Solving a Case Study
Solve a Case Study
A case study is a collection of facts and data based on a
real or hypothetical business situation. The goal of a case study is to enhance
your ability to solve business problems, using a logical framework. The issues
in a case are generally not unique to a specific person, firm, or industry, and
they often deal with more than one retail strategy element. Sometimes, the
material presented in a case may be in conflict. For example, two managers may
disagree about a strategy or there may be several interpretations of the same
facts.
In all case studies, you must analyze what is presented and
state which specific actions best resolve major issues. These actions must
reflect the information in the case and the environment facing the firm.
STEPS IN SOLVING A CASE STUDY
Analysis should include these sequential steps:
Presentation of the facts surrounding the case.
Identification of the key issues.
Listing of alternative courses of action that could be
taken.
Evaluation of alternative courses of action.
Recommendation of the best course of action.
Presentation of the Facts Surrounding the Case
It is helpful to read a case until you are comfortable with
the information in it. Re-readings often are an aid to comprehending facts,
possible strategies, or questions that need clarification and were not apparent
earlier. In studying a case, assume you are a retail consultant hired by the
firm. While facts should be accepted as true, statements, judgments, and
decisions made by the individuals in a case should be questioned, especially if
not supported by facts—or when one individual disagrees with another.
During your reading of the case, you should underline
crucial facts, interpret figures and charts, critically review the comments
made by individuals, judge the rationality of past and current decisions, and
prepare questions whose answers would be useful in addressing the key issue(s).
Identification of the Key Issue(s)
The facts stated in a case often point to the key issue(s) facing
a retailer, such as new opportunities, a changing environment, a decline in
competitive position, or excess inventories. Identify the characteristics and
ramifications of the issue(s) and examine them, using the material in the case
and the text. Sometimes, you must delve deeply because the key issue(s) and
their characteristics may not be immediately obvious.
Listing Alternative Courses of Action That Could Be Taken
Next, alternative actions pertaining to the key issue(s) in
the case are listed. Consider courses of action based on their suitability to
the firm and situation. Thus, the promotion strategy for a small neighborhood
stationery store would not be proper for a large gift store located in a
regional shopping center. Proposed courses of action should take into account
such factors as the business category, goals, the customer market, the overall
strategy, the product assortment, competition, legal restrictions, economic
trends, marketplace trends, financial capabilities, personnel capabilities, and
sources of supply.
Evaluation of Alternative Courses of Action
Evaluate each potential option, according to case data, the
key issue(s), the strategic concepts in the text, and the firm's environment.
Specific criteria should be used and each option analyzed on the basis of them.
The ramifications and risks associated with each alternative should be
considered. Important data not included in the case should be mentioned.
Recommendation of the Best Course of Action
Be sure your analysis is not just a case summary. You will
be critiqued by your professor on the basis of how well you identify key issues
or problems, outline and assess alternative courses of action, and reach
realistic conclusions (that take the retailer's size, competition, image, and
so on into consideration). You need to show a good understanding of both the
principles of strategic retail management and the case. Be precise about which
alternative is more desirable for the retailer in its current context.
Remember, your goal is to apply a logical reasoning process to retailing. A
written report must demonstrate this process.
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