CAS E

LEARNING

Case Analysis Coach

IDEAL FOR STUDENTS NEW TO LEARNING WITH CASES

The business case is a powerful learning tool. But

many students find that interpreting and writing
about cases for the first time can be daunting. The
Case Analysis Coach is a self-paced tutorial that
offers a concise introduction to the key concepts
and intellectual processes required for the reading,
analysis, and interpretation of business case studies.
It is ideally assigned as students prepare to analyze
a case for the first time.
Delivered entirely online, the Case Analysis Coach shows
students how to quickly establish a base of knowledge about a

ONLINE, SELF-PACED TUTORIAL

PREPARES STUDENTS TO ANALYZE, DISCUSS,
AND WRITE ABOUT CASES

case by classifying it according to the analytical tasks it requires.

Short examples from cases in various disciplines illustrate
multiple types of case situations. The tutorial then walks the
reader step by step through a structured case analysis
framework, including several passes through a case that
serve as a model for finding relevant information. The tutorials

REQUIRES INTERPRETATION OF BOTH QUALITATIVE

AND QUANTITATIVE DATA

framework and process will prepare students for multiple case

analysis situations, including written reports, formal presentations,
cold calls during classroom discussion, and final exams.

SHORT CASE EXAMPLES IDEAL FOR UNDERGRADUATES; FULL-LENGTH CASE WORKS WELL
IN MBA AND EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS

The Case Analysis Coach concludes with an optional in-depth

exercise in which students apply the analysis framework to
an included General Management case. During the process
of analysis, the tutorial requires students to interpret both
qualitative and quantitative data and develop short- and long-

FREE TRIAL ACCESS FOR PREMIUM EDUCATORS

term action recommendations. It also includes a Case Analysis

Premium Educators registered at hbsp.harvard.edu can

see a free trial of the Case Analysis Coach.

Worksheet that students can use repeatedly to analyze actual

Not registered? Apply now:

educatoraccess.hbsp.harvard.edu

While the Coach is designed primarily for self-paced learning,

cases assigned for coursework.

an instructor may also use it as the basis for group discussion

about the included General Management case or ask students

Approximate seat time: 30-120 minutes, depending on

depth of analysis desired
Format: English Web-Based HTML
#4380

to apply the framework to another case as a way to further

case learning. Any current or prospective MBA or executive
education student should experience this program.

CONTINUED ON REVERSE

LEARN MORE ON OUR WEB SITE:

hbsp.harvard.edu

LEARN MORE ON OUR WEB SITE:

hbsp.harvard.edu

CASE ANALYSIS COACH

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION TO CASE ANALYSIS

PERFORMING ANALYSES

n

Types of Cases

n

Applying Judgment

Decision, Problem, Evaluation Case Definitions,

and Examples

n

Analysis Types

n

Working with Cases

n

Learning from Case Analysis

n

Identifying Useful Data

n

Assignment Questions

n

Matching Frameworks to Data

Print an Example

n

One Approach to Case Analysis

Qualitative AnalysisExamples Shown in Case

Quantitative AnalysisExamples Shown in Case
How to Craft a Timeline

n

Revisiting, Refining, and Reflecting
n

Knowing When to Stop

Expert Tips/Guidance Provided

GETTING ORIENTED
n

Case Analysis Overview

ACTION PLANNING

n

Your First Pass

Print a Reusable Worksheet to Gather Your Thoughts

n

An Approach for Action Planning

n

Defining the Problem

TipHow to Craft a Problem Statement

Action Plan Example Provided

n

Decision Alternatives
n

Firming Up Recommendations

IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS

n

Revisiting, Refining, and Reflecting

n

Reading the Case Carefully

n

Other Cases and Case Analyses

n

Bringing in Outside Concepts

Examples of Articles That May Relate to the Case

n

Revisiting Your Problem Statement

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2012 Harvard Business School Publishing

Harvard Business Publishing is an affiliate of Harvard Business School.