Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Session 11
Case Analysis

A Video-Lecture by the Institute of Public Development and Management Studies at the Ethiopian Civil Service University

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Contents
Definition of a case Benefits of case analysis Approach of case analysis Presenting case analysis

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Guiding questions
What is a case analysis What are the benefits of analyzing a case How to analysis a case What is format of case analysis report

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Case Analysis
What is a 'case'? Case is a narrative, situation or statement that present unresolved and provocative issues, situations or questions A case is a scenario that gives the students the opportunity to identify problems and recommend a course of action in a real situation.

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Benefits of analyzing a case

It brings real world problem into a class room Help students develop analytical and judgment skills Challenge participants to:
analyze Make judgment Speculate and express reasoned opinion

It also improve communication skill of the students

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Approach of a Case Analysis

Understanding the case

In general--determine who, what, how, where and when (the critical facts in a case). In detail--identify the places, persons, activities, and contexts of the situation. Recognize the degree of certainty/uncertainty of acquired information.

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Approach of a Case Analysis

Identifying the core problem in the case

List all indicators (including stated "problems") that something is not as expected or as desired Ensure that symptoms are not assumed to be the problem (symptoms should lead to identification of the problem).

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Approach of a Case Analysis

Conducting the Analysis

Decide which ideas, models, and theories seem useful. Apply these conceptual tools to the situation. As new information is revealed, cycle back to sub steps

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

Approach of a Case Analysis

Exploring alternative solutions
Specify and prioritize the criteria used to choose action alternatives. Discover or invent feasible action alternatives . Examine the probable consequences of action alternatives. Select a course of action. Design an implementation plan/schedule. Create a plan for assessing the action to be implemented.

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FORMAT FOR WRITTEN CASE ANALYSIS

Synopsis One to two paragraphs in length Briefly identify the major problems facing the manager/key person Summarize the recommended plan of action and include a brief justification of the recommended plan

Public Service Delivery, Ethics and Change Management

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FORMAT FOR WRITTEN CASE ANALYSIS

Statement of the Problem State the problems facing the manager/key person Identify and link the symptoms and root causes of the problems Differentiate short term from long term problems Conclude with the decision facing the manager/key person

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FORMAT FOR WRITTEN CASE ANALYSIS

Causes of the Problem Provide a detailed analysis of the problems identified in the Statement of the Problem In the analysis, apply theories and models from the text and/or readings Support conclusions and /or assumptions with specific references to the case and/or the readings

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FORMAT FOR WRITTEN CASE ANALYSIS

Decision Criteria and Alternative Solutions

Identify criteria against which you evaluate alternative solutions (i.e. time for implementation, tangible costs, acceptability to management) Include two or three possible alternative solutions Evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative against the criteria listed Suggest additional pros/cons if appropriate

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FORMAT FOR WRITTEN CASE ANALYSIS

Recommended Solution, Implementation and Justification Identify who, what, when, and how in your recommended plan of action Solution and implementation should address the problems and causes identified in the previous section The recommended plan should include a contingency plan(s) to back up the ideal course of action Using models and theories, identify why you chose the recommended plan of action why its the best and why it would work

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Pre-Conditions for good case

analysis
A lecture-oriented course may not require the lecturer to do intensive preparation for each class period. However, an assigned case requires significant and conscientious preparation before class. Without it, you will be unable to contribute meaningfully to in-class discussion. Therefore, careful reading and thinking about case facts, as well as reasoned analyses and the development of alternative solutions to case problems, are essential. Recommended alternatives should flow logically from core problems identified through study of the case.