Step 1:
Read the case lightly at first to get a general feel, then read it again and again before beginning your analysis. The purpose of reading the case multiple times is to become familiar with the case, not to find a magic answer hidden like an Easter egg in the text. There isn’t one.
Step 2:
After you’ve read the case like a story, now read it closely with your analytical hat on. Ask yourself, “What are the most important facts?” This is not a trivial task. Cases are loaded with facts; your challenge is to separate out the most important ones.
Step 3:
Do a basic SWOT analysis: strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Do this both for the internal environment of the organization and the external environment. If this is a company analysis — as compared to an industry, for example — what is the current corporate strategy?
Step 4:
Identify the relevant problem or problems.
Step 5:
Come up with alternative courses of action, and evaluate each.
Step 6:
Recommend a course of action. Specify how the solution is to be implemented. Be prepared to deliver a defense of your analysis in class.
