HOW TO ANALYZE
A CASE STUDY
So What is a Case Study
analysis?
 “separation into parts”
 “examination of a thing to determine
its parts or elements”
 “…..with a view toward prescription”
 Analytical processes used in
medicine, auto repair, business turn
around
 More than simple description
Case Study Key Phrases
 Describes an actual situation in
narrative form
 Requires a decision of a problem or
opportunity
 It’s not a problem necessarily with a
“unique” solution
 There are different alternatives
Case Study Key Phrases
 Describes an actual situation in
narrative form
 Requires a decision of a problem or
opportunities
 It’s not a problem with a “unique”
solution
 There are different alternatives
 Critical thinking/Innovation key
Steps in Doing Case Analyses
1. Identify dimension of problem or
opportunity Describe
2. What caused problem/opportunity to
Diagnose
exist?
3. Possible solutions to the problem
Frame prescription options
4. What is the “best” solution and why?
Prescribe
How Will Case Analysis Work?
 Seven Cases will be Assigned This
Semester (plus a trial run with Nest
Fresh Eggs)
 Encourage multiple readings of each
case over a series of days
 Take lots of notes
 Look at other resources where
possible
Preliminary Memo
 1-1 ½ pages long
 Typically in bullet fashion with short comments
 Follows Five Step Case Study Process
 Problem or Opportunity
 Causes of problem/opportunity/factors-trends
 Alternative Solutions
 “Best” Solution and why?
 Plan of Implementation
 Encourage preliminary observations on competition,
financial analysis, SWOT, etc. – describe, diagnose,
frame and prescribe
 Must be your own work for individual memos
 Grading is based on application of unit concepts
In-Class Discussion
 Class-led discussion of the case following
the five step order
 We measure participation plus quality of
participation
 Preliminary memos are due at the
beginning of class – come prepared with
additional notes – solution ideas, pros and
cons of various alternatives
 Take notes on the discussion – your final
memo should reflect the discussion points
of the day.
Final Memo (for Unit Cases)
 A final memo is prepared for the case based on
 Your preliminary analysis
 The in-class discussion from the day of the case
 A maximum 5 page final memo – one from
each group only - is submitted shortly following
the discussion day – see syllabus for due dates
 11 pt font, double spaced, 1” margin
 Follow the 5 step format for evaluating each
case
 Grading is based on application of unit
concepts