Here’s the condensed version of the shred case analysis process, which you will use as a roadmap to writing thecommunication deliverable: a memo, report, performance appraisal, news release or other piece. In class we will analyze
case problems with a process known as “The Problem Solving Sequence,” developed by John Dewey and discussed in
O’Rourke, Appendix A, “Analyzing A Case Study,” pp 248-253.
In short:
1. Determine the problem,
2. Identify and analyze key facts and underlying assumptions
3.
List 2 possible solutions, with pros and cons for each solution
4.
Select and defend the best solution
5.
Detail implementation of the solution
5-Part Case Analysis
Condensed Shred Process
Part 1: Define the case problem.
WHO is the decision maker (include title and company), WHAT is the underlying problem and a little background about the
case (context) and the decision maker’s goal in solving the problem (what does he/she need to do solve the problem), WHY
does he/she need to address this now (what would happen if he/she doesn’t address the problem), and WHEN does he/she
need to address it (urgency).
Write the problem statement in 1 sentence.
Part 2: Consider facts & underlying assumptions.
.
Part 3: List the possible solutions to the problem. (Limit list to 2)
Do nothing is always one of the options.
Consider two good viable solutions.
What are the criteria that must be met in order to accomplish the solutions?
List the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
List significant facts and events; disregard irrelevant information.
Include all information you need to understand the problem.
Are the underlying assumptions about the facts realistic and reasonable?
Distinguish between fact, inference and opinion.
Part 4: Select the best solution and prepare to defend it.
Show how the solution will solve the problem.
Use logic and reasoning from the case to support your recommendation.
Support your position with evidence and opinions from the case.
Match the selected solution against the criteria.
.
Part 5: Decide how to implement the solution through a plan of action.
What specific actions are needed?
What is the timeline and resources?
.
Who are the people involved?
What is the impact of the solution on the organization?
How will you measure the expected results?
Communicate findings through a memo or report.
There is no one correct format to prepare a written case analysis.
Select a format that is appropriate for purpose, audience, and situation.
You will write each Case Analysis in the following format utilizing the correct section headings (Page 2):Name
Date
Problem Statement
Define and state the business problem specifically.
Case Analysis
Purpose/Objective
State your purpose (short term and long-term goals) and measurable objective.
Alternative Solutions
Write two alternative solutions (1 paragraph each) to the problem and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages
of each.
Recommended Solution
Recommend the best one solution that will best meet your measurable objective.
Action Steps
State the immediate action steps the reader can take to get the ball rolling.Name:
Criteria:
C
CONTENT/ CASE:
completeness, case
understanding
L*
LITERACY: grammar, spelling,
punctuation
A
AUDIENCE: “you” attitude;
awareness of reader’s needs
S
STRATEGY: purpose,
effectiveness of approach,
professionalism, means used.
Writer solves the problem.
S
STYLE:
a) tone, word choice, clarity,
conciseness, fluidity
b) document design
This is what your grade
would mean at work.
BUSINESS WRITING PROGRAM’S C-L-A-S-S EVALUATION CHART
Very Poor
Misinterprets case
assignment; makes major
factual errors; misses two
or more elements of the
case.
Makes numerous, serious,
grammatical or syntactical
errors; frequently misspells
homonyms; fails to run
spell check; exhibits
carelessness.
Lacks audience
awareness. Is rude, hostile,
discourteous, or insulting to
the reader.
Presents a disorganized,
unprofessional document.
Projects a negative image
of the writer and of the
organization.
a) Uses garbled style.
Plagiarizes.
b) Format interferes with
readability.
Document:
Your position is in
jeopardy.
Poor
Misses one major element
of the case; leaves out
essential information; some
minor factual errors.
Makes disruptive
grammatical/
syntactical errors such as
run-ons, fragments,
unintelligible sentences.
Writer-focused; lacks you
attitude, positive emphasis,
awareness of reader’s
information needs.
Is unclear about purpose;
unclear topic sentences,
arrangement of ideas, and
transitions.
a) Writes in a notably
awkward manner: misuses
words and idioms; uses
slang; wordy; uses some
borrowed language.
b) Imbalanced or cluttered
design.
