CASE METHOD STUDY

STEPS IN CASE METHOD STUDY

- Case Reading (include a copy of the case)

- Assigning the viewpoint
- Determine what is the basic problem
- List down key objectives
- List down areas for consideration/ case facts
- List down Alternative Courses of Action (at least 3; in line with operations management)
- Give your recommendation
- Implementation

Determining the VIEWPOINT

Any person who is a decision maker or who is capable of recommending a solution as mentioned on the case.
Usually uses the CEO point of view. However, consider using the Operations Manager point of view instead.

Formulating the PROBLEM STATEMENT

This is the most critical step in the Case Method. All your efforts may be wasted with a misdirected or narrow problem statement.
Defines the perceived main problem presented in the case and which is the subject of the analysis.
Usually provides the scope and limitation of your study.

Usually in a question format.

For example: How to improve the declining sales of Product A in Target Country A?

May be also presented in declarative form of statement.

For example: The declining sales of Product A in Target Country A.

Keep the statement concise and straight to the point.

Consider the main problem and not the contributory problem.

Listing down the KEY OBJECTIVES

Have about 3 to 5 key objectives that you will be attaining once the problem identifies is resolved.
Objectives must satisfy the S.M.A.R.T. test (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time- Bound)
Test your alternative courses of action on how they meet the objectives.

The best recommendation is the one that meets your key objectives.
Example: Increase at least 20% of the sales of Product A in Target Country 1 by the end of the year.

Listing down the AREAS FOR CONSIDERATION

Select only information that are related to resolving the problem at hand. This is not the background of the case.
Defines the internal and external environment of the company discernible in the case. These are factors to be considered in solving the
problem.
You may list down your major assumptions in this area including your basis for making these assumptions.

ALTERNATIVE COURSES OF ACTION (ACA)

Have at least 3 plausible ACAs. The more you provide, the better.
Each ACA must be feasible and should be aligned with operations management
Present pros and cons of each one.

Each ACA must address the problem directly, be considered as alternative solution, and achieve the objectives presented.

Give your RECOMMENDATIONS

Select one of the ACAs that best addresses your problem statement and meets your key objectives.
Give your major reasons why this ACA was chosen over the others.
Provide detailed implementation plan to test this recommendation. Include time frames.
 CASE METHOD STUDY
Provide contingency plans in case there are any potential problems.

IMPLEMENTATION

Discuss how you will put the selected ACA into action.

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Each group member should have equal share of topics and should master the cases
Presentation must be creative and innovative
Make use of pictures to make it easy for the class the understand the case
nd
Random Call (3 cases per 2 meeting of the week)
Once your group has been called, you won’t be called anymore for the succeeding cases
The class would be given the chance to assess and question the group based on what they have presented
Corporate attire is a must, (-5) on the group’s total grade per group member that isn’t wearing complete corporate attire.