case method learning
DESCRIPTION
Case Study AnalysisTRANSCRIPT
CASE METHOD OF LEARNING
What is a Case?
A case is a written account of real or stimulated managerial problems, dilemmas, and situations calling for solutions.
used in management education to give student a feel for the complexities if the real work and how the theories, models and research being studied can be used in practice.
To diagnose what the problems or issues in the case are, and why they have occurred, to consider a variety of solutions; and to justify what you believe to be the best solution.
Types of Case
1. Theoretical Cases2. Factual Cases
Theoretical Cases:Case studies which are meant for reading
and clarifying theoretical concepts of a discipline, such ad management, involving the study of marketing, human relations, communication and so on are academic case studies.
Factual Cases. (Real cases):Caste studies which describe and illustrate
an organization’s experience and efforts to overcome different problems and situations are real cases. These cases are based on facts.
Reading a case properly
Solutions to a problem can be only found through properly analyzing the problem.
Proper analysis generally requires at least two readings of each case.
Main objectives in reading should be as efficiently as possible, to cover
material thoroughly and glean the most significant points
1. Previewing
• Previewing is to learn as much about the case as possible before actually reading it.
• Look at the title, subtitle, headings and subheadings.• Resist the temptation to mark any items on the case• Merely size up the case how you are going to read
and dissect it.
2. Skimming
Skimming involves previewing in greater detail.
Avoid the desire to read each word and to underline items in the text.
Look for major ideas, issues and potential solutions.
Determine the thesis or key problems in the case.
3. READING
Read at a comfortable pace.
Look for answers to questions or specific details that you will need in deciding on solutions.
Make brief penciled notations to yourself, later make them bolder with ink
4. Scanning
Scanning allows you to review names and facts that are pertinent to the case.
Look for the unexpected elements.
Work on understanding the flow of information from beginning to the end.
Analysing A Case
Step-1 Study the Case Step-2 Identify the Problem Step-3 Define the Problem Step-4 Identify the Cause of the Problem Step-5 Develop Alternatives Step-6 Evaluate Alternatives Step-7 Develop Plan of Action.
Writing a Case Analysis-The structure
Title of the case Statement of the problem The case Scope of the analysis Alternative solutions and their evaluation (Create sub-sections for each solutions
separately) The best solution Conclusion Executive summary
Continued………..
In executive summary – Mention the following
The problem The possible solutions The best solution Recommended plan of action Benefits to the company
Common errors In a Case study
Not understanding and accepting the facts of the case
Not explaining exactly what the problems are and why they have occurred
Making unwarranted assumptions to try to simplify the case
Sticking to generalities, such as “they must try to improve communication”
Not integrating the various points into a preferred solution
Not using theories and concepts currently being studied in the course
Seeking ways out of the situation (such as “fire them all”) rather than trying to solve the problems
Ignoring practicalities
The Do’s
Learn to slice through the stuff and make decisions.
Follow a logical, clear and consistent path through the case analysis.
Recognize the difference between facts and inferences or suppositions, strive to base your analysis on facts whenever possible.
Take a stand in your analysis and support it. The stronger and better supported your stand, the better you will look.
THE DONT’S
1. Don’t expect a right conclusion to be available following the study of a case.
2. Don’t tell the instructor that you lack information before arriving at a decision.
3. Don’t expect cases to cover a single discipline.
4. Don’t expect your instructor to give you clear instructions.
5.Don’t decide on a conclusion early in the analysis and become locked into that conclusion
6. Don’t feel that you have to solve all the problems in the cases.
How to prepare and present a case
analysis Be prepared for a discussion along the lines of
“What would you do, why would you do it, when would you do it, and how you do it?”
Oral presentation of a case analysis
1. Content 2. Process or delivery-------------------------------Content – quality, quantity, factual
correctness, appropriateness. Feasibility.coverage of important issues.
Delivery
Personal grooming Organizing Visual aids Voice Body language Fluency Reaction to feedback from audience –
Q&A
Organising
Introduce yourself and the team The company / case Topics to be covered and the sequence The role of the team members Arrive early and check the venue and v.
aids. Trial.
Visual aids
PPTs. handouts,. Flipcharts Do not overdo. You are the hero(ine) !
– not the visual. Use simple graphics. Few and legible fonts. Few lines per slide. Points only.
Body language
Stand erect. On your ‘toes’ .one step ahead.
Do not turn your back to audience. Eye contact. One – to- one ? Smile and use humour appropriately. Do
not dilute seriousness. Do not read from notes or PPT. checklist
OK.
Interaction.
Questions are best in the end. Be polite, courteous non-personal, but
confident Understand the Q well. Repeat of
paraphrase if necessary. Take your time if necessary. Appropriate team members to answer.
Seek help / or consult when reqd. from team members.
Conclusion
Conclude with the main theme. Or summary
Thank.