Transcript Case Analysis - Lynn & John Bruton

Case Factor Analysis
A Strategic Management Case is a detailed description
of the conditions and challenges faced by a firm
It usually includes
– History of events, decisions, and actions taken by the firm
– A statement of a problem the firm currently faces or has
addressed in the past
– A description of the general and competitive environment
– Extensive support materials
It usually does NOT include
– Specific statements of strategies, competencies, or other
underlying internal factors
– A description of the sources or causes of the problem or
challenge facing the firm
Two Types of Cases

Problem – presents a problem the firm is currently
facing that requires strategic action
Primarily forward looking; what should the firm do?
Analyze conditions to develop and support
recommendation – how can the firm create sustainable
competitive advantage?

Descriptive – discusses a problem the firm has faced,
and the strategic actions taken.
Primarily backward looking; how did the firm get
where they are?
Analyze conditions to evaluate effectiveness of
strategic actions – has the firm created sustainable
competitive advantage?
Case Factor Analysis
“Solving” a case involves some combination of
• Describing the problem or challenge facing the firm
• Identifying the underlying strategic factors (USFs) – the
underlying causes of the problem
• Extracting the appropriate information from the case that
describes conditions and actions related to the USFs.
• Analyzing conditions and actions by applying the concepts
and methods of Strategic Management
• Diagnosing the analysis to explain the relationship between
the underlying factors and the identified problem
• Discussing appropriate actions to address the USF and
resolve the problem; or, discussing actions taken by the
firm and the expected results.
Case Factor Analysis
• Demonstrate your understanding of strategy
concepts and theories
• Demonstrate your ability to apply these to
analyze complex business situations
• Communicate your methods and conclusion
using appropriate strategy language and
terminology
Written Case Factor Analysis
• NOT a summary, description, or overview
of the conditions in the case
• NOT an analysis of all the factors and
conditions in the case
• Concise analysis of ONE important
underlying strategic factor (USF) that is
important to understanding or explaining
the conditions presented in the case
Written Case Brief
1. Executive Summary
 Overview
• Provide a brief introduction that positions the firm
and shows the significance of the identified problem
• Describe problem (symptom)
• Identify underlying factor (USF)
 Recommendation/Conclusion
• What SPECIFIC action(s) would you recommend be
taken now; or
• Describe actions taken by the firm and their results
Written Case Brief
2. Analysis
 External
• General environment
• Strategic environment
 Internal
• Conditions and strategy
• Resources, capabilities, competencies
 Other
• Corporate Social Responsibility; ethical
• Stakeholder
• ???
Written Case Brief
3. Summary/Diagnosis
 So what?
• What was learned from the analysis?
• How does the analysis explain conditions in the case?
 Interpret analysis
 Relate analysis to USF
 Provide support for recommendations/conclusions
Written Case Brief
4. Implementation/Conclusion
 Problem Case: Recommendations
• Demonstrate feasibility of recommendations
• Recommend specific actions to be taken
• Identify obstacles or needed resources
 Descriptive Case: Conclusion
• Demonstrate why actions were/not effective
• Assess expected long-term results
• Identify obstacles or needed resources
Grading
Executive Summary
Analysis
Diagnosis
Implementation/Conclusion
Writing/Structure/Strategy Language
0
0
60
70
80
90
10
6
20
30
40
% = S + 50
100
50
Things I Look For
•
•
•
•
•
Clear strategic factor
Continuity
Appropriate analysis
Thorough diagnosis
Strategic language