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HARVARD BUSINESS CASE ANALYSIS METHOD

FORMAT
Time Context – It delineates the take-off point of the case analysis. This is the date
wherein the deviation occurred on the firm under study. This is important in directly
relating the problems and its courses of action to be taken on its actual time. Normally,
plans, actions, documents that have bearing on the study should likewise be within the time
frame previously identified to be consistent with the problem identified during the period.

Point of View – This person simply someone who can make a decision critical to
the company’s growth and opportunities. He or she is the final decision maker who can
make sound judgment and able to see the required solutions either short or long term basis
for the attainment of the desired goals for the company.

Statement of the Problem – The problem is a deviation from the standard, by all
means. Thoroughly identified what is the particular deviation. It is either stated in a
question form of declarative form. It will answer the basic questions of what, when, where,
why and how of particular negative or positive deviation.

Statement of Objectives - This is the goal you want to achieve in solving the
problem. These are your future expectations in solving the problem. It is the desired results
of the company stating the SMART PRINCIPLES (Specific, Measurable, Attainable,
Realistic and Time-Bound)

Areas of Consideration – This section contains discussion of the facts of the case.
It contains all sorts of information, the existing or deviation on policies and procedures
relative to the problem. It analyzes both internal and external environment of the firm
under study or simply the SWOT ANALYSIS (identifying the strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities and threats).

Alternative Courses of Action (ACA) – These are generally the possible solutions
formulated to solve the problem and will require further analysis for a final decision.
Stated ACAs will be independently identified from each other and can solve the problem.
The way the researcher will identify the best solution is by means of identifying /
enumerating its advantages and disadvantages stating risk involved or the merits and
demerits including its implications on the future of the company. This will validate the
final decision with the help of decision criteria on the next section.

Decision Criteria – The researcher should identify decision variables that will help
the decision maker for final recommendation and implementation. This section will
analyze quantitatively by rating formulated ACA using the 5-point likert scale matching
the criterion to each ACA and whichever ACA garners the highest rating will be the ACA
to be adopted for final recommendation. The researcher should define each criterion and
compare the rating for each ACA.

5 - most likely 2 - less likely

4 - more likely 1 - unlikely
3 - likely
 Example: PROFITABILITY:
ACA 1 garnered a weight of 4-more likely because the company will generate profit as much
as 15% increase from the year 2000 figure (see exhibit 1-a). In comparison with ACA 2 given
a weight of 2-unlikely which only shows a 7% increase in profit from year 2000 figure (see
exhibit 1-b).

Recommendation – The final justification of your recommended solution in

solving the problem qualifying its importance and implications in the company’s continued
growth or survival. The researcher may categorize either on short or long term basis for the
purpose of setting priorities in the actual implementation. The recommendation will now
be the basis for an Action Plan.

Action Plan – This is the firm concise overview of the implementing guidelines in
adopting the recommended solution to solve the problem.

a) State the Corporate Vision, Mission and Objectives

b) State the Strategy and Policy in adopting the ACA.
c) Implementation of the Plan of Action

This section contains the detailed roadmap of activities, strategies to be

accomplished on the area of human resource, marketing, financial and
production/operation management of the company. This will serve as a continuing
process to achieve the desired results of the company.

Example: PLAN OF ACTIONS:

CORPORATE VISION:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
CORPORATE MISSION:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
CORPORATE OBJECTIVES:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
STRATEGY:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
POLICY:
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLAN OF ACTIONS:

FUNCTIONAL AREAS STRATEGIES/ACTIVITIES PERSON RESPONSIBLE TIME FRAME BUDGET
xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxx
(HR Mgnt)
(Mktg.Mgnt)
(Finc’l Mgnt)
(Oper.Mgnt)

References
Appendices
Exhibits; Figures (if any)