For the case, The Oil Industry, Podolny, J. and Roberts, J. (Harvard Business SchoolPublishing Product # IB15).
CASE ANALYSIS (INDIVIDUAL) For the three cases in your package, please provide a comprehensive analysis (not a summary). A typicalformal case analysis might follow these guidelines:Statement of problem or problem(s) facing the firm. State the problem(s) clearly andsuccinctly. Explain why you believe it (or they) is important. Include information on conceptsfrom the course as needed.Summary of the situation/analysis of issues. This is the section in which you may use tools suchas a SWOT analysis or other analytical tools. Discuss only the information most relevant to thecase. Remember that any analytical tool you use should demonstrably achieve some insightsthat will help you to make a final recommendation. This is the meat of your analysis and willdemonstrate your thinking and depth of understanding of the case and course material.Strategic alternatives and recommendations for strategy. Present a set of strategic alternatives,evaluate them, and then decide which is (are) best. This will be your recommendation. Yourrecommendation should follow logically from the statement of the problem and the situationanalysis. I don't have to agree with your recommendation for you to get a good grade, but Ineed to see the logical flow and justification clearly.Your analysis should be professional and not exceed three pages, single spaced. Keep repetitionof case material to a minimum, focus on analysis.Please try and keep to the three pages.
1) This is a recommendation that I think applies to most cases. You are asked to answer three areas regarding the case. It will sometimes help to have a "brief" introduction or summary to your case but be careful of the page constraint. When I say summary it could be a short paragraph on emerging markets may alter the picture or are impacted.
2) References will always enhance your analysis. Please be careful in your citations.