Case Analysis: An Exercise of Decision Making

One of the primary goals of case analyses is force you to make sound decisions with the information at hand—the
emphasis is to develop quality decision-making processes, not “getting the right answer,”and you will be graded
based on the soundness of your logic and business thinking.

In case analysis there are no clear-cut solutions. Keep in mind that the objective of case studies is learning
through discussion, exploration, and the search for intelligent questions

Format of Written Analysis of Case

I. Facts of the CASE. This is the summary of the case emphasizing points of consideration on
aspects as perceived by the group who will analyze the case.
Tips: Include only information which will be considered in the analysis. Do not rewrite the
history of the firm, unless necessary.
II. Problems. This is the list of all problems of the case as perceived by the group. Enumerate them
all but group them into a) minor problems; b) major problems. Choose from the major problems
what you perceived as the main problem.
Format
xxxxxxxMain Statement of the problemxxxxxxxx
(italic; center)

Further discussion regarding the main problem followed by the enumeration and discussion
of minor/secondary problems (in paragraph form; justify)

Tips:
Include only information which will be considered in the analysis. Do not rewrite the history
of the firm, unless necessary.

III. Alternative solutions: List of possible solutions to the problems; emphasize the possible
solutions of the main problem.
IV. Recommendation/Conclusion. Choose one solution from the alternative solutions of the main
problem. Emphasize a very strong justification why you choose it as the best solution for the
main problem.
Tips:
 Describe 1-3 key decision criteria, with rationale, that will serve as the basis of the
decision.
 State the recommended course of action
 Describe why the recommended course of action is the best alternative.
 Describe the goals and objectives of the recommendation. This must include:
o time frame;
o specific goals (profit, market share, etc.);
o expected costs and benefits.
 How should the organization go about achieving the recommendation
 Describe the probable outcome

Note: insert an analysis in the Alternative solutions section and/or in the

Recommendation/Conclusion section of your paper
Tips:

 Use appropriate chart/graphs

 All analysis made must be integrated into the other sections of the case
 Not correct form of analysis:
(1.) “the quick ratio decreased from 1.3 in 1997 to .9 in 1999”
 The group must explain why or what does it mean

(2.) Explaining by definition, e.g., “the current ratio declined from 1.3 in 1997 to 1.1 in
1999. This indicates that the company has less assets to cover liabilities.”
 The group must explain why the company have less assets, or possibly why
does it have more liabilities

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