MNGT2006: Decision

Making Under Uncertainty

SEMESTER 2, 2022
C A S E S T U D Y A N A LY S I S – A R O O T C A U S E A N A LY S I S A P P R O A C H
Why Case Study Analysis
Life is a Case Study, but it doesn’t come with a manual or specific
questions. Understanding case study analysis enables you to ask
relevant questions, identify the root cause of problems, and select a
solution with optimal payoffs/results.

Benefits of Case Study Analysis

Problem identification – First step in making quality decisions
Improve analytical skills
Improve problem solving skills
Offers an opportunity for applying Decision Theory
Etc.

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Read the case study for the first time without
judgement.

Read the case study again and identify decision

issues/problems. Approac
Ask what caused each of the identified decision
issues/problems, their effect on the overall decision.
h to
Determine the root cause for the identified decision
Case
issues.
Study
Make recommendations on how to address the root
cause, and the identified decision issues. Analysis
Note: Always interpret identified issues in Decision
Theory terms.

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Root Cause Analysis: Illustration
Step Three Step Two Step One Step Four
Root Cause(s) Cause and Effect Decision Recommendations
Issues/Problems
Identify what you Ask what caused the Start by developing a list of The recommendations should
consider is the main identified decision questions to help you address the root cause, and all
cause for majority of issues/problems/sympto identify all decision the identified issues/problems
the identified issues in ms, and how they affect issues/problems in the case negatively impacting the
Step One. the decision making study. decision making process.
process in the case study. 1. What decision(s) was
1. Identify one (or made? Routine, Do not focus on general
two) main root cause. What caused the Strategic, or organisation management
identified Programmed problems in the case study.
2. The key is in issues/problems/sympto 2. Who made the
establishing whether ms? decision(s)? Individual,
addressing the root group, organisational.
cause would solve How are the issues 3. Was the decision(s)
majority of the issues affecting the decision ethical?
and improve the main making process? 4. Etc.
decision in the case
study. Look for all the
symptoms/indicators of
poor decision making.

Ask questions until you identify the root cause of the identified problems.
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Example: Identifying the Root Cause

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 Introduction
 Context/background of the case study
 Summary of analysed issues
 Summary of levels of analysis
 Main theories supporting the analysis

Analysis

Framework  Issue 1
 Issue 2
for  Issue 3

Presenting a  Issue 4
 Root cause of the analysed issues

Case Study Recommendations

Analysis Proposed strategy for addressing the Root Cause –
support proposal with relevant decision theory
Strategies for addressing the 4 analysed issues. Include
examples and relevant decision theory

Conclusion – Optional

References (APA 7th edition referencing style)