Managing Under Uncertainty

Why Case Study Analysis
Life is a Case Study, but it doesn’t come with a manual or specific
questions. Understanding case study analysis enables you to ask
relevant questions, identify the root cause of problems, and select a
solution with optimal payoffs/results.
Benefits of Case Study Analysis
Problem identification – First step in making quality decisions
Improve analytical skills
Improve problem solving skills
Offers an opportunity for applying Decision Theory
Etc.
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Approach
to Case
Study
Analysis
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Read the case study for the first time without
judgement.
Read the case study again and identify decision issues/
problems.
Ask what caused each of the identified decision
issues/problems, their effect on the overall decision.
Determine the root cause for the identified decision
issues.
Make recommendations on how to address the root
cause, and the identified decision issues.
Note: Always interpret identified issues in Decision
Theory terms.
Root Cause Analysis: Illustration
Step Three
Root Cause(s)
Step Two
Cause and Effect
Step One
Decision
Issues/Problems
Step Four
Recommendations
Identify what you
consider is the main
cause for majority of
the identified issues in
Step One.

1. Identify one (or
   two) main root cause.
2. The key is in
   establishing whether
   addressing the root
   cause would solve
   majority of the issues
   and improve the main
   decision in the case
   study.
   Ask what caused the
   identified decision issues/
   problems/symptoms, and
   how they affect the
   decision making process
   in the case study.
   What caused the
   identified
   issues/problems/sympto
   ms?
   How are the issues
   affecting the decision
   making process?
   Start by developing a list of
   questions to help you
   identify all decision
   issues/problems in the case
   study.
3. What decision(s) was
   made? Routine,
   Strategic, or
   Programmed
4. Who made the
   decision(s)? Individual,
   group, organisational.
5. Was the decision(s)
   ethical?
6. Etc.
   Look for all the
   symptoms/indicators of
   poor decision making.
   The recommendations should
   address the root cause, and all
   the identified issues/problems
   negatively impacting the
   decision making process.
   Do not focus on general
   organisation management
   problems in the case study.
   4
   Ask questions until you identify the root cause of the identified problems.
   Example: Identifying the Root Cause
   5
   Framework
   for Presenting
   a Case Study
   Analysis
   Introduction
    Context/background of the case study
    Summary of analysed issues
    Summary of levels of analysis
    Main theories supporting the analysis
   Analysis
    Issue 1
    Issue 2
    Issue 3
    Issue 4
    Root cause of the analysed issues
   Recommendations
   Proposed strategy for addressing the Root Cause –
   support proposal with relevant decision theory
   Strategies for addressing the 4 analysed issues. Include
   examples and relevant decision theory
   Conclusion – Optional
   References (APA 7th edition referencing style)
   6
   Example of Student Post in the
   Discussion Forum
   7
   NB: This example is not accurate, it is an indicator on how to post your findings in the relevant discussion forum.
   Key Notes
   Include a context, summary of issues, and levels of analysis (individual, group,
   organisational, ethical etc.) in the introduction.
   Differentiate between general organisation problems and decision/uncertainty
   and risk issues in the case study.
   Be more specific about the identified decisions/uncertainty and risk issues, since
   they form the basis of your case study analysis.
   Reinforcing decisions, decision making, uncertainty and risk in all the stages of
   case study analysis.
   Clearly state and explain the root cause.
   Ensure that there is a link between the root cause and recommendations.
   Underpin proposed strategy with relevant decision theory to support your
   recommendation.
   Maintain the CSA structure discussed in class: Introduction; Analysis – ending with
   the root cause; Recommendations; Conclusion (optional but important).
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   Finally…
   Given this course is about decisionmaking,
   make smart decisions about
   how you practice for Assessment 3:
   Take-home Case Study Exam.