 2004). The date in the Web reference is the month you accessed a Web site. Do not include a bibliography or references section at the end of your case analysis unless you refer to books or articles that are not Required or Recommended Reading.
Summary
Begin your write-up with a concise synthesis of the facts in the case, under the heading “Summary.” Stick to one or two sentences and do not put any discussion of problems or recommendations for solutions in this section.
Analysis
The most important section of your case analysis comes next, under the heading “Analysis.” This section should be the longest, most thorough section of your write-up. Managers cannot solve problems unless they can first identify them. Recognizing problems and then understanding the nature of the problems is the proper beginning of all managerial action.
Read a case at your normal speed without stopping to take notes. Read the assignment at the end of the case (if there is an assignment), and then carefully read the entire case again, taking notes in the margins as you read. Your task is to identify problems in the case, formulate recommendations to solve these problems, and then write your analysis with the following four headings: 1. Summary of the facts presented. 2. Analysis of the problems. 3. Recommendations for solutions to the problems. 4. Implications your recommendations will have on the operation of the organization.
Follow the above format even if there are Assignment questions at the end of the case. Important: Weave the answers to the Assignment questions into your “Recommendations” section.
As you write your case analysis, you must include appropriate references to the assigned reading. Your references should be in the following formats: For books and articles, (Brandenburger & Nalebuff, 1996. p. 126) and for Web articles and material, (www.charleswarner.us/articles/BUDGETS.html. September, 2004). The date in the Web reference is the month you accessed a Web site. Do not include a bibliography or references section at the end of your case analysis unless you refer to books or articles that are not Required or Recommended Reading.
Summary
Begin your write-up with a concise synthesis of the facts in the case, under the heading “Summary.” Stick to one or two sentences and do not put any discussion of problems or recommendations for solutions in this section.
Analysis
The most important section of your case analysis comes next, under the heading “Analysis.” This section should be the longest, most thorough section of your write-up. Managers cannot solve problems unless they can first identify them. Recognizing problems and then understanding the nature of the problems is the proper beginning of all managerial action.