case study

Grading Criteria for Individual Case Memos

You will choose 2 cases to analyze and for each one, you will submit a case memo that is a maximum of 2 pages, single-spaced. This memo is designed to succinctly demonstrate to me that you understand the case and can use critical thinking skills to assess/address the true problem(s). Two pages is purposefully limiting and leaves little room for descriptive information that does not show critical thinking. This will be a common problem when you make a presentation to your boss, you need to convey the key analysis and recommendations in a concise but thoughtful way.

Note: Be sure to focus on the assigned step of the critical thinking model.

Your case memo will be evaluated with the following criteria in mind. Each section is evaluated on a 5 point scale (where 1= significantly below expectations, 3=met expectations, and 5 = excellent).

1. Problem statement (10%)

Rating criteria:

5 = Succinct and very articulate statement of problem and result of steps leading up to focus step. Tells how this is important for current analysis. Clear statement of who focal individual is.

3 = Decent identification of a problem, but little justification of why this information is important.

1 = Insufficient discussion of the problem, and little to no justification for investigating the problem.

2. Analysis of problem (focus step) (70%)

Rating criteria:

5 = Clear divergent and convergent thinking. Outstanding but succinct analysis of relevant information; insightful analysis and integration of information from case and class to support your choices and/or intended action. All aspects of the case are excellently addressed for the assigned step.

3 = Sufficient description of the individual/company, but largely described this information rather than using it to think critically about the challenge being faced. Some important aspects of the case may have been overlooked.

1 = Insufficient understanding of the individual/company and the problem. No critical thinking demonstrated and many important aspects of the case were overlooked.

3. Next Steps (10%)

Rating criteria:

5 = Clearly summarize key next steps and potential pitfalls.

3 = Some next steps, but lacks precision and misses important elements.

1 = Little or no consideration of how to continue the critical thinking process.

4. Grammar/Presentation (10%)

Rating criteria:

5 = Excellent writing and professional presentation of the paper. Succinct, clear writing and very few (if any) grammatical errors.

3 = Met writing & presentation expectations with some grammatical or typing errors. Writing was sufficiently clear to get the point.

1 = Did not meet writing & presentation expectations; several grammatical errors and/or very unclear writing. Unclear on what points were being made.