9 Understanding the Case

Understanding a Client Case

In this chapter, we will explore how to effectively interpret case documents and identify important features of a case prompt. These skills are essential for undergraduate business students working on case study projects, as they provide the foundation for developing insightful and actionable solutions.

How to Interpret Case Documents

Interpreting case documents involves a systematic approach to understanding the information provided. Here are key steps to follow:

1. Read Thoroughly: Begin by reading the entire document carefully to get a general understanding of the case. Pay attention to the introduction, background information, and any summaries provided.
2. Highlight Key Information: As you read, highlight or underline important details such as dates, names, financial figures, and key events. This will help you quickly locate critical information later.
3. Identify the Main Issues: Determine the primary problems or challenges presented in the case. Look for statements that explicitly mention issues or areas of concern.
4. Analyze Data and Evidence: Examine any data, charts, or graphs included in the document. Understand what the data represents and how it supports the case’s main points.
5. Understand the Context: Consider the broader context in which the case is set. This includes the industry, market conditions, and any external factors that may influence the situation.
6. Take Notes: Summarize key points and insights in your own words. This will help reinforce your understanding and provide a reference for later analysis.

Example: If you are interpreting a case document about a retail company’s declining sales, you might highlight information about sales trends, customer feedback, and competitive actions. You would identify the main issue as declining sales and analyze data on sales performance and market conditions to understand the underlying causes.

Identifying Important Features of a Case Prompt

A case prompt provides the framework for your analysis and solution development. Here are the important features to identify:

1. Objective: Determine the main goal or objective of the case study. This could be solving a problem, making a decision, or developing a strategy.
2. Scope: Understand the boundaries of the case. What is included and what is excluded? This helps focus your analysis on relevant aspects.
3. Key Questions: Identify any specific questions or tasks outlined in the prompt. These guide your analysis and ensure you address all required elements.
4. Stakeholders: Recognize the key stakeholders involved in the case. This includes individuals or groups affected by the situation and those who have a vested interest in the outcome.
5. Constraints and Limitations: Note any constraints or limitations mentioned in the prompt. These could be budgetary, time-related, or resource-based and will impact your proposed solutions.
6. Deliverables: Understand what is expected as the final output. This could be a report, presentation, or set of recommendations.

Example: For a case prompt about expanding a product line, you would identify the objective as determining the feasibility and strategy for expansion. The scope might include market analysis and financial projections but exclude detailed operational plans. Key questions could involve assessing market demand and competitive positioning. Stakeholders might include company executives, investors, and customers. Constraints could involve budget limits and timeframes. The deliverable might be a strategic plan with recommendations.

By mastering the interpretation of case documents and identifying important features of a case prompt, you can develop a structured and effective approach to your case study projects. These skills will enable you to provide well-informed and actionable solutions that meet the client’s needs and objectives.