Assignment:
Provide a simplified version of the 7 points covered in the Written Analysis tips. Below
Example: Package your shipment carefully by keeping the package squarely in front of you.
Your response: Place package directly in front of you.
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.