Case Analysis

How toAnalyze a Case

Shama-e Zaheer, Assistant ProfessorInstitute of Business Administration

University of Dhaka

A Case Study is a Story

A case study is best described as a well-orchestrated short story that presents essential information and data on various functions (e.g. marketing finance, production etc.) of a

company or on its overall operations.

Often the company is on the verge of assessing an opportunityopportunity (in the guise of a problem), support for and against

which are provided throughout the case.

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Break the Case Down to Build it Up

Step 1: Read the case once.

Step 2: Repeat Step 1. Meticulouslyeticulously this time, and make notes.

Identify important points. Label according to information content, e.g. which function, or

support for/ against some strategy. Identify seemingly random or contradictory information.

Most importantly, identify the central issue/ problem.

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Apply Standard Analysis Tools

Apply tried-and-true conceptual frameworks, e.g. SWOT analysis; Porter’s five forces model; BCG matrix;

calculating various ratios, particularly activity ratios; calculating working capital; Herzberg’s two-factor model; EOQ modeling etc.

Beware of overkill!

Do not ‘force fit’.

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Do Some Detective Work

Look for clues and hints.

Keep the standards tools in perspective while trying to fit the available data and information.

Ask yourself, “What does this bit of information say?” “What does this bit of information require to say more? “What does this bit of information not say?”

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Live with the Information Provided

Do not go beyond the case for factual information. No matter how tempted you are, cease, desist!

Explore deeper into information to find more information that may be unearthed.

Remember, the solution is insideinside the case, it is not outside it.

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Build your Story on Solid Foundations

Devise a ‘grand’ strategy Outline sub-strategies

Ask yourself, “Does the case information support the inferences I’m making?” “Does the case information support the recommendations I’m

making?

SupportSupport all your recommendations.

Challenge all information that counter your strategy.

Assume nothing!

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Finish with a Flourish

Write a succinct case analysis Make it precise and concise Use numbers to the extent possible

Make a crisp presentation Reduce clutter Explain clearly, without being verbose or grandiloquent

Have fun!!!

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Intelligently Identify, Approach & Solve Problem

Make sure to hit the marks: Properly identify problem/s Judiciously apply analytical frameworks Solve: Intelligently, Feasibly Be creative! Present well and handle questions deftly

Relax, but only after you’ve sweated through it all!

Definition Approach Analysis Solution Conclusion

Takeaways

Make sure that you have:

devised smart strategies, that are

supported by case-contained information, based on

the application of conceptual frameworks, that have

addressed the properly-identified central issue.

Sources of Analytical Tools

Strategic Management Textbooks

Marketing & Financial Management Textbooks

Scholarly Magazines, e.g. The Economist, Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, etc.

Academic Journals

http://interim.library.univdhaka.edu/journal/index.html