“Management In Action”:
A case study is an in-depth exploration of one particular case (situation or subject) for the purpose of gaining a depth of understanding into the business/management issues being investigated. It is a written or recorded, detailed analysis of some targeted management issue for the purpose of noting success or failure to be used as a benchmark for education, research, and/or planning.
The point of this assignment is to link theory and practice. Business and Management Case Studies present specific, real-life examples of the strategies and tactics used by leading international businesses or companies to succeed globally. Your case study team will apply the theories and concepts learned to the analysis of a selected case study.
The Assignment:
• Select your group (maximum 3 students per group). Skim the chapters and case studies listed below. As a team, decide which case study you will evaluate.
• Your team will analyze the case based on management principles from your textbook, related research/readings, class discussion, and your accumulated knowledge from experience. Your team should be able to analyze the case with at least three theories/concepts. Be sure to include at least three theories/concepts in your final paper.
• These cases, like the real world, do not have one “right” solution. Instead, students shoA???answer the questions based upon the information given and make the necessary assumptions to justify your stated theories/concepts. Be sure and identify the assumptions you make as you link them to the theory/concept.
• Your team will work together to complete the team case study. It is every member’s responsibility to communicate regularly and timely with his/her team members. If a team member does not fulfill his/her role, another member of your team is responsible for completing the assignments of the nonparticipating team member. Allow your team member adequate time to complete their tasks before “jumping in” to do his/her work. On the other hand, do not procrastinate in completing your assignments – causing others to wonder if you intend to be responsible. Bottom Line: Exhibit true “team” behaviors and characteristics while working with your team and you should not have any problems.
• Each team member will be required to complete and submit a team member evaluation form for each member of the team and for themselves. This is a very important piece of the process. Team members’ may see things differently and I ask that members do not discuss or share their evaluations with their team members. Every team member has the right to evaluate as they see the process and the members.
• If you have any questions about the case study assignment, contact the instructor immediately so as not to hinder the team’s progress.
As a team, choose one of the following:
Ch 2 p. 63-64 Boeing Focuses on Its Operations & Supply Chain to Improve
Productivity & Meet Deadlines
Ch 4 p. 126-127 Elektrobit Corp. Strives to Make Foreign Assignments A Good Experience
Ch 5 p. 150-151 Will GM’s Strategic Plan Lead to Future Success?
Ch 7 p. 223-224 Companies Recognize Mistakes in an Attempt to Increase Creativity & Innovation
Ch 8 p. 257-258 Verizon is Creating a Culture That Focuses on Shareholder Value
Ch 11 p. 369-371 Steve Job’s Personality & Attitudes Drove His Success
Ch 12 p. 405-407 School Officials from Marshall Metro High School Attempt to Motivate Students & Teachers to Achieve Higher Performance
General Guidelines to analyzing a case study:
1. Read the case quickly the first time… as if reading for enjoyment?
2. Reread the case…this time use critical thinking skills, thinking about the following:
a. Define the situation in terms of either a problem case that needs improving or an effective case that successfully uses management principles. Either way, state the situation in principles of management terms & provide backup rationale.
b. Outline the probable reasons of the situation you defined in “a” above. On what basis did you use to reach your conclusion from “a” above?
c. If information is incomplete, which is likely to be, make realistic assumptions.
d. Write the analysis (answers to questions) using the theories/concepts to explain your conclusions. Consider what textbook principles, behaviors, theories, practices, or concepts are identified in your case. Remember you must include at least three concepts in your final paper.
e. Go over the case again. Make sure the questions at the end of the case are thoroughly answered, and make sure your solution is efficient, feasible, ethical, and legally defensible.