Before a case discussion it is important to prepare your analysis of the case thoroughly. Complete each section of the case analysis framework to ensure you’ve covered the fundamentals.
It’s important to note that each individual instructor may approach teaching cases differently so it’s that you listen to the instructions your teacher gives you and adapt this framework accordingly.
Step 1: reading the case
| Phase 1 | |
| Read the opening paragraph | |
| Read the last paragraph | |_| |
| Read the headings | |
| Skim the body of the text and exhibits | |
| Phase 2 | |
| Read your questions | |
| Remind yourself of what course/elective this case is for | |
| Phase 3 | |
| Read the case thoroughly | |
| Develop your own timeline of what happened in the case |
[enter your timeline of what happened in the case]
Step 2: extrapolating the key information
| Who are the characters? | |
| Key protagonist: |
[enter the name, position and company of the key protagonist]
Supporting roles:
[enter the names, positions and companies of other supporting stakeholders]
What are the issues?
Immediate issue:
[enter details of the current problem/issue/decision in this case that you need to focus on]
Underlying issues:
[enter details of the underlying issues that contribute to the immediate issue]
Step 3: case content
When analysing the case content in depth it is important to refer back to your assignment questions to ensure that you focus on the correct topics.
Your case tutor will usually have set the session up beforehand and may have given you readings that will contribute to your understanding of the issues in the case.
| What theories, , frameworks or tools will help me? |
[enter details of theories, models, frameworks or tools and apply them to the case]
Crunch the numbers: If there are numbers in the case make sure you work through them thoroughly so that you understand their implications on the issue(s). Remember some of the numbers may be hidden within the core text.
[enter any key numerical analysis]
What extra data would be helpful?
[enter details any helpful extra data]
Where can I find the extra data? You might not need to find it now, but it’s useful to be aware of where and how you might find it.
[enter where you found the extra data]
What assumptions have I made/do I have to make?
[enter details of your assumptions]
Step 4: action and implementation
Now that you have clearly analysed the case it’s time to think about the options that are available to you as the protagonist. Remember that a key part of the case method is being in the shoes of the case protagonist so it’s important to think as if you’re them.
| What are the options? |
[enter details of all the options you can think of]
Evaluate the options
[evaluate each of the options]
What is your preferred option?
[enter which is your preferred option]
What is the evidence to support this?
[enter why this is your preferred option]
How would you implement your preferred option?
[enter how you would implement your preferred option]
And finally…
| So what? |
[reflect on the key learning points from this case analysis]
You’re done!
Don’t forget to take your completed case analysis framework with you to class to assist you in the discussion.
| © 2018, The Case Centre. This document is for personal use and must not be redistributed in any format by any means. |
