Managerial Communication

MC1-S-02

Problem Solving by Case Methodology

M.S.Rajagopalan

Importance of Problem Solving

• Every business has its objectives - e.g. to generate revenues and profits • Objectives could be thwarted by problems or issues • Problems/issues could relate to manpower, money, material or other factors • Managers at various levels need to tackle these problems and issues - and solve problems

MSR - PGP - MC 01 - S 02

Importance of Problem Solving

• Problems could be either apparent or may be clouded by peripheral issues • The Manager has to separate wheat from chaff • The higher the level (of management), the more holistic would be the approach, and therefore, the solution

MSR - PGP - MC 01 - S 02

Importance of Problem Solving

• Solutions need approval from ‘above’

– [Senior Managers, Directors, Shareholders…]

• Solutions also need a ‘buy-in’ from peers and subordinates • Thus the challenge is two-fold

– Arriving at sound problem-solving decisions – Communicating the decisions in a convincing manner

MSR - PGP - MC 01 - S 02

What you should learn

• How to approach and analyse decision situations and make problem-solving decisions • How to communicate problem-solving decisions in written form Clarity of thinking Clarity of writing

Clarity of communication

MSR - PGP - MC 01 - S 02

What is a Case?

• A factual account of the events and organizational circumstances relating to a managerial situation

• Not written as a figment of the writer’s imagination, but derived from real-life experience

MSR - PGP - MC 01 - S 02

Why Cases?

• Simulate real-life problems from the business world • Help in developing analytical and judgmental skills in a variety of managerial situations • They are exercises in learning by doing • Not a ‘back-of-the-book’ right answer situation

MSR - PGP - MC 01 - S 02

The Case Methodology

• The process is more important than the solution • The writing is equally important – Sharing your thought process...