CASE ANALYSIS

(p) Prof. Raman Boparai

Source: Maufette-Leenders et al., Learning with Cases, 2nd Ed., Ivey Publishing, London ON.
Stages of Case Learning
• Learn by doing
• Teach others

R e p e t i t i o n
• Public speaking
• Test Ideas

• Teach others
• Communication
skills
• Recognize
good/bad ideas
• Build relationships

• Reading of case
and theoretical
material

1-2 hours 20 min 1-2 hours

Case Analysis
Three Dimensions of Case Difficulty

Conceptual:
1. Simple, single concept
2. Difficult or multiple concept(s)
3. Difficult and multiple concepts

Analytical:
1. Decision presented
2. No final decision, but questions present
3. No final decision or questions in case

Presentation:
1. short, well-organized, little extraneous info
2. …
3. long, disorganized, lot of extraneous info

Focus attention on the most difficult dimension

Case Analysis
Typical Case Structure
Case Analysis
Short Cycle Process
Purpose: Get a good feel of size-up for the case

1. Read opening and ending paragraphs

2. Who? What? Why? When? How?
3. Quick look at the exhibits
4. Quick review of case subtitles
5. Skim case body
6. Read assignment questions and reflect
Case Analysis
Long Cycle Process
Purpose: Analyze and ‘solve’ the case
A) Read the case
B) Apply the case solving process
1. Define the issue
2. Analyze the case data
3. Generate alternatives
4. Select decision criteria
5. Analyze and evaluate alternatives
6. Select preferred alternative
7. Develop an action and implementation plan
Case Analysis
Case Analysis
Issues
• Immediate
• Specific decision, problem, challenge or opportunity faced by the
decision maker
• Needs to be resolved within the time frame indicated in the case
• Solved through analysis of basic issues

• Basic
• Ever present and common
• E.g., make or buy, value analysis, supply chain setup, …
Case Analysis
Case Issue Importance/Urgency Matrix

• Is the issue of
strategic importance
to the organization?

• How urgent?

• Combination will
affect the decision
criteria and
resources used
Case Analysis

• Causes and Effects

• Constraints and Opportunities

• Quantitative and Qualitative Assessment

• Generation of Alternatives
• Selection of Decision Criteria
• Analysis and Evaluation of Alternatives
• Short versus long term
• Predicted outcomes
• Selection of preferred alternative
Case Analysis
Decision Criteria
(Examples)

“Bottom Line Impact”

Case Analysis
Evaluation of Alternatives I
Case Analysis
Evaluation of Alternatives II
Tips
Individual Preparation
• Block uninterrupted regular periods of time with breaks after 1 or
1½ hours
• Set a time limit and stick to it
• Consider doing your additional reading before starting the analysis
• Separate the short cycle analysis from the long cycle procedure to
allow for some reflection
• If you have multiple cases to prepare, consider combining the short
cycle processes for those cases
Tips
Small Group Discussion I

1. Review of the short cycle process conclusions

(do all agree?)
2. Review of Long Cycle Process conclusions
(spend bulk of time here)
3. Review of special difficulties
4. Anticipation of the class discussion
(if time permits)
Tips
Small Group Discussion II

• 20 – 30 minutes usually sufficient (stick to it!)

• Common time waster: deterioration into a working session
• Schedule close to in-class discussion so material is still in your
memory (allow time for reflection, though)
• Each member must be fully prepared and participate actively
• Not necessary:
• A group leader / secretary / spokesperson
• Group consensus (just evaluate ideas!)
 Not:
Tips •
•
Simply repeat case facts/comments
Unrealistic assumptions
• Monopolizing the discussion
• Being disengaged or uncivil
In-Class Discussion: Effective Participation
• Content-related
• Based on case information or experience
• Distinction between facts and opinions
• Case analysis …

• Process-Related
• Help the flow and structure of the discussion
• Based on good listening ad reflecting skills + understanding of the
case
• E.g., clarifying questions, help in focusing on a particular area,
linkage of points raised earlier, steering the discussion back to the
topic, …
Example
• Lawson Hotels Canada