How to Analyse a Case Study

ANALYSING THE CASE STUDY

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The purpose of the Case Study is to let you apply the concepts of Strategic Management when you analyse the issues facing a specific company. To analyse a Case Study therefore, you must examine closely the issues confronting the company. To do so, follow these instructions:

1. READ THE CASE SEVERAL TIMES – once to grasp the overall picture of what is happening to the company, and then several times more to discover and grasp the specific problems.

2. Within your group, assign members to do the following:

a) ANALYSE THE COMPANY’S HISTORY, DEVELOPMENT & GROWTH: The History, Development and Growth of the company over time must be studied and analysed.

In doing so, chart the critical incidents in the company’s history which were unusual and which have been most essential for its development. Some of these events may have to do with its founding, its initial products, how new-product decisions are made and how it developed and pursued specific functional competencies, Also important is information on how the company entered business and if there have been any shifts in its main lines of business. Important milestones would also be noted.

b) UPDATE THE CASE: Update recent developments: Consult the Internet, and/or carry out one –on –one- interviews with a knowledgeable company representative so as to update information on your case in all the aspects noted for Case Analysis.

c) SWOT ANALYSIS: Carry out a SWOT ANALYSIS by examining and identifying the Company’s internal strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and threats that exist in the external environment.

S/W: In identifying the strengths or weaknesses use all the incidents you have charted to develop an account of the company’s strengths and weaknesses that have emerged historically. Examine each of the...