Case Method - (to be used to prepare the Case Study Assignment)
Students are expected to prepare all cases using the Harvard Case Method (Steps 1-5) outlined below. The case will be provided to the student. One will note that the method reflects the real-world Managerial Decision Making Process (Steps 1-6). Students should only use steps 1-5 (and the "post-script" described in the "Please Note:" item following step #5) in preparing a course Case Study Assignment:
1. Define the problem - ask yourself what is the underlying problematic circumstance/situation in the case information? DO NOT identify symptoms of the underlying core problem (issue). This process of problem identification is facilitated by listing all the "problems" you believe exist in the case, then, attempting to detect if there is a "direction" or "trend" in all of the "problems" you've identified. If there is such a "direction" it probably identifies one underlying problem (issue) that all the identified "problems" point toward while unifying all the "problems." This should result in a statement that embodies the "root" underlying problem. By dealing with this problem (issue) all the "problems" you identified earlier, are solved as well. Typically, that statement of problem is a more broadly stated matter than any singular, previously identified "problem." Additionally, in order to start the thought process called for in a case study analysis for the benefit of the case analyst, reader/presenter, the problem must be stated in the form of a question that asks one to solve the problem. For example, "How can XYZ company (accomplish the solution to some problem) ..... ?
2. Gather pertinent facts - list the facts that relate only to the problem statement.
3. Develop/propose alternative solutions - list all the ways that the problem could be dealt with in order to bring about a solution.
4. Analyze/evaluate pros and cons of each alternative solution - list the pros and cons (advantages and disadvantages) you can predict could result from each possible alternative if chosen and implemented as the solution to the problem (decision).
5. Make a decision and defend your choice - make a statement of your decision (one of the previously stated alternative solutions), i.e., the alternative solution that emerges, based upon your analysis, as the best. This is your decision. State your reason(s) for choosing this alternative solution for implementation as your decision. The best way to defend your decision is to state why you did not choose the other available alternative solutions.
Please Note: Students should include a "post-script" to the case which gives a brief description of the state of the firm - ideally related to the problem identified in the case study assignment - to conclude their case analysis.
6. Implementation and Feedback - is the final step in the Managerial Decision Making Process (not included in the case method because this cannot be performed in the classroom setting). In real life decision-making, we evaluate the results of our implemented decision and make corrections (managerial control) in our decision and strategy implementation if we see that the decision we made is not solving the problem we have identified. This may require a partial review (and revision - as may be called for) of the decision, or a complete reevaluation of the problem.
Case Study Questions:
1. Select and describe a prominent public official or CEOand in detail explain which of the seven skills they possessor lack?
2. Which of the seven skills do you feel you possess themost. Of those not selected, what steps do you need totake as an individual to develop them?
3. Relate three of the seven skills to an industry andexplain why those specific skills are most important forthat specific industry?
4. In regards to skill number six, pick a project /situation where one or more of these problems arose andexplain how these problems could have been prevented? Also,could other skills have been used to prevent the problem from happening?
5. Did you enjoy the case study, please include lessonslearned and dis-likes within your response.