"A Guide to Case Analysis"

“A Guide to Case Analysis” is a management article meant to introduce students and instructors to the relevance of using case study as a tool for learning. Case approach methodology is a method of integrating actions into learning activities. As the author asserts, students and teachers can tap several benefits by adopting the case studies approach of learning. Similarly, the article affirms that in addition to benefiting the students undertaking business courses, the whole learning fraternity gains from this system of learning.

Citing professor Charles’ studies on a student who had no exposure to cases, the author suggests that the teaching by lectures and their advices, especially on management, are insignificant without the inclusion of case studies (Thompson, 2012). Citing the managerial challenges as requiring unique approaches and solutions, the author argues that cases are the only way through which students can nature their ability of tackling real life challenges. The author asserts that the case study approach has five vital benefits. These include increasing the understanding of appropriate management and building skills in exploiting an individual’s weakness and strengths to drive companies to a competitive edge. In my view, case studies enhance an individual’s judgment in relation to business management as the individual benefits from the varied exposure acquired during visits to different companies while undertaking case studies.

In the article, the author does not only advocate for the case studies, but also guides the instructors on how to design an effective case for a class discussion. Contrary to the class course preparation, the article indicates that case approaches need thorough preparation before a class session (Thompson, 2012). As a student, I have learned from the article how thorough-case preparation ensures effective delivery by instructors and the students’ comprehension of the case study cited. Similarly, the instructor’s thorough research and review of the case of concern will ensure that a sound and reasonable discussions prevail during class discussion.

To achieve this objective, the article outlines detailed steps which should be followed by instructor (Thompson, 2012). Students are first required to skim the selected case in order to obtain an overview of the subject. An instructor should then ensure that the students read the case focusing more on the facts that will help them later in answering their case questions. Thereafter, the students should cautiously review their exhibits while deciding on their preferred strategic issues as identified in the case study. Afterwards, the author affirms that the students should commence their analysis with number crunching. Through the number crunching technique, students should calculate the financial analysis of their case study (Thompson, 2012). As a learner, through this process, I can appreciate the purpose of my study and add sense to the whole task. As strategic analysis requires more of opinions, students are required to apply the concepts developed from the study. As the students engage in their strategic analysis, their instructor should ensure that they identify the conflicting opinions and help them in their analysis. To validate on their studies, students are required to support their concepts and the diagnosis developed in the case study with substantiated reasons and evidence. Lastly, the author notes that the students, with the help of their instructor, should develop a comprehensive action plan as they set up their appropriate recommendations.

Towards the end of his article, the author illustrates how instructors and students should prepare their written case analysis (Thompson, 2012). Just like the other approaches of case study, the author outlines steps guiding learners in their endeavor. Among these steps are identification, analysis or evaluation, and the establishment of an action plan comprising of the case recommendation. After completing writing their case analysis, students should prepare an oral presentation. The instructor decides on the most appropriate approach to the oral presentation. Thus, he or she can engage the whole class or let the students present their findings in groups. Lastly, in the article, the author encourages learners to use online resources to identify some of their prospective companies. In general, the author’s article affirms the importance of case studies for me as a learner.