• Define and apply key concepts and theories important in the related chapter
• Understand and explain ways these concepts and theories may be applied in your case
• Understand and explain specific concepts and theories as they are illustrated by your case
• Use your case analysis as the basis for “talking points” for use in group discussion of the chapter

Why Cases?

Cases teach us by asking questions rather than delivering answers.

They create different kinds of relationships in the classroom than lecturing can (we become a task-focused group). A case study asks everyone to be present, take risks, participate, critique / defend / challenge ideas. The process helps to foster critical thinking and interaction skills. Many cases offer dilemmas without “right” answers. In fact, no amount of additional information will take you to a “right” answer. Y et real-world problems demand answers.

So, what do we do? In this sense, case offer depictions of real people with real problems and gives us practice in thinking them through, applying and testing theories, and seeing ways that key concepts expressed in various forms of jargon and technical language in textbooks actually occur in daily work-life. Thus, life is a problem-set without a single “right” solution. Success depends on how well we see the issues, how well we develop possible solutions, and how well we weigh potential outcomes. It also depends on how well we can communicate about these.

CONTENT AND PREPARATION REQUREMENTS

Case Analysis

The case study analysis (1.5-2-page report) is to be uploaded to the designated dropbox by the due date. Demonstrate your understanding of the chapter concepts through critical thinking and in-depth analysis of the case (not just quick-fix, simple answers).

Important: Use specific chapter concepts to develop each section of your analysis. Boldface each concept when you use it. Don’t use everyday language or general concepts (e.g., communication problems)

Take time to reflect on the chapter concepts and the case; develop a sound argument to support your analysis and recommendations, citing and quoting your sources as support for major claims and insights.

The following areas should be covered in one to three paragraphs in each section of your Case Analysis in the following order. Provide descriptive headings and sub-headings for each topic and sub-topic.

Case Summary

What are the basic facts and who are the key players or decision-makers in this case, using specific chapter concepts to develop your summary ? Boldface each chapter concept you use.

Which concepts or theories are most relevant to this case? What case elements illustrate this?

Key Players and Stakeholders

If presented in the case: Who seems to be driving the situation – either problem(s) or solutions(s).

What, if any, communication traits or practices described in the chapter are apparent?

Who are the major stakeholders? (Stakeholders are those who have anything to gain or lose.)

How should communication strategies and tactics be developed to meet needs (information and action)?

Major Problems

What chapter-based issues does this case offer for exploration, analysis, and solution using specific chapter concepts to define these? Boldface each chapter concept you use.

From what perspective(s) would you want your colleagues to consider these issues?

Potential Solutions

Possible Courses of Action (at least two considered strategies or tactics.

Note: Do nothing is not an acceptable course of action.

Link specific chapter concepts to each proposed solution. Boldface each chapter concept you use.

Likely Outcome for Each Proposed Course of Action.

Support your projections with a reasoned argument and evidence (if possible).

Link specific chapter concepts to each likely outcome. Boldface each chapter concept you use.

Your Recommendation and Reasoning. (Most important section)

What course of action do you recommend? Be clear, specific and reasonably detailed so that your client or reviewer could implement your plan.

Provide reasoned support for your recommendation, applying specific chapter concepts. Boldface concepts.

FORMAT AND STYLE REQUREMENTS

Format and Style

• Accurate business report format (see guidelines posted to D2L or ask for emailed copy)
• Margins: 1” all around
• Consistency: Format headings and sub-headings as follows:

1^st level headings: ALL CAPS, CENTERED, bold-face type

2^nd level headings: Upper and Lower Case, Centered, underlined Bold-Face Type

3^rd level headings: Flush-left, underlined, bold-face type

• Font options:

Choose one of these serif fonts for text: Times New Roman, Palatino, Cambria, or Calisto

Choose one of these sans serif fonts for tables: Calibri, Franklin Gothic Demi Condensed, Arial

• Proof-read and spell-check for spelling, punctuation, syntax, language choices, formatting

Citation

• APA style –6^th edition and be consistent and accurate for Bibliography and internal cites.