How to

Analyze a Case
Shama-e Zaheer, Assistant
Professor
Institute of Business
Administration

A Case Study is a Story

A case study is best described as a well-orchestrated

short story that presents
essential information and data on
various functions (e.g. marketing finance, production
etc.) of a company or on its overall operations.

Often the company is on the verge of assessing

an opportunity (in the guise of a problem), support for
and against which are provided throughout the case.

Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Break the Case Down to Build it Up

Step 1: Read the case once.
eticulously this time, and make notes.
Step 2: Repeat StepM1.

Identify important points.

Label according to information content, e.g. which
function, or support for/ against some strategy.
Identify seemingly random or contradictory
information.

Most importantly, identify the central issue/ problem.

Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Apply Standard Analysis Tools

Apply tried-and-true conceptual frameworks,

e.g. SWOT analysis; Porters five forces model; BCG

matrix; calculating various ratios, particularly activity
ratios; calculating working capital; Herzbergs two-factor
model; EOQ modeling etc.

Beware of overkill!

Do not force fit.

Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Do Some Detective Work

Look for clues and hints.

Keep the standards tools in perspective while trying

to fit the available data and information.

Ask yourself,
What does this bit of information say?
What does this bit of information require to say
more?
What does this bit of information not say?

Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Live with the Information

Provided

Do not go beyond the case for factual information.

No matter how tempted you are, cease, desist!

Explore deeper into information to find more information

that may be unearthed.

Remember, the solution is inside the case, it is not

outside it.

Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Build your Story on Solid

Foundations

Devise a grand strategy

Outline sub-strategies

Ask yourself,

Does the case information support the inferences

Im making?

Does the case information support the

recommendations Im making?

Support all your recommendations.

Challenge all information that counter your strategy.

Assume nothing!
Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Finish with a Flourish

Write a succinct case analysis

Make it precise and concise

Use numbers to the extent possible

Make a crisp presentation

Reduce clutter

Explain clearly, without being verbose or

grandiloquent

Have fun!!!

Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Intelligently Identify,
Approach & Solve Problem

Make sure to hit the marks:

Properly identify problem/s

Judiciously apply analytical frameworks

Solve: Intelligently, Feasibly

Be creative!

Present well and handle questions deftly

Relax, but only after youve sweated through it all!

Definition

Approach

Analysis

Solution

Conclusion

Takeaways

Make sure that you have:

devised smart strategies, that are

supported by case-contained information, based

on

the application of conceptual frameworks, that

have

addressed the properly-identified central issue.

Sources of Analytical Tools

Strategic Management Textbooks
Marketing & Financial Management Textbooks
Scholarly Magazines, e.g. The Economist, Business
Week, The Wall Street Journal, etc.
Academic Journals
http://interim.library.univdhaka.edu/journal/index.ht
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