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Appendix A - The Case Method of Analysis
Although you probably have already been exposed to the case method in your other classes, let’s
review the case method of analysis. In the traditional case method, case questions do not
accompany the case. You, the student, assume the role of a manager or consultant and therein
take a generalist approach to analyzing and solving the problems of an organization. This
approach requires you to develop your own case questions so-to-speak in that you utilize all of
your prior learning in subject areas, as well as this course, to analyze the case without receiving
specific directions from the instructor. It is therefore strongly suggested that you prepare for the
case prior to class discussion, using the following recommendations: allow adequate time in
preparing the case, read the case at least twice, focus on the key issues, adopt the appropriate
time frame, and draw on all your knowledge of business.i You should also reread the case during
and after doing your case analysis before finalizing it. You will be surprised how often you find
that you missed something.
The Case Report. A case tells of an incident or a series of incidents occurring in a
business. Case problems are designed to give you an opportunity to apply the theoretical
principles you have studied to a true-life situation. It is essential in problem-solving that a
problem be clearly recognized and understood. This is because a problem or issue not defined is
one that cannot be solved. To assist you, the following four steps may help you think through
your problem in a logical manner and then permit you to prepare your report.
1. Recognize the real problems or issues. Read the entire case to get an overall
