Thursday, September 6, 2007
Senior Business Seminar- Assignment #2
By 7:00 AM on the day of our second class meeting (Tuesday, September 11),write a 2 paragraph letter to a classmate who has never been exposed to the case study method. Tell him or her about your experience in another class that used this method. Identify the steps you go through to analyze a case. Label your entry: CASE STUDY METHOD- YOUR NAME.
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23 comments:
I have always been a fan of case studies in the class room. traditional acadeic courses take a more heoretical approach to course material trying to get you to memorize theories and how they should be used by their creators hundred of years ago. The problem with this is you dont see the result of their usage in the real world. Case studies allow for individual interpretation of a situation based on what results have shown in the past. Every situation is different and results willvary over time not only based on the situation's circumstances but also the social and cultural norms of the society at the time. Studying case studies gives you atleast some basis from which to base your decision making on, while also showing you that two idenical cases can pend different results.
The way i look at case studies is to identify the who why what where and how of the case, and then look at the reult and the reasoning of the individuals actions behind the result. Usually you can find a good explanation of why they decided what they did. From there, I try to look at other cases similiar to the one in questin and do a comparison to further understand their reasonings and see if the norms of society had anything to do with the outcome.
-Drew
The previous is the Case Study Method by Andrew J. Gordon
I enjoy doing case studies. My experience has a been a positive one. I like them because they make situations real. Usually it is real problems that happen at real companies. Another reason I enjoy case studies is that at the end you can come up with your solution and then compare it to what the company actually did. This gives you a base of how on top of things you actually are.
The steps I use to complete a case study are simple. First sum up the case in a short paragraph. In this paragraph include the identification of the problem. Second, write you solution to the problem with some possible ways of going about it. Finally a short conclusion bringing everything together.
CASE STUDY METHOD - Sandra Adams
The use of case studies can be very effective because they use real companies with real problems. They provide insite into problems that have occurred and allow us to find real solutions that work. I believe case studies are one of the best ways to learn because it allows you to think about a real problem problem and create a real solution. It is an adequate preparation for our future in business.
When solving a case study, first you have to read through the whole case. Then you should write a short paragraph summarizing the problems the company is facing. Next you should answer the questions that follow at the end to provide a solution that you believe to fix the problem.
CASE STUDY METHOD- Mallory Clynes
I have enjoyed doing case studies in my previous business classes. I feel that they are a way for you to become active in the business world and understand how to deal with various situations. Everyone interprets things differently and case studies is a way to see how people view themselves in difficult as well as easy situations.
It's quite simple solving a case study. You first have to read the article or study in order to fully understand what the issue is. Then you can interpret the problem and answer any questions that are given. It's better when you put your own opinion in your answers as well and think outside the box.
-Mallory
I enjoy using case studies as a way to futher understanding in the information im dealing with in my study. I personal believe case studies can be one of the most helpful tools if you know how to use them. Case studies use real situations, people, and problems. Which in return, gives you real answers and information.
When searching through case studies i feel that you should find out the main points of the case(the problem, whos involved, dates, etc). Once you find all of these main points, my final step would be to look at the outcome of case and realize what happened. After you have fully understand the case you use look back at those main points you previously picked out before because they will help you in the end to build your own personal decision on the case itself.
Since ive been a business student, Ive always enjoyed using the case study method to futher my knowledge on how certain details work in business. It is a great way for you to realize why thigns happen and how they can be solved. It allows you to take a look futher into a situation that you will be able to reason out for yourself.
When i look at a case study i try to place the who,whats,whens and wheres,this gives you your first step into gathering up quick information on a case. After i've done this i go and read it again to make sure ive collected all the data that is important to fully understand where the case study is going. after rereading the material and drawing up conclusion of my own, i might go and interact with someone else to see what they have found. In the end it all seems to fall into place, if you take the time to carefully think it out.
