Home: About Case Assignments
One of the most effective ways to learn about new disciplines is to participate in real-life scenarios, make decisions and learn from the consequences of those decisions. Cases allow the course to "simulate" real-life situations and experience how material learned in class is applied in the real world.
But many students confronting cases for the first time are overwhelmed because they see so many factors that come into play. Facts are confusing, ambiguous and often incomplete. This guide is intended to help you walk through the critical steps of analyzing case data and formulating a solution.
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Why use cases?- This explains more of the benefits of case assignments and some reasons why your instructor may be using them for the course.
Some Problem Solving Steps
Many case assignments require you to examine a problem, then provide a proposal, recommendation or analysis. Here are some steps to help you tackle problem.
NOTE: These steps are roughly in order, but depending on your scenario you may not follow them in a rigid sequence. What's important is that they all get done at some point.
Research the Background - Make sure you understand all the case facts before you attempt to solve it.
Define the Problem - It is critical that you know exactly what you are being asked to solve or do, or else you may set yourself on the wrong track from the beginning.
Brainstorm Solutions - Generate a number of possible solutions, even the ones that might sound odd.
Select Solutions - Evaluate the pros and cons of the alternatives and select the best fit.
Develop the Action Plan - Work to develop a viable action plan to implement the solution you have chosen.
Links to Problem Solving Tips
Some additional tips on problem solving can be found at these links:
- Penn State iStudy Problem Solving Module
- Problem Solving Tips
- Solution Engineering - focusing on engineering problem solving
- Free Managment Library: Problem Solving Links
Links to Team Tips
If your case assignment is a team assignment, your team will need to meet to brainstorm and plan your tasks. Many students find team work frustrating, but there are tips available to make it easier to work together at:
- Penn State Building Blocks for Teams Student Tips
- Penn State Web Based Training Teamwork Fundamentals (Module 42002)
- iStudy Team Modules - Topics include Cooperative Learning, Active Listening, Brainstorming and other topics. Items can be imported into ANGEL.
- Schreyer Institute Puzzled About Teams? (PDF)