solving case studies in exams. what is a case? description of an actual situation commonly involving...

SOLVING CASE STUDIES IN EXAMS

WHAT IS A CASE?

• Description of an actual situation

• Commonly involving a problem, issue, challenge or opportunity requiring a decision or action

• Prepared through field-research

• Presented in written or other visual/audio forms with unwritten context

PURPOSE OF CASE STUDY

Case analysis helps students to acquire two skills:

Applying theories to real situations

Generating solutions to real problems

PURPOSE OF CASES IN YOUR EXAM

• Already identified issues in forms of questions

• Scenario explained

• Alternatives asked

• Checking of what you know from your study and how you apply in the scenario

SKIM THROUGH THE CASE IN MINIMUM TIME (5-7 MINUTES MAX)- TITLE UNDERSTAND- FIRST AND LAST PARAGRAPH

DEALING WITH CASE IN EXAM

First Step – Identification of Issues and Problems

Read the question carefully to identify what it is asking, read it at least 3 times, make the question crystal clear in your mind.

Try to link it to the concept, theories or subject matter the question is related to.

STEP 1 - EXAMPLE

What routes of globalization has the Mayor group chosen to go global? What other routes can be taken?


Second Step –

Start reading the case, when you come to the place where the answer is given, underline it or highlight it, and read clearly what is given and understand it.


Third Step –

Link between what is given in the case and the concepts you know.

Please remember the question in case is always about linking what you studied in the course with what you are reading in the case.

Based on concepts and theories you have studied, give critical reasoning i.e. solution to the question.

Answer in your own language.


Fourth Step –

Go back to the next question and again read the question, be crystal clear about the question being asked, link it to the concept or theory repeat the same process, now go back to the case and start reading from the place you highlighted earlier.

The mantra is

• to understand what the issue is (in your case the questions given)

• then link it with concept and theories you learned and

• Provide actionable solutions based on concept and theories

SKILLS THROUGH CASES

• Analytical skills

• Decision making skills

• Application skills

• Writing skills

• Time management skills

• Creative skills

I KEEP SIX HONEST SERVING MEN (THEY TAUGHT ME ALL I KNEW); THEIR NAMES ARE WHAT AND WHY AND WHEN; AND HOW AND WHERE AND WHO.

— RUDYARD KIPLING

USING A CASE SOLVING TEMPLATE IF NECESSARY

CASE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS

• Lack of time management• Lack of preparation• Lack of patience• Lack of commitment• Lack of writing skills• Lack of organizing answers• Lack of understanding of theories and concepts

WHEN PROVIDED…

Take a look at the exhibits to see what numbers have been provided.

Review the case subtitles to see what areas are covered in more depth.

Review the case questions if they have been provided. This may give you some clues as to what the main issues to be resolved are.

SOME TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR ANSWERS

1. Restate the problem in your own answer to show you have understood

2. Divide you answers in sections with proper titles and headings when necessary

3. One idea per paragraph

4. Illustrations with examples

AN EXAMPLE


Restate the question. Then spend a paragraph about telling how Mayor group chose to go global.

Second Paragraph – Pros and Cons of that – your analysis

The other path of going global was

• Joint Ventures: Explain how, pros and cons and if an example you can illustrate, that is really good.

• Strategic Alliance: Explain how, pros and cons and if an example you can illustrate, that is really good.

• Subsidiary: Explain how, pros and cons and if an example you can illustrate, that is really good.

• Acquisition: Explain how, pros and cons and if an example you can illustrate, that is really good.

CASE STUDY - A GLOBAL PLAYER?

READ THE FOLLOWING CASE STUDY AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS GIVEN AT THE END


• 100% export-oriented, production based on Jalandhar • Through direct export with/without foreign marketing intermediaries• Exporting through own marketing facilities abroad

Other Methods can be

• through licensing arrangement with a local party

• through direct investment (Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances, Subsidiary and Acquisition)

READ THE FOLLOWING CASE STUDY AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS GIVEN AT THE END.

What impediments are coming the Mayor group’s way of becoming major and active player in International Business?

• Discouraging Imports by government through high duties and restrictions; negative perception value due to government’s stance over the year

• Perception about Indian goods not good compared to countries like Taiwan and China already having substantial portion in international sports market; Domestic Market in India not developed as sports goods industry consists of only playing equipment not apparels and shoes.

• Slow response to company’s need in tune with the market requirements from the government

• Lack of infrastructure


Why is “Made in India” not liked in foreign markets? What can be done to erase the perception?

• Discouraging Imports by government through high duties and restrictions; negative perception value due to government’s stance over the year has created negative perception about India and its goods. Only recently has liberalization, that is changing, but it looks too slow.

• There can be several things that can be done• Firstly, the effort needs to come from Government side and speed up to

liberalization and show that India is friendly to foreign imports• At Mayor’s organization level, they can tie up with local partner and

strategic alliance with popular partners to build the image• Support more US PGA and RNA Scotland events and associate them with

these big brands.


Who are the major competing players and what measures can be taken to offset the competition by Mayor International?

• Country-wise China and Taiwan poses threat.

• Company-wise Soccer International Sakay Trades, Savi, Wasan, Cosco, Nivia and Spartian are competiting players.

• In country terms, Mayor should try to change the Made in India negative perception by stressing in quality, timely delivery and competent rates; associating themselves with reputable brands like US PGA and RNA

• Also, it should think about establishing export centers abroad so that I has more control and depth to compete.

• Regarding companies, Mayor is already expanding strongly, it has skilled workforce, quality certification and strong network 40 countries. Again as its expansion grows, it has to have local marketing centers to cater to the need of local market.

ANY QUESTION?

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