""Case analysis: A case is a description of a business situation usually involving one or more problems.

""Case analysis: A case is a description of a business situation usually involving one or more problems. This discussion will (1) give the reasons for the case analysis; (2) suggest a format for case analysis; (3) show different ways of using a case; (4) show that analysis and synthesis of cases are important; and (5) point out some typical problems students may encounter in the analysis of cases.Format of case Analyses: Most cases in the textbook have questions at the end; however, some cases may not have any questions. Certainly these stimulate discussion and help students, especially those with no prior analysis experience to get started. However, answering these questions alone will likely cause one to omit part of the solution; therefore, it is highly recommended students use the following steps to insure the solution is complete:1. Identify all relevant issues; state your assumptions if necessary. (At this step, the emphasis is on getting an overview of all issues involved. Although this will often involve problems, we prefer the term “issue” because non-problems sometimes also have an important bearing on the analysis. Furthermore, problems are also opportunities.)2. Identify or select the most important issue or issues. (This involves narrowing down the issues to one or a few choices.)3. Determine the cause(s) of the issue or issues.4. Propose and evaluate several alternative actions designed to “solve” the most important issue(s).5. Select the best alternative.6. State how and when the recommendations should be implemented.A word of caution should be voiced. This format is very useful for most short cases. However, these steps may be insufficient for the very long and complex cases. The student may have to supplement the analysis with assumptions.Analysis and Synthesis of Cases. Although analysis is emphasized in connection with the case method, synthesis should not be neglected. Analysis involves breaking down the situation into parts, identifying facts relevant to the issues (problems), classifying the issues, and determining important facts through deductions and inferences. Synthesis on the other hand, involves creatively structuring the issues, problems, facts, and analyses into a comprehensive picture. It also requires the development of goals, plans, strategies, and tactics resolving the issues in the case. In short, what is needed is analysis and synthesis of each case.Typical Problems with the Case Method. Despite the valuable learning experiences gained through case analysis, students will encounter problems. Here are some:1. Perhaps one of the most common mistakes by students being introduced to case analysis is that they rehash the case. What is required is an analysis of the facts in the case -- not recounting. Therefore, “Be analytical!”2. Often, students deal with symptoms and ignore the causes of the problem. For example, all too often communication is cited as a problem, while the real cause may be the organization structure, the information system, or interpersonal problems.3. Students may tend to discuss problems in isolation, overlooking their interrelatedness. For example, introducing a Management by Objectives program usually requires changes in other systems such as strategic planning, appraisal and compensation systems.4. Students often omit stating the assumptions underlying their analysis.5. The practical limitations and constraints may be overlooked in the situation. For example, a recommendation to terminate the entire top management team is probably unrealistic.6. Another problem is a poor integration of the facts in the case with concepts, principles, and theories in the textbook.7. Finally, recommendations are too often not spelled out in detail and a timetable for implementing them is not given. Also, recommended courses of action are often not feasible.Despite these problems and the frustrations encountered by students who analyze their first case, this teaching method, when used as a supplement to traditional teaching, can certainly enhance the students’ learning experience. Additionally, you will find this skill will promote your growth and confidence in your decision making.Maximum for this work is 5 pages but don't have minimum