Final Exam Format Essay

FINAL EXAM FORMAT

AN APPROACH TO CASE ANALYSIS AND THE INCIDENT PROCESS:
In preparation to discuss a case in class or to prepare a written case analysis, you should read the case material two or more times: first, quickly read the entire case from beginning to end, to acquire an overview and a general perspective without becoming sidetracked on details. Then study the case to identify and interpret the details and issues involved, making rough notes as you go along.
Finally, synthesize, re-interpret, and evaluate your findings according to the following format:

1. DIAGNOSIS
A somewhat detailed analysis and summary of the background factors, issues, events, actions, and facts leading up to the problem(s) involved in the case or incident. What has been happening that brought about and culminated in the particular difficulties or problems now facing us?

2. FOCAL POINTS FOR ACTION
Identify the gal problems and issues to be resolved. This step is critical: do not be misled or sidetracked by irrelevant details or mere symptoms. (Pigors gives this illustration: "A young man graduated with honors from a top ranking business school. Presumably he should have been well prepared to tackle administrative problems. But he failed to make good on his first job. He rationalized his failure by saying: "lf only someone would give me a problem, l know l could solve it. But all I can see here is a mess!." '

3. DEVELOP ALTERNATIVES
Starting with your definition of the problem(s), identify possible alternative courses of action, and evaluate them in terms of possible consequences, feasibility, practicality, and success.

4. DECISION AND RECOMMENDATION
As a result of your evaluation in step 3, decide upon a course of action. Make a recommendation as to the "best" alternative to be adopted, in your judgment. Recognizing that I there is seldom if ever "one right answer", it is important that your conclusion be supported by adequate, reasonable explanation, evidence, logic,...