Student’s Name: __________________________________________________________ Evaluator’s Name: ____________________________________________________

Date: _________________________ Course: _______________________ 3/06/2008

GRADUATE ANALYTICAL & PROBLEM-SOLVING ASSESSMENT RUBRIC (MGMT 700 Case Analysis- 100 points available)
Exceeds Standards Meets Standards Fails to Meet Standards
Identification of Symptoms (10 Identifies symptoms clearly, with no confusion Identifies majority of symptoms (at least 5). There is Identifies few, if any
%) ½ page maximum between symptoms and problems (5 or more). There little confusion between symptoms and problems. symptoms (4 or less). There
Symptoms are indicators of is no confusion between symptoms and problems. may be confusion between
problems. "Clusters” of symptoms Symptoms are clustered, with each group of symptoms, problems and/ or
aid in pointing toward underlying symptoms pointing toward an underlying problem. recommendations.
problems.
(10) (8) (6)

Problem Statements (20%)
½ page maximum
Problems should be stated in
terms that are actionable by the
decision-maker for the analysis.
A good problem definition keeps
the case analysis tightly
structured because everything
discussed after this point must be
related to the problem(s) stated in
this section.  stated in single, concise,
Each problem is stated in one
sentence, and is not given in the
form of a question. There should
be no more than 3 problems.
Problem Analysis (15%)
¾ page maximum
Problems are dissected to analyze
key factors.  * Relevant financial analysis is applied (Financial
Identification of Alternatives
(15%)
This is for brainstorming.
2-3 substantial problems faced by the company’s At least 1 of the company’s substantial problems is 2 or more of the following
decision-makers are identified, and stated in terms identified and stated in terms that are actionable by errors apply:
that are actionable by the company’s leadership. the company’s leadership
*Problems stated may refer
to environmental
conditions
*Symptoms are stated as the
problems.
*Recommendations are
stated as problems.
* Problems may not be
complete sentences.
* More than 3 problems
stated may be included.
(20) (15) (12)
Analysis includes all of the following: Analysis includes 2 of the following: Analysis includes 1 of the
* 2-3 stated problems are analyzed thoughtfully * 1 problem is analyzed thoughtfully OR 2 or more items listed in the next
* At least 1 strategic analysis tool applied problems are covered superficially. column.
* At least 1 strategic analysis tool applied
ratios or other financial analysis approach) * Relevant financial analysis is applied (Financial
(15) ratios or other financial analysis approach) (10) (5)
Identifies a comprehensive set of thoughtful Identifies majority of alternatives (4-5 alternatives), Identifies few, if any
alternatives, excluding “Do Nothing” alternatives (6 excluding “Do Nothing” alternatives. alternatives (3 or less
alternatives). May have only 1 set of alternatives for more than one alternatives) listed or not all
There is a set of alternatives for each problem. problem. aspects of identified
problems are addressed.
(15) (12) (10)

© 2008, C. Nielsen, Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore

Student’s Name: __________________________________________________________ Evaluator’s Name: ____________________________________________________
Date: _________________________
Evaluation of Alternatives
(15%)
Arguments are provided for and
against each alternative.
Recommended Course of Action Student demonstrates the ability to articulate and
(20%) 2 page minimum
Develop the most effective,
efficient, and feasible
combination of alternatives to
solve the problems within
boundaries of the firm's
objectives. Do NOT recommend
doing research, hiring a
consultant, or setting up a team or
com./task force to study the
situation. You are the consultants.
Implementation Plan (5 %)
Who is to do what; timeframe.
Individuals/depts. are named.
Scoring Key:
_______ Exceeds Standards 90 – 100
______ Meets Standards 70 – 89
______ Fails to Meet Standards ≤69
© 2008, C. Nielsen, Merrick School of Business, University of Baltimore
Course: _______________________ 3/06/2008
Pros and cons for alternatives are provided. Pros and cons for alternatives are provided. Most of Pros & cons for few, if any
Arguments are convincing, supported & the arguments are convincing & supported. alts or only 1 alt. for each
comprehensive. May be missing a few pros and/or cons. problem; Missing significant
discussion of alternative
(15) (12) pros or cons. (10)
Student demonstrates the  Partial courses Actions rely heavily on
defend his analysis and recommendations. Student ability to articulate and of action; and/or hiring, or setting up
provides a comprehensive course of action, with defend analysis and  Actions committee(s)/ team(s) and
substantiated feasibility that is likely to solve all of recommendations. recommended do others to decide how best to
the priority problems and lead to above average Student provides a not include solve the problems.
returns in this industry with intensifying competition. course of action, specifics to fully OR
Student demonstrates ability to integrate concepts with substantiated address/resolve Brief statements are made
and functional tools from three or more business feasibility that is identified problems about what needs to be
disciplines to solve complex business problems. likely to solve at done, but few specifics are
least one of the provided.
identified problems OR
and lead to above Feasibility of some actions
average returns in can be questions
this industry. OR
Student Recommendations include
demonstrates ability actions not evaluated in
to integrate concepts previous sections.
and functional tools
from at least two
business disciplines
to solve complex
business problem
20) (16) (14) (10)
Timeline and those responsible are identified and Timeline is adequate but responsibilities are not Timeline with those
detailed. identified OR responsibilities are identified by the responsible not provided. (0)
(5) timeline is not adequate. (3)
Total Score: __________