Case Analysis

Courtesy of the Student Learning Centre, the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand

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|Introduction |
|Case studies are used to test the ability to interpret real or factual situations. The particular situation will determine what |
|kind of analysis should be done. The most common requirements in a case analysis are: |
|problem identification and problem solving; |
|comprehension of complex situations; |
|identification of central issues; |
|deduction or inference. |
|You must decide what your approach to a particular case will be, and what skills you will need to use. To do that effectively, |
|you must first read to assess the case. |
|Case Assessment |
|There are probably questions attached to the case - read these carefully first. What are the questions asking you to do - |
|understand, problem solve, identify, draw conclusions, make inferences? Make a brief note of what you think you are being asked |
|to do. |
|Read the Case |
|Your first reading of the case should be as follows: |
|Identify the main features of the case |
|What knowledge/skill is involved? |
|What professional practices? |
|Are there people issues? |
|Is there an obvious connection to a body of theory? |
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|Locate the case as precisely as you can in a situation e.g. ‘ this case is about a particular surgical procedure’ or ‘ this case|
|is concerned with driver responsibilities in a car accident’. |
|Read the case a second time for analysis. You are now reading and marking carefully. Your response to the case at this stage |
|should be directed at answering the questions. In this second reading you will, in general |
|try to break the case down into its main segments or elements; |
|look for indicators in the text as to precisely what theory/ knowledge areas will help you with the analysis. |
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|Case Analysis Map |
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|Read the Questions: |
|Note any clues or indicators as to what to look for. |
|Read the Case: - First Reading |
|Identify main features. |
|Describe the precise situation. |
|Read the Case: - Second Reading |
|Mark for indications of significant events, knowledge, people issues. |
|If required, break the case down into segments or components. |
|Go back to Questions: |
|Select data/information from case for question. |
|Draft responses, making any appropriate deductions/inferences. |
|Integrate knowledge/theory in a final response to questions. |
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|Case Analysis Example |
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|Examples of Case Analysis |
|The following example illustrates the process of case analysis. |
|Example: |
|Question/Task: As a consultant you are asked to identify the problems causing low motivation. Suggest solutions to senior |
|management. |
|Employee Motivation |
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|Fremont Corporation Marketing Department is in trouble. Productivity has dropped within the Department and employees there |
|appear to have low motivation. The problem started when Sharon sent some suggestions to improve efficiency to the General |
|Manager. Her section head, Mike, rebuked her for not going through the "proper channels". Since then, he has required all |
|communications to be directed in writing to him, but does not reply to any that have been sent. On the other hand, he issues |
|instructions through the e-mail system only. Staff have had applications for transfer refused, and Mike has rigorously applied |
|the rules on lunch times, morning teas and time off. Mike runs a "tight ship", but productivity is falling, and his latest edict|
|is that unless it rises, jobs will go. Experienced staff say they are looking around for other jobs. Mike is well regarded by |
|his seniors, but there have been concerns about productivity. |
|Refer to the Case Analysis Map. In addition: |
|identify the main problem, and note any smaller problems that have a relationship with the main problem; |
|see whether the main problem needs to be broken down further; |
|assess the problem through known theories/practice; |
|generate solutions, justifying choices against alternatives. |
|Analysis |
|The above case is about a communications problem, but the subsidiary related problem is control. The communication problem |
|specifically relates to two way written communication. The control problem relates to a management practice. |
|In your answer you would need to examine each of the problems you have identified and use relevant communication and management |
|theory to guide and justify a solution. If there are alternative solutions, you should explain the strengths and weaknesses of |
|each. |
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