Case studies have been developed on practically every functional areas of management, such as finance, marketing, operations, human resources, sales, distribution, promotion and pricing. However, the technique of analyzing case studies is same for all.

As mentioned earlier, the purpose of the case study is to let you apply the theoretical management concepts learned in class while analyzing the issues facing a specific company. As such, you have to examine closely the issues with which the company is confronted with. Usually, you will need to read the case several times to grasp the overall picture of what is happening to the company and to identify the specific problems it is facing.

A case study can be presented both orally and in writing. You can follow the outline of the case study given below for analyzing and presenting the case study both orally and in writing:

A brief statement of the problem and solution. The summary can briefly contain the following:

• (a) Definition of the problem.
• (b) Alternative solutions.
• (d) Your recommended course of action.
• (e) The basis of your recommendation.

With the help of the relevant facts, explain through a clear and concise statement the existing business situation which the executives of the company are confronted with. You should give only those facts that have a bearing on the problem and its resolution. Do not just repeat all the information that has been given in the case. Also, do not include data and information just because it is interesting. Please note that you have to assume that the instructor as well as your fellow students have read the case.

Identify the primary and secondary problem(s) along with supporting facts. This is one of the most important steps in analyzing a case study. Unless the problem is identified, it would be difficult to suggest a solution. Quite a few times, it is not easy to identify the problem(s). A student’s analytical skills will be challenged to identify the problem correctly.

Feasible Solutions According to Peter Drucker, "A decision is a judgement. It is a choice between alternatives. It is rarely a choice between right and wrong. It is at best a choice between ‘almost right’ and ‘probably wrong’–but much more often a choice between two courses of action neither of which is provably more nearly right than the other." It is obvious that one of the most important steps in analyzing a case study is to identify the alternative feasible solutions. Each alternative should be discussed with pros and cons in ascending order of their rating as the most appropriate solution to the problem. That is, the most suitable solution should be discussed last. This step is very important while analyzing case studies. Most of the time, I have found that students just discuss their recommended solution. You should know that in the real world, decisions are made after evaluating different available options. We need to adopt the same practice while analyzing case studies.

You finally recommend one of the feasible solutions discussed above as the best solution to resolving the problem. Your recommendations should:

• (a) Be based on your analysis.
• (b) Follow logically from your discussion of the case.
• (c) Be supported and justified by management concepts and principles learned in class.
• (d) Take into consideration the results of the comparison of your recommended solution with other viable alternatives.

Obviously, the quality of your recommendation will depend on your analytical skills as well as the understanding and application of the management concepts. This is the basic structure that you need to follow while analyzing and writing a case study.