A written analysis of a case is an analytical and evaluative piece of writing" Discuss.

The case study method of teaching management issues and solutions is a crucial component of the modern pedagogy of business schools. A single, welldesigned case study can provide a major challenge to a theory and provide a source of new hypotheses and constructs simultaneously. Students and faculty spend a lot of time finding the perfect answers to the issues raised in a case. A case is a written account of real or simulated problems, dilemmas, and situations calling for solutions. Case analysis is an exercise in critical thinking and understanding of concepts and causes of problems and events. A case can be divided into two parts:

1. Theoretical cases: Case studies that are meant for reading and

clarifying theoretical concepts in a discipline such as management, marketing human relations, communication, and so on are academic case studies. They are used as examples to concretize abstract concepts.

2. Factual cases: Case studies that describe and illustrate an

organizations experience and efforts to overcome different problems and situations are real cases. These cases are based on facts. They present critical management issues with full details of facts and figures. Their analysis requires a systematic approach to identification of the main problem, alternative solutions, and, finally, the best solution.

Characteristics of a case and its analysis: 1. A good case study is based on critical management issues faced by organizations. It does not focus on personal dilemmas. 2. The subject matter of a case can focus on different aspects of management. For instance, a case can illustrate the principles of effective communication and it can also demonstrate techniques in sales and marketing.

3. There are no right or wrong answers to the questions raised by a case

study. The proposed answers or solutions to the problem should be logical. The decision that is finally recommended should keep with the logical framework that is established at the outset of the analysis.

The process of case analysis: The process of case analysis requires methodical study:

Step 1: Study the case. Step 2: Identify the problem. Step 3: Define the problem. Step 4: Identify the cause of the problem.

In linking facts in causal relationships, any assumptions that have been made must be stated clearly. These assumptions form a part of the hypothesis that will be tested for validity. Normally, management views the grapevine negatively because it tends to breach confidentiality and secrecy, and often results in the spreading of false rumors and negative information. A case study does not illustrate the dilemmas of an individual. It presents problems that an organization faces because of the failure of its systems. Case analysis is an exercise in critical thinking and understanding of concepts and causes of problems and events. Therefore, we can say that a written analysis of a case is an analytical and evaluative piece of writing.