Problem Definition
Read the case and become familiar with the facts of the case. Isolate the central problem/issue of the case. Normally you can get an idea of the central problem in a case by looking at previously covered concepts on the course outline. For example, is the root of the problem/issue cultural differences between managers and employees? Instructors may use a case to see if you understand lesson concepts that have been presented. Your instructor might provide case-related questions to help you start your analysis. Where provided, you should use the questions as guides for analysis rather than as specific issues to be resolved. Instead of a full case report, your instructor may simply pose questions to answer after analyzing the case.
Generation of Solution Alternatives
The second step is the formulation of possible alternatives to resolve the problem/issue around which the case is organized. Some of these alternatives are obvious from the materials supplied in the case and your statement of the main issue. Therefore, limit your solution to three or four alternatives. One alternative that you should always consider is the maintenance of the status quo. Sometimes the status quo is the best course of action to follow. For this learning exercise, the alternatives must be mutually exclusive (the alternatives should be independent of one another).