Introduction
The objectives of the introduction section are:
Identify the key problems and issues in the case study.
Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.
This first section is like an opening paragraph in that it sets the stage for the analysis and recommendations. Rely on what you have learned in the course thus far to create a clear statement of your evaluation of the problem or opportunity (e.g., the main issue is with the company’s culture because….; and a secondary issue is employee motivation because….). This section is usually one or two single-spaced paragraphs with around nine lines per paragraph.
Background and Analysis
The objectives of the Background and Analysis Section are:
Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues.
Demonstrate that you have researched the problems in this case study.
Outline the various issues of the case study that you are focusing on.
Evaluate these issues by discussing what is working and what is not working, and state why these parts of the case study are or are not working well.
Your analysis of people, attitudes, events, structures, and relationships, that underlie the problem or create the opportunity, constitutes the single most important step in case analysis preparation. Here is where you apply the theoretical concepts and models you have learned to the actual case situation. Critical knowledge of complete theories or models is demonstrated and convincing interpretation and application of these models and theories to the facts is necessary here. This persuasive section should constitute the bulk of your case report. This section is about one and one-half, single-spaced pages.
Possible Actions
When writing this section, please:
Provide specific and realistic solution(s) or changes needed.
Explain why this option was chosen.
Support with solid evidence, such as concepts from class (textbook, readings, videos, discussions)
Consultants to a situation almost always suggest more than one possible solution. Decide on two (max) specific plausible courses of action that address the situation, one of which is the recommendation for step four. Recommendations are rarely credible unless coupled with a discussion of the pros and cons of all alternatives. For example, if your analysis suggests that the organization implement a new reward system, what should the new system look like and why? How does recommendation specifically solve the problem or address the opportunity at hand? What are the disadvantages of implementing this recommendation? Hint: Suggest convincing but plausible cons to strengthen the impact of your recommendations (e.g., cost, feasibility). This section is about one-half, single-spaced page in length.
Recommendations
Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution.
If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues.
What should be done and who should do it?
Choose one of the possible actions and recommend it. If there are any important timing issues or contingencies that affect your recommendation, spell these out. Consultants need to be decisive, but flexible. Further, you may believe that a solution to a problem depends critically on gathering additional information. Feel free to make information gathering an important part of your recommendation. Be very specific about what information you need and how you should obtain it. Discuss what benefit this information will provide to solving the problem. Describe and discuss possible changes to your recommendations depending on what the new data reveals. Do not, however, use a recommendation for “further study” as an excuse for not fully grappling with the problem at hand. This section is approximately a one-half, single-spaced page. Appendices may be included but only if the documents greatly strengthen the reader’s understanding of the recommended action.
After you have composed the first draft of your case study analysis, read through it to check for any gaps or inconsistencies in content or structure:
Is your writing clear, complete, concise, courteous, and correct?
Have you provided solid evidence using the leadership and cross-cultural values information from course readings, videos, and activities?
Is any component from the analysis missing?
When you make the necessary revisions, proofread, and edit your analysis before submitting the final draft. Regarding technical requirements, the case analysis report will:
Be single-spaced, using 12-point font with one-inch margins.
Include a cover (title) page, formatted according to professional standards (Not included in page count).
Have a header with a page number on all pages after the first page.
Be approximately two and one-half pages. Appendices (charts, figures, etc.) are not included in the length limit. The appendices cannot, however, be used to present critical information.
Be professionally organized with appropriate headings and well written with no formatting, spelling, grammar, or punctuations errors.