Case Study Method – Kyle Toelken
Dear Classmate,
During my schooling here at Franklin Pierce I have been through a lot of classes, where the teacher involves case studies in their curriculum. I really like experiencing what case studies have to offer, involving the information that they provide. The information lets you see what other companies, organizations, people and many more went through and what they did when they were faced with that certain problem. It also lets you think of different solutions that the company should have taken or even did take, but went about it in the wrong way.
Case Studies, in my eyes, are defiantly one of the best ways to go about learning different situations that happen in the real world every day. If we learn how to handle real business problems now, then down the road when the situation happens to us first hand we will already know how to go about handling the problem and address it with no circumstances and big fines.
As a 4th year transfer, my experience at Franklin Pierce only dates back one year, but more importantly, has allowed me to compare and contrast the different teaching styles at two uniquely diverse Universities. I was enrolled at Johnson and Wales University for two years as a member of the Entertainment and Event Management field. In that time frame, I was faced with a lot of scenario objectives and case study problems to work on with a close group of peers in a variety of different classes. Whether it be Soc/Psych or Event and Entertainment management class’s, I was hit with some tough situations that companies were faced with, but it enabled me to think through and beyond the imaginable to bring out new prospective, matching my thoughts with others in my group/class. There is an array of creative ways to approach different types of case studies, thus allowing others to work together, as well as comparing and contrasting other classmate’s ideas. The use of case studies can also force you into real situations, but most importantly, learning as you go (the sole reason, me, you, and all of the other students are here for right?).
The first thing you have to do when working on a case is too simply to read it all the way through. Take notes if you have to, but just make sure you have a good understanding of the case from top to bottom. If some of the information is confusing, read it two or three times just to make sure you are aware of the cases important features. After understanding the case, analyze the businesses past history and growth and jot down the key points. Next, identify strengths and weaknesses within the business using the information you noted from the first step. Thirdly, gather information on the external environment the business encounters itself with. Look for the opportunities and threats including competition, bargaining power and threat of substitute products. Then analyze your findings. Compare the strengths and weaknesses to the threats and opportunities. Conclude is you can see a strong competitive situation, as well as identify if there is future success while continuing its current pace.
The Above Comment
Case Study Method by John Garrity
Dear Classmate,
I have had a couple of professors during the time I have been at Franklin Pierce, who used case studies in their classes. Case studies are tools that provide information about real situations that happen everyday in the workplace. These cases really give you an inside look on what problems organizations or companies may be having.
I think they are useful and give you great insight. If you come in contact with one of these problems in your life , you'll have a better understanding and will know how to solve the problem.
The above comment Case Study Method by Nicole Damboise
Adding on to my comments above. The steps in a case study are you identify the problem, collect information about the problem and then give a solution or solutions about problem.
Case studies are not only a very good tool for making the student think but they benefit you in the long run as well. I enjoy doing case studies because it gives me a chance to become a real life problem solver in situations that you might run into later in your career.Case studies are also a very good method for doing research.
Case studies are easy to do but you really need to put your self in the scenario and I think what the best solution for this problem could be. When doing a case study I always read it through thoroughly to have a good understanding of the problem. Next come up with a few different solutions that I beleive would better the situation. Finally answer any questions about the case study given and then state my conclusion.
CASE STUDY METHOD - RONNIE VAJDAK
In other classes we have been required to do case studies along with our classroom learning. The case studies allow us to see how the theories we learn about are applied in real life situations. They also allow us to analyze how the real life cases were handled and how we might take different approaches to solve the problems.
The steps in doing a case study are first to read and understand all of the facts of the situation. Often the case studies include questions about how the situations were handled, what the outcome was, and ask the student to analyze and describe what they would have done differently in the same circumstances. Answering the questions allows students to draw conclusions about the information they learn in class when used in the real world.
As a business student at Franklin Pierce I have been exposed to many case studies. I believe case studies because helps students improve their problem solving skills. Also it helps student communicate their ideas in a team setting. Something which is important in the business world today.
