Organisational Behaviour

Case Method of Study

Case Method of Study

What is the problem? Why is it there? How it can be solved? What are the options? Which is more suitable? How it can be implemented? When & where? What will be its effect?

Case Method of Study

What is a case? It is a record of Business Issue which actually has been faced by business enterprise together with surrounding facts opinions & prejudices upon which the executives had to depend.

Case Method of Study

What is expected in a case? The case will place you in a stimulated Business Enterprise & instead of business executive, requires you to make a set of decisions as to the type of action which you would take in that situation.

Case Method of Study

What is expected from you? The process of arriving at an answer is what is important. Students are expected to develop an ability to make decision support, support those decision with appropriate analysis & to learn to communicate ideas both orally & in writing.

Case Method of Study

The student is expected to determine the problem & the solution. Thus the case study method shifts much of the responsibility to the students & a great deal of time is required on a case method.

Case Method of Study

There is no right or wrong answers to any case, your answer is as good as any other, so long as it works

Case Method of Study

How to prepare a case- There is no one way to prepare a case. But the following approach may help you develop your own methods:

Go through the case almost as fast as you can, asking yourself, What broadly is the case about and what types of information am I being given to analyze? Do make a point to glance over the exhibits. Read the case very carefully underlining what seem to be the key facts as you go. Try to put yourself in the position of the manager and to develop a sense of involvement in his/her problems Define what you believe to be the basic issues

Case Method of Study

How to prepare a case contd

Identify the relevant areas for analyzing these issues, noting each one on a separate sheet of paper. Go back through the case jotting down on your work sheets the fact that are relevant for each of your areas of analysis. Study the factual information as you have sorted it out, weighing both the qualitative and quantitative evidence carefully. Note your conclusions for each analytical area. Review your conclusions, then formulate a set of recommendations directed at the issues you have identified.

Case Method of Study

Mention below is one of the approaches to the case: Read the case quickly Read the case thoroughly Understand the prevailing situation, making relevant assumptions, if required. Define the issues & the problem. Enumerate the alternatives

Case Method of Study

Consider

the information in the case & relate to the alternative: doable, probable & not doable Identify the best alternative, eliminate other alternatives & give reason for it. Develop an action action plan: How, when & allocation of responsibilities. Develop contingency Plan

Case Method of Study

Good problem definition: Names the immediate issues and defines them in a way that calls for action oriented answers Puts these issues in a proper broader context. Deals with these problems from the perspective of an individual manager, recognizing his/her responsibilities and scope of authority, as well as the limitations associated with that position.

Case Method of Study

Good analysis: Must be complete Avoid rehashing case Don't confuse symptoms with problems Recognize alternatives Analyze the alternatives Discuss the pros & cons of all the alternatives

Case Method of Study

Make

effective use of any financial or quantitative data. Reach a clear decision. Ensure decision can be implemented Keep an alternative handy, just in case.

Case Method of Study

Good solution/ POA Deals with the specific problems posed in the case and within the context to the broader issues. Well supported by sound analysis and arguments that recognize the pros and cons of taking any recommended course of action. Incldes ideas for implementation.