CAS E
LEARNING
Case Analysis Coach
IDEAL FOR STUDENTS NEW TO LEARNING WITH CASES
The business case is a powerful learning tool. But
many students find that interpreting and writing
about cases for the first time can be daunting. The
Case Analysis Coach is a self-paced tutorial that
offers a concise introduction to the key concepts
and intellectual processes required for the reading,
analysis, and interpretation of business case studies.
It is ideally assigned as students prepare to analyze
a case for the first time.
Delivered entirely online, the Case Analysis Coach shows
students how to quickly establish a base of knowledge about a
ONLINE, SELF-PACED TUTORIAL
PREPARES STUDENTS TO ANALYZE, DISCUSS,
AND WRITE ABOUT CASES
case by classifying it according to the analytical tasks it requires.
Short examples from cases in various disciplines illustrate
multiple types of case situations. The tutorial then walks the
reader step by step through a structured case analysis
framework, including several “passes” through a case that
serve as a model for finding relevant information. The tutorial’s
REQUIRES INTERPRETATION OF BOTH QUALITATIVE
AND QUANTITATIVE DATA
framework and process will prepare students for multiple case
analysis situations, including written reports, formal presentations,
“cold calls” during classroom discussion, and final exams.
SHORT CASE EXAMPLES IDEAL FOR UNDERGRADUATES; FULL-LENGTH CASE WORKS WELL
IN MBA AND EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
The Case Analysis Coach concludes with an optional in-depth
exercise in which students apply the analysis framework to
an included General Management case. During the process
of analysis, the tutorial requires students to interpret both
qualitative and quantitative data and develop short- and long-
FREE TRIAL ACCESS FOR PREMIUM EDUCATORS
term action recommendations. It also includes a Case Analysis
Premium Educators registered at hbsp.harvard.edu can
see a free trial of the Case Analysis Coach.
Worksheet that students can use repeatedly to analyze actual
Not registered? Apply now:
educatoraccess.hbsp.harvard.edu
While the Coach is designed primarily for self-paced learning,
cases assigned for coursework.
an instructor may also use it as the basis for group discussion
about the included General Management case or ask students
Approximate seat time: 30-120 minutes, depending on
depth of analysis desired
Format: English Web-Based HTML
#4380
to apply the framework to another case as a way to further
case learning. Any current or prospective MBA or executive
education student should experience this program.
ÆÆCONTINUED ON REVERSE
LEARN MORE ON OUR WEB SITE:
hbsp.harvard.edu
LEARN MORE ON OUR WEB SITE:
hbsp.harvard.edu
CASE ANALYSIS COACH
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION TO CASE ANALYSIS
PERFORMING ANALYSES
n
Types of Cases
n
Applying Judgment
Decision, Problem, Evaluation Case Definitions,
and Examples
n
Analysis Types
n
Working with Cases
n
Learning from Case Analysis
n
Identifying Useful Data
n
Assignment Questions
n
Matching Frameworks to Data
Print an Example
n
One Approach to Case Analysis
Qualitative Analysis—Examples Shown in Case
Quantitative Analysis—Examples Shown in Case
How to Craft a Timeline
n
Revisiting, Refining, and Reflecting
n
Knowing When to Stop
Expert Tips/Guidance Provided
GETTING ORIENTED
n
Case Analysis Overview
ACTION PLANNING
n
Your First Pass
Print a Reusable Worksheet to Gather Your Thoughts
n
An Approach for Action Planning
n
Defining the Problem
Tip—How to Craft a Problem Statement
Action Plan Example Provided
n
Decision Alternatives
n
Firming Up Recommendations
IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS
n
Revisiting, Refining, and Reflecting
n
Reading the Case Carefully
n
Other Cases and Case Analyses
n
Bringing in Outside Concepts
Examples of Articles That May Relate to the Case
n
Revisiting Your Problem Statement
Product #MXXXXX MC173030312
© 2012 Harvard Business School Publishing
Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.