Case Study Analysis

Prepare a case analysis of Case 17, Nokia Aims Way Beyond Handsets(PDF).

Closely follow the guidelines in Writing a Case Analysis provided in Unit 1.

The case analysis should be two to three pages long, double spaced. Check for correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, mechanics, and usage. Citations should use APA style.

Writing a Case Analysis

You may view excerpts from this document at the bottom of the page.

 

Case Study Format

 

1.   Background and Overview of the Organization

2.   Analysis and Identification of the Problem(s) (SWOT Analysis)

3.   Statement of Related Assumptions

4.   Alternatives

a.   Identify alternatives

b.   Evaluate each alternative

c.   Recommend the best alternative

5.   Develop Specific Recommendations and Appropriate Rationale

6.   Discussion of Implementation

7.   Summary and Conclusion

8.   Document references in APA format

 

Resources:

 

Go to “Writing a Case Analysis” to read information on writing a case study from Thompson & Strickland, Strategic Management, also by McGraw-Hill.

 

Written Assignments

 

Written analyses are a critical part of most strategic management courses. Each professor has a preferred format for these written analyses, but a number of general guidelines will prove helpful to you in your written assignments.

 

1. Analyze. Avoid merely repeating the facts presented in the case. Analyze the issues involved in the case and build logically toward your recommendations.

 

2. Use headings or labels. Using headings or labels throughout your written analysis will help your reader follow your analysis and recommendations. For example, when you are analyzing the weaknesses of the firm in the case, include the heading Weaknesses. Note the headings in the cases that follow.

 

3. Discuss alternatives. Follow the proper strategic management sequence by (a) identifying alternatives, (b) evaluating each alternative, and (c) recommending the alternative you think is best.

 

4. Use topic sentences. You can help your reader more easily evaluate your analysis by putting the topic sentence first in each paragraph and following with statements directly supporting the topic sentence.

 

5. Be specific in your recommendations. Develop specific recommendations logically and be sure your recommendations are well defended by your analysis. Avoid using generalizations, clichés, and ambiguous statements. Remember that any number of answers are possible and so your professor is most concerned about how your reasoning led to your recommendations and how well you develop and support your ideas.

 

6. Do not overlook implementation. Many good analyses receive poor evaluations because they do not include a discussion of implementation. Your analysis will be much stronger when you discuss how your recommendation can be implemented. Include some of the specific actions needed to achieve the objectives you are proposing.

 

7. Specifically state your assumptions. Cases, like all real business situations, involve incomplete information. Therefore, it is important that you clearly state any assumptions you make in your analysis. Do not assume your professor will be able to fill in the missing points.

 

The strategic management course is your opportunity to assume the role of a key decision maker in a business organization. The case method is an excellent way to add excitement and realism to the course. To get the most out of the course and the case method, you need to be an active participant in the entire process.

 

The case method offers you the opportunity to develop your analytical skills and to understand the interrelationships of the various functional areas of business; it also enables you to develop valuable skills in time management, group problem solving, and creativity, organization of thoughts and ideas, and human interaction.

 

 

GUIDE TO CASE ANALYSIS

Case Analysis:

In most courses in strategic management, students use cases about actual companies to practice strategic analysis and to gain some experience in the tasks of crafting and implementing strategy. A case sets forth, in a factual manner, the events and organizational circumstances surrounding a particular managerial situation. It puts readers at the scene of the action and familiarizes them with all the relevant circumstances. A case on strategic management can concern a whole industry, a single organization, or some part of an organization; the organization involved can be either profit seeking or not-for-profit. The essence of the student’s role in case analysis is to diagnose and size up the situation described in the case and then to recommend appropriate action steps.