Purpose
Case analyses give you the opportunity to evaluate realistic business situations using relevant theories and concepts and to propose reasonable and informed business solutions. The primary question that you are addressing in any case analysis is, “What would you recommend to the case protagonist?” By answering this question, you are forced to analyze a wide variety of evidence in order to identify the underlying problem and then generate an appropriate solution and action plan. You may feel that you do not have enough information to make an informed decision regarding the case. This is intentional because decision making under uncertainty is a fundamental characteristic of management. By being presented realistic, but incomplete information on the case company or organization, you will learn to prioritize information, make judgment calls based on the prioritized data and management theories, and generate specific recommendations.

Memo Components
The case analysis memo should be written in a professional manner with correct spelling and grammar. Your memo should include the following components:

1. Introduction, Overview, or Background - Begin your analysis by providing a brief (i.e., no more than one paragraph) introduction to the case. Here you might provide basic background on the company, industry, operating unit, etc. Provide a transition to the key management problem statement and section.

2. Fundamental (or key) management problem – As you read the case, diagnose the fundamental management problem facing the protagonist. The problem should focus on one primary issue, but may have many different symptoms. For example, if you determine that the employees in the case are dissatisfied, this may be a symptom, rather than the underlying problem. Dig deeper to diagnose what is causing the dissatisfaction. The problem should also be deeper than the decision point that is described in the case. For example, if the case asks you what Laura Wollen should do next, that is the decision point. The underlying problem includes the issues that have gotten Laura Wollen to the decision point in the first place. Determining the fundamental management problem is the key to an effective case, so take your time and make sure that you are targeting the most important concern.

As you present the fundamental management problem in your report, you will need to convince the company that this problem exists. Therefore, support your diagnosis with as much evidence from the case as you can. You should also include relevant theories and concepts from class that help support your problem diagnosis. You will have to explain the basics of these theories in plain English, since your intended audience is the

protagonist or top management of the organization, not a professor who is intimately familiar with these ideas.

3. Recommended solution – Using Organizational Behavior concepts, generate a solution that resolves the fundamental management problem. It is important that your solution is a viable alternative for addressing the problem you diagnosed. To justify your solution, you will have to describe decision criteria for why you are recommending this particular solution. Think about how your solution fits with the organization’s goals, values, strategy, and current market position.

4. Action plan – Generate an action plan that details a step-by-step approach for implementing your solution. Include information about the steps that should be taken, the time frame for each step, the responsible parties for each step, and the criteria for evaluating the success of the plan. It is often effective to present your action plan in the form of a table. For example, you might include column titles such as Action Item, Person Responsible, and Deadline.

Format & Submission
Reports should be in memo format, addressed to the case protagonist/decision maker from you or the members of your team. Memos should be content-rich but concise. As such, they should not exceed 3 single-spaced pages (excluding endnotes and bibliography). Likewise, they should be typed in 12-point Times or Times New Roman font and have 1-inch margins. Chicago format should be used for citations and references. Memos should be submitted in hard-copy form at the beginning of class.

Evaluation Criteria
Papers will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Introduction & Problem Identification
The memo should…
• Include a brief overview of the organization and case.
• Provide a relevant and focused management-related problem statement.
• Use data from the case as well as theories/concepts from class to support the problem diagnosis.

2. Solution & Action Plan
• Proposed solutions are clearly explained, based on class concepts, and could realistically solve the problem identified.
• Action steps are specific and realistic, with each being tied to a clear time guideline for when the step should be completed.

3. Endnotes & References
• Sources are appropriate and cited when relevant.
o Original sources are always preferred. When possible, cite the original study/paper/source rather than a secondary source (ie., the textbook)
• Proper Chicago format is used for creating endnotes and bibliographies.
• Use endnotes (not footnotes) to cite references
o Use regular numbers not Roman numerals
- Correct
- Incorrect
o Place endnotes on a separate page following the memo text
• The bibliography appears on a separate page at the end of the document, after the endnotes.
o The bibliography is a list of all the sources cited
o The bibliography is arranged by author’s last name in alphabetical order
o To place the bibliography after the endnotes, insert a Section Break at the end of your memo text. See the formatting help document on Courses.
• For assistance with Chicago format, refer to the Harvard Business School Citation guide

4. Organization and Professionalism
• The memo adheres to the formatting guidelines.
• The memo has a logical structure and flow.
• Ideas are clearly presented.
• References are properly cited.
• Headings are used to organize material.
• Transitions between sections are smooth.
• Spelling and grammar are accurate.
• Writing style is consistent throughout the memo.
• The tone of the memo is appropriate for the audience.

Purpose Case analyses give you the opportunity to evaluate realist...