Outline for Case Analysis Method

Full name: May Hoang

CWID: 894015007

Assignment 3

OUTLINE FOR A CASE ANALYSIS METHOD

This is the outline for analyzing a case including 8 steps:

1. Situation analysis

             There are so many approaches but SWOT analysis is a good way to assess a situation in a case. SWOT abbreviate for strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. In organizational environment, strength and weakness of the company are internal aspects that we should realize when analyzing the case situation, while opportunities and threats are external environment, which gives us most difficulty to identify and analyze. If you can control the external environment, thus you are able to figure out how to take steps to minimize exposure and take full advantage of opportunities for the company. Sometimes, four aspects such as strength, weakness, opportunities and threats can be combined in some complicated case.

1. Assumptions and missing information

In step 2, you will list some important consumption not containing in the case but it must be realistic, clearly identified and truly useful to help you make the better decision. It’s based on the depth of your analysis, the coverage of the framework and how you can defend your recommendations.

1. Problem definition                                                                            

 Identifying and presenting clearly a problem is the most critical part of a case analysis. Problems always underline many symptoms and questions “why?” should be asked until you can no longer devise a meaningful response to the them, the problem should probably be found at this time. Problem statement ought to be cohesively written in one or two brief sentences.

1. Specify Objectives for the Managers        

The next step after defining the problem is setting the goal or objectives and thinks about feasible solutions for the problems. And we can be ready for the next step.

1. Development of Alternatives

Alternatives are understood as different ways which are reasonable and potential to solve the problem. You should think it creatively to come up with strategic alternatives. Furthermore, the good alternatives must be always the status quo based on careful evaluation and tactical modifications.

1. Evaluation of Alternatives 

After developing some alternatives, there are next 3 steps to evaluate them. First, how well does the alternatives assist to achieve the goals or address the problem? Second, you should try to estimate the cost and revenue for each alternative. From then on, you can come up with the last step is to identify which alternatives are feasible and realistic.