Case Study Report Writing

The Eight Steps of Problem Analysis
1. Read the Case Thoroughly.
2. Classify and Organize the Information.
3. Define the Central Issue.
4. Define the Firm’s Goals.
5. Identify the Constraints to the Problem.
6. Identify all the Relevant Alternatives.
7. Select the Best Alternative.
8. Development of an Implementation Programme.
Writing a Research Report

A well-constructed written report would be presented in two parts; (1) Executive
Summary, and (2) Main report. Both parts are explained below;
1. Executive Summary: This is a concisely written statement, usually found at the front
of the report that briefly summarizes the major points of the case and it solution. It
should include a specific statement of the central problem, the proposed solution, and a
short explanation of the logic supporting the proposed solution.
2. Main Report: The main report should be organized in three sections, i.e., situation
analysis, the decision process, and implementation plan.
I. Situation Analysis: This section would consist of four Sub-sections; (1) Introduction
to the situation, (2) Statement of Objective(s), (3) Decision problem statement, and (4)
Criteria that would be applied for arriving at the decision.
a) Introduction: Analytical summary of the situation that sets the stage identifies the
protagonists, their positions, intentions and objectives with reference to the larger
objective of the organizational context. The central issue(s) in the case are presented
here. Do not reproduce the case; just assume that anyone reading the report has already
read the case. In a way, this section prepares the reader to begin to anticipate what
other sections are likely to contain. Operating questions such as who, where, what, how
and when, would be useful in developing the analytical summary of the situation. .
b) Statement of Objective(s): A discussion of the principal protagonists, their

expectations and objectives, has to be emphasized here. With reference to the overall
objectives of the organization relevant to the situation under discussion, this sub-
section delineates the objectives) of the decision-maker’; it would be worth
remembering that whereas the objective of the decision maker is being delineated, It
should be so framed as to Include or ls responsive to (as far as practicable) those of the
others In the situational context.
c) Decision Problem Statement: This is the soul of the case analysis report. A decision
problem arises when the organization’s effort at moving in the direction of its objectives
is halted awaiting a decision’. Put another way, a decision problem is one that must be
attended to if the organization has to move forward in the preferred direction (the
preferred direction is Indicated In the statement of objective). However, there could be
instances where the decision maker is so constrained that s/he has no choices. When
there is no choice, there is no decision problem at hand. Decision problem, by definition,
arises when there are choices available to the decision- maker to address the specific
situation confronted. It is good to remember that the quality of and correctness in
identifying the decision problem makes a big difference in the quality of management
process.
d) Criteria for decision making: Criteria are derived from the statement of objectives
identified earlier. The objective(s) could be broad and hence not directly applicable for
evaluation. When the objective(s) Is/are put in operational form, making them
amenable to direct application to distinguish between and evaluate among alternatives,
we have criteria generated. In cases where there are multiple criteria that are relevant,
they are prioritized in order of importance. The priority reflects the objectives as well as
other values held by the decision maker in the organizational context.
II. Decision Process: This section consist of three sub-sections, namely, (1) Generating
alternatives, (2) Evaluation of alternatives, and (3) Choice of an alternative or chosen
decision.
a) Generating alternatives: The alternatives flow out of the decision problem. They
must be directly linked to it. By definition, as we stated earlier, it is the presence of
alternatives (or alternative courses of action) that, in the first place, give rise to the
decision problem. Application of logical as well as creative thinking is a must in
generating the range of alternatives that are Opening to the decision maker.
b) Evaluation of alternatives; every alternative is evaluated by applying every

criterion decided earlier. Assessment of every alternative is developed with respect to
its extent or degree of satisfaction of the criteria. When multiple alternatives satisfy
multiple criteria, some form of rank order is developed by referring to the priorities
assigned to the different criteria indexing is one way of doing so.
c) Choice of an alternative or Chosen decision: The alternative that best meets the
most important and largest number of criteria is the chosen alternative. This becomes
the chosen decision. '
III. Implementation: A programme that will lead to the quick and effective
implementation of the decision should be explained so the reader of the report can see
how the decision will be converted into reality. The best laid out plans could go awry,
either fully or in parts. Pragmatism demands that risks be identified and contingency
plans put in place to address them. Thus the implementation plan would also discuss
the risks involved and the possible ways of addressing them.

Case Study Report Writing

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The Eight Steps of Problem Analysis

1. Read the Case Thoroughly.

2. Classify and Organize the Information.

3. Define the Central Issue.

4. Define the Firm’s Goals.

5. Identify the Constraints to the Problem.

6. Identify all the Relevant Alternatives.

7. Select the Best Alternative.

8. Development of an Implementation Programme.

Writing a Research Report

b) Statement of Objective(s): A discussion of the principal protagonists, their

b) Evaluation of alternatives; every alternative is evaluated by applying every

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