Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution.

A case study analysis requires you to investigate a business problem, examine the alternative solutions, and propose the most effective solution using supporting evidence.

Case Study – Management Principles and the Washington, DC Public Schools: Choosing a Chancellor

Preparing the Case

Before you begin writing, follow these guidelines to help you prepare and understand the case study:

· Read and Examine the Case Thoroughly

• Take notes, highlight relevant facts, underline key problems.

· Focus Your Analysis

• Identify two to five key problems.
• Why do they exist?
• Who is impacted?
• Who is responsible for them?

· Uncover Possible Solutions/Changes Needed

• Review course readings, discussions, outside research, and your experience.

· Select the Best Solution

• Consider strong supporting evidence, pros, and cons. Is this solution realistic?

Writing the Case Study Analysis

Once you have gathered the necessary information, a draft of your analysis should include these general sections, but these may differ depending on your assignment directions or your specific case study:

·Introduction

• Identify the key problems and issues in the case study.
• Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis.

· Background

• Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues.
• Demonstrate that you have researched the problems in this case study.

· Evaluation of the Case

• Outline the various pieces of the case study that you are focusing on.
• Evaluate these pieces by discussing what is working and what is not working.
• State why these parts of the case study are or are not working well.

· Proposed Solution/Changes

• Provide specific and realistic solution(s) or changes needed.
• Explain why this solution was chosen.
• Support this solution with solid evidence, such as:

– Concepts from class (text readings, discussions, etc.)

– Outside research

– Personal experience (anecdotes)

· Recommendations

• Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution.
• If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues.