Case studies are a reflection of how problems emerge in real life. Management lecturers have developed a simulated way of presenting real life problems in a classroom for learners to learn how to deal with real life situation. At our first lecture on analysis of business problems, the facilitator took us through a guide by guide steps of how to resolve business problems. In solving a case, there is the need for us to restrict ourself to the information provided in the case. Assumptions around the context of the case are usually frown at.
The first step is to understand the context. Understanding context implies that we need to read and understand the specifics of the case. This is like getting to the crux of the matter. A misunderstanding of the context means that the solution that will be eventually provided will be inappropriate to resolving the problems identified in the case. The next step is to define the problem. Definition of the problem is very important because that is the pivot point with which the whole exercise revolves around. It is usually the negativities that have been identified in the case. The problems are those issues that has gone wrong in the case for which we need to provide solution to.
Step three is for us to define the objectives. The objectives are the opposite of the problems. We need to look at the objectives as the positives while the problems are the negatives. This is what we think should be the end result from the problems we have initially identified. The next step is to generate alternatives to meet the objectives defined previously. Alternatives are the options that are available to meet the objectives. These alternatives are usually an array of options that are available for the person responsible for solving the problems to choose from.
Having generated the alternatives, the next steps are to determine the criteria. Criteria are usually analysed based on their weight and priority. Some criteria are more important than other and some are more weighty than others. But the totality of weight and priority for a criterion will determine the ranking of criteria against another one. Once the criteria have been analysed based on the priority and weight, the next step is to make decision based on the already developed criteria. In making decisions, minor assumptions can be made but within the case and these assumptions must be clearly stated in the course of the decision.
The final step is to create an action plan based on the decision made. An action plan is a detailed plan outlining actions needed to reach one or more goals or decision. Alternatively, it can be defined as a sequence of steps that must be taken, or activities that must be performed well, for a strategy to succeed. The need for action plan is to ensure that decisions are not just made but implemented to ensure that such decisions really impact on the entity for which such decision is being made on. These detailed steps have been used in many real-life situations and has stand the test of time and management professional have used these steps to solve problems ranging from simple to complex ones.
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