The boss is scrutinizing
your work for improvement.
Average
Handles case material
competently; includes essential
information; factually correct.
Writes generally correct prose;
occasionally fails to catch minor
grammatical errors.
Is polite; does not slight the
reader. Uses positive
emphasis.
Is clear; correctly uses the
“checklist” approach; makes no
serious false step; gets the job
done.
a) Writes serviceable prose;
uses active voice, strong,
action verbs; rarely uses jargon
or clichés.
b) Readable format.
The boss judges this document
acceptable subject to minor
revisions.
Comment:
*Literacy is a threshold category. You must earn a “C” in literacy to receive a passing grade on your assignment.
Good
Handles all elements of the
case with skill; develops and
supports ideas in a better-than-
average way.
Proofreads well enough to
eliminate most grammatical
errors; may have minor
problems with punctuation or
usage.
Is courteous; addresses
readers’ needs and/or
concerns; makes no
unreasonable demands.
Employs good strategy; finds a
fresh way of solving the
problem; effective sequencing
of ideas.
a) Writes clearly, concisely, and
coherently; employs syntactical
variety with general success.
Creates a friendly, business-
like, positive style.
b) Design helps readers find
the information they need.
Your job promotion is probable.
Excellent
Handles all elements of the
case professionally; develops
and supports ideas using well-
chosen examples and creative
details.
Makes virtually no grammatical
or syntactical errors.
Establishes credibility with the
audience.
Reader-focused; addresses
readers’ questions and/or
objections; creates goodwill.
Adopts strategy to achieve
desired outcome; clearly
defines purpose and uses
logical and/or emotional appeal
effectively.
a) Demonstrates a
sophisticated grasp of the
language; writes in a fluid
manner; varies syntax and
vocabulary; uses original
language.
b) Design helps readers
understand and remember
information.
Your job promotion is ensured.Problem Statement
Present the Problem: The problem statement needs to only present the problem of the case. Make sure
to stay away from other aspects of this, such as providing input that has to do with opinion,
consequences, or even details from the case that do not have to do with the problem statement. Please
make sure to review the “Case Analysis – Problem Statement” PowerPoint Lecture from Week 1. A good
example of a problem statement would be: “Due to its top-down management approach and talent
poaching, GlaxoSmithKline is having difficulty retaining young talent necessary to fill senior leadership
positions that are being made available as more Baby Boomers retire.”
Purpose/Objective:
Discuss Outcome & Deeper Analysis: You need to have a deeper analysis for the objective/purpose
portion of the case analysis. This part of the case analysis helps build your case for the recommended
solutions you provide. Make sure the objective discusses the desired outcome of what the organization
should do. In this case, the objective does not clearly state that. In Step #4 of the Case Analysis Shred
(Expanded)” document, it discusses how you need to think about feasible/desired outcomes, as if you
were a consultant asked to participate in solving the business problems. Don’t restrict yourself to just
thinking what the company ought to do, rather consider the most successful and desired outcome.”
Solutions:
More Details: Make sure to discuss the solution in detail so that the reader understands exactly what
needs to happen. You need to be specific when discussing the solutions, and you need to discuss criteria
that must be fulfilled to accomplish the solution. Make sure to list pros and cons.
Recommended Solution
More Details: Need to have more details here. Show why the ideas you thought superior will work. Use
logic and reasoning as evidence. Be as specific as possible as the defense of your ideas lies in the details.
Please make sure to review Step #8 in the “Case Analysis Shred (Expanded)” document from week 1.
Action Steps
More Details: Having solid ideas are not enough, you must know how to put them to work.
Implementation of your solution requires a plan of action. Identify the required, specific actions,
timeline, resources, and personnel, impact on the organization. The reader needs to understand what
they need to do to move forward to implement your solution.
Measuring Results: You need to discuss how to measure the results so that the company can see if the
action steps are working.
Additional Notes
Concise: You need to be a bit more concise in your writing in the case analysis. Try to shorten sentences
to be more concise, but do not take away from the point you are conveying.