PLM Format for Case Analysis

I. Point of View

Any decision maker or person who is in the position to make the final recommendations as mentioned
in the case.

II. Time Context

It is the time when the situation is to be analyzed. It can also be the last mentioned date in the case.

III. Statement of the Problem

This defines the perceived problem in the case which becomes the subject of the analysis. It may be
presented in declarative or question form.

IV. Statement of the Objectives

These are the goals which the case analysis hopes to achieve. The basically satisfy the test of SMART (Specific,
Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time-bound)

V. Areas of Consideration

State the internal and external environment of the company/firm through SWOT (Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) Analysis.

VI. Assumptions

Factors which are not clear or not specifically stated in the case but need to be clarified can be stated
as assumptions to limit the analysis.

VII. Alternative Courses of Action (ACA)

These are the possible solutions to the problem identified. Each ACA must stand alone and must be
able to solve the stated problem and achieve the objectives. Each ACA must be mutually exclusive,
I.e., the student must choose an ACA to the exclusion of the others.

Each ACA must be analyzed in the light of the SWOT analysis and assumptions, if there are any.
Advantages and disadvantages of each ACA should be clearly stated. If the case contains enough
information/data, advantages and disadvantages should be supported quantitatively to minimize bias.

VIII. Conclusion/Recommendation

Based on the analysis of the ACAs, the conclusion, recommendation/decision can be made. There is
no need to repeat the analysis done in the ACA section of the analysis.

IX. Plan of Action

The plan of action delineates the series of actions to be undertaken to operationalize the adopted ACA.
To ensure that the analysis is done comprehensively, it would be best to program the plan according to
the basic functional areas and to present the plan by having column headings for activity, person/unit
responsible/ time frame, and budget.

Source: https://mattscradle.com/case-analysis-guidelines-plm-format/