The first step in solving a case study is to read through the case to know what it is about. Then I would read the case a second time to know exactly what the problem is. After I have identified the problem I would my knowledge and ideas to find a solution to the problem/s.
I really like using the case study method, i have used it in a couple of buiness classes, and found it especially effective in one of my law classes. I like it because the cases are usually real situations, and the solutions can be applied to future problems in many companies.
The steps i have used in classes were usually, a personal evaluation, then a small group discussion then a class discussion.
I am a pretty big fan of case studies. I have had them in the past in a law class and in some other management courses. I like case studies because most of them are real situations that i might be able to relate to while being in a working environment, because i have had positive experiences with case studies i am willing to work with them.
Case study method- Eric Yoshikawa
Dearest of friends,
You couldn't believe my shock when I heard that you have never been exposed to a case study method. In several classes they have been used and they have proved to be very effective. The only downside to them is that their is more reading for the definition to THEIR problem. not always the definition to THE problem. My expierence is that they stick in your mind more and remain more memorable.
The important thing to remember is that just because one case study goes one way doesn't make it the concrete rule. It just means that for that example it turned out that perticular way. I find that these are good ways to think up rational ways of dealing with a problem or a case
Eric Y
CASE STUDY METHOD – TYLER BISHOP
Dear Fellow Student,
During my time here at Franklin Pierce as a student I have been gradually introduced to case studies. Through this introduction I have gained the ability to make a better and accurate assessment on issues brought about by each case. In a case study you are presented with information about a subject and with this information you are then guided through a series of events that bring each case to life.
I once had a case study where I had to determine whether or not an injury that was sustained at a facility was actually due to the lack of notification posted. This caused me to look at the basic facts of the case and then dig out information referring to the: who, what, when, where, and whys of the case. Once these questions where asked and answered I then was able to make an appropriate decision on my case. From this research I found that the facility was liable for the girl’s injury because there was in fact a lack of warning for the possible danger or injury that occurred. Through this process I was able to make a conclusion about this case. I particularly enjoy case studies because they are a more hands on way to extract general information and make less bias conclusions or opinions.
Case Study Method- Mike Dombrowski
Dear classmate,
Since I am a business major in the area of Marketing, I have been exposed to the case study teaching approach multiple times in my academic career here at Franklin Pierce University. To me, this is a very useful and popular technique used by many professors. Basically, a case study is a type of learning where you read an excerpt about a company of some kind out of a textbook and look at some of the problems they are having. Once you are finished reading the information given, you need to look at the questions that follow and analyze all of the data and info you have read and see what you would do to help solve these problems the company is having.
The best way of approaching a case study is to first and foremost, of course, read it thoroughly. While doing this you want to make notes and highlight areas of importance. Another important and helpful technique to use is to make a little outline with all the important aspects bulleted. Once it is pretty much summarized and easy to work with you can look at the questions that follow and see how you would approach all the problems the company is having and answer all the questions as thoroughly as possible whether in a group or on your own.
Classmates,
Throughout my experiences with case studies in my pervious classes, I feel that case studies are one of the best learning tools used in business classrooms. I think that they are the best way to make students think in real life business situations rather then listening and doing what the teacher says it they make the student come up with their own solutions to problems within the workplace.
When I work on case studies I read through the case look for the problems, and issues that are to be addressed. I then go through and see which management solutions that would solve the problems and issues that are taking place. My last step is to look ahead and try and predict some of the consequences that may occur from my solutions and pick the best solution to fit the problems and situations.
Case Studies are a very useful tool when it comes to solving problems within a company. Case studies are real time solutions brought out by the details within the case study. There is no right or wrong answer for a case study, everyone has their own approach to solving the problems addressed in case studies.
The steps involved in a case study are easy, first you must read the entire case study carefully paying attention to all details. Then you have to summarize the case and answer questions that follow the case with the solutions that best fit the scenario or problem stated.
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