I. Summary of the Facts

This section presents a brief listing of the key facts, with page numbers from the case in parentheses, where appropriate. It should be no more than 1 page in length. Therefore, there is little room for a long-winded presentation of each fact. Important assumptions should also be listed here and labeled as such.

II. Statement of the Problem

This section presents a brief treatment of the major problem or problems, with a concise statement of the major problem or problems you see in the case. This part of your analysis should be no more than 1/2 page in length and may be shorter. Remember: the more problems you identify, the more solutions are likely necessary, or the more complex a given solution might be. Thus, you will want to be careful not to identify too many problems.

Some questions to ask when formulating your definition of the problem:

1. Have I identified the basic problem(s) or am I dealing with the symptoms?

2. If I identified more than one problem, are they separate or related?

3. Am I putting myself in the manager’s shoes and looking toward future actions?

III. Causes of the Problem

This section provides a detailed analysis of the causes of the problem(s) you identified in section II. It should be no more than 1 page in length. A major objective is to illustrate clearly how you are using course concepts to better understand the causes of the problem. Show that you are applying course material; where appropriate, it is useful to include in parentheses a page number or other reference.

Some questions to ask when writing about the causes of the problem:

1. Have I applied the appropriate course material?

2. Do the causes I identified relate to the problem(s) stated in section II?

3. When I draw conclusions or make assumptions, do I support these conclusions or assumptions with a sentence from the case, a quote or paraphrase from the readings, or an example from class?

IV. Possible Solutions

This section indicates the number of possible solutions. It should be no more than 1 page in length. Each solution must also list the related pros and cons (strong and weak points).

V. Solution and its Implementation

This section outlines your recommended solution to the problem(s). It should be no more than 1 page in length. The solution is one, or a combination, of the possibilities listed in section IV. Specifically state what must be done, by whom, with whom, and in what sequence. In short, it includes not only what to do but also how to do it.

Some questions and concerns to keep in mind when writing your solution and implementation sections:

1. Have I indicated an awareness of the problem of implementation (the how aspect)?

2. Have I been too general?

3. Does my solution and implementation address the problems and causes identified in the previous sections? Does my solution take into account the pros and cons listed earlier?

VI. Justification

This section or your analysis tells why, using course concepts, your solution and implementation work. It should be no more than 1 page in length. A major objective of this section is to clearly show how you are applying course concepts to arrive at a workable solution and implementation to the problem you identified. Please stress the application of course concepts!

Some questions to ask when writing your justification section:

1. Have I applied the appropriate course material?

2. Do I support my conclusions with appropriately referenced facts, quotes, and explanations from the case, readings, and class activities?

3. Does my justification recognize the pros and cons listed earlier?

VII. End-of-Case Questions

This section addresses the questions found at the end of each case. It should be 1 to 2 pages in length.