Case Preparation Procedure
This is how to analyze the case, NOT how to write up or organize the written report. Refer to the “Preparing a Case Study: General Guidelines” (on our D2L) for greater detail on case preparation.
- Identify the problem(s) or issue(s).
- Analyze the case data.
- Identify the constraints or considerations given.
- Gather pertinent information (from the case) and perform analysis.
- Remember to carefully analyze the financial information and other numbers provided.
- Consider any available information from the 4 Cs (Company, Consumer, Channel, Competition) and TREES (Technology, Regulatory, Ecological, Economic, and Social/Cultural).
- Consider the resources, people, and process information provided.
- Figure out a SWOT.
- Remember to carefully analyze the financial information and other numbers provided.
- Hint: When you are working through the case, some particular things to consider are:
- What external factors affect Urban Axes’ competitive position? How do these factors affect the strategy? You may think about using the Five Forces as a tool for the analysis.
- What generic business strategy has Urban Axes chosen to pursue?
- What are Urban Axes’ resources? How is Urban Axes’ strategy affected by its
resources?
- Identify the constraints or considerations given.
- Generate the alternatives. Some are given in the case, but you may come up with others.
- Decide how you are going to make your decision when evaluating alternatives. What
are the most important criteria? Which are less important?
- Analyze and evaluate the alternatives according to the criteria you have chosen.
Make sure that you have addressed the following considerations:
- Does the chosen alternative fit the SWOT?
- What are the positives and negatives of the strategy you are pursuing?
- Does the chosen alternative fit the SWOT?
- Select the preferred alternative. Justify your choice.
- Develop the action plan
- What are the specifics to the implementation?
- Consider resources required, timelines.
- What are the specifics to the implementation?
BUS 290 Case Study S21
Structure of the Written Report
- Title page
- Introduction and Summary of Key Facts
- Data Analysis
- Problem (Issue) Statement
- Alternative Generation
- Key Decision Criteria and Constraints
- Alternative Analysis
- Recommendations
- Action and Implementation
- Exhibits and Calculations (if merited)
