Case Analysis Outline

Adapted from William Ellet, The Case Study Handbook: How to Read, Discuss, and Write Persuasively About Cases (Harvard Business School Press)

I. Situation (need to know in order to ask the right questions) II. Questions

1. What’s the problem? 2. What are the decision options? 3. Who or what is being evaluated?

a. What’s at stake? b. What’s the most important criteria for this sort of evaluation?

III. Hypothesis 1. Tentative explanation that accounts for the set of facts/situation 2. Can be tested by further investigation 3. Which do you have most confidence in? 4. Your Arguments 5. Expresses WHY

IV. Position 1. Expresses a conclusion 2. Answers WHAT

V. Proof & Action 1. Prove something, not look for something to prove

a. Supporting evidence for your position b. Persuade

2. Action Plan a. HOW would you implement the decision you’re recommending?

i. Short-term ii. Long-term

b. What are the risks? i. Discuss main risk & measures to manage

VI. Alternatives 1. Every position has a weakness

a. What’s the strongest alternative to your position? i. Problem

1. Can you define the problem differently? ii. Decision

1. What’s the biggest downside to your recommended decision? iii. Evaluation

1. What’s another way to evaluate your overall assessment? b. What’s the weakest alternative to your position?

i. Brief statement (1-2 lines) VII. ConclusionPlease read case study, and then use the outline to write a 5 page case analysis.