Business Case 1: Economic and Political Environment

Cases are used in many fields—e.g. in business management, engineering, law and medicine. There is a variety of ways to analyze cases in the above and other fields. The two most common approaches are: 1) The partial case analysis and, 2) The comprehensive case analysis. These are summarized below:
I. The Partial Case Analysis: Here, specific questions are asked by the instructor on any aspect of a case: e.g. Why is company X expanding into a new market? How should company Y respond to competition from a local firm which has strong support from its national government? Should two global companies merge their operations in a third market?

In a partial case analysis, students must address questions, such as the above, one at a time as the need arises.
II. A Comprehensive Case Analysis: This approach analyzes cases in 3 phases: Focus on Cos/Orgs
1) Problem Identification; 2) Analysis and 3) Solution. These phases are described briefly below and will be explained further, as written assignments are introduced.
PHASE 1:  Problem Identification: Diagnosis of Issues, Challenges and Problems
Include in your case report:  
• A brief introduction to the organization and relevant background information• What are the major problems, challenges and issues raised in the case?• Are there any problems that are explicitly stated in the case? Are there any underlying problems that are implied but unstated in the case?• Some problems may be short-term ones: referred to as tactical problems requiring tactical solutions• Other problems may be long-term in nature—referred to as strategic problems requiring strategic solutions
PHASE 2:  Analysis: Use of Analytical Methods to Understand the Problems and Potential Solutions
The following are examples of analytical methods used to prepare case reports:
• The use of tools to analyze specific aspects of the problems These tools can be used to determine the nature and significance of the challenges and opportunities an organization may be facing. 
• Examples of analytical tools include (but not limited to) the following:o Analysis of a firm’s human resource (HR) policieso Financial Analysis, including Exchange Rate data on global currencieso S.W.O.T Analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)—a method of assessing internal and external factors relevant to the problem at hand in an organizationo Other analytical frameworks: e.g. PEST: Political, Economic, Socio-cultural and Technological forces in the external and internal environment that are relevant to the case EXAMPLES of Analysis of Different Components of the External Environment of Firms: Industries/Sectors/Economies and Markets 
This approach analyzes cases by industries, sectors, markets and whole economies, such as the following: 
1. The Structure of Industry/Sector:  a. Competitors and their relative market shares and strengths b. Trends in growth ratesc. Stages of growthd. Implications for specific companies and the industry/sector as a whole
2. National Economy: Selected indicators e.g.a. Gross Domestic Product (GDP)b. Growth of GDPc. Major Sectors: o Primary: e.g. Agriculture and Miningo Secondary: e.g. Manufacturingo Tertiary: e.g. Servicesd. International Trade: Exports and Importse. Foreign Direct Investmentf. Short-term Financial Flows in and out of the economyg. Currencies and Exchange Ratesh. Other (Specify)
3. Markets: Selected Indicators e.g. the following-Some overlappinga. Markets for real goods and servicesb. Financial Marketsc. Foreign Exchange Marketsd. Labor Markets
4. Implications for Companies/Industries/Governments
PHASE 3:  Solution: Choosing from Alternative Solutions to Address the Problems
• Explore alternative solutions to the problems stated in phase 2• Choose the best solution sets• Make specific recommendations• Present a concrete future plan of action a company can follow, especially where the case has enough information to warrant such a plan• Present your recommendations and plan to a specific person or group within an organization, where necessary.
Note that you can use your own headings or titles to represent Phases 1 through 3.
In this course, our cases will involve both partial and comprehensive analyses.