Premium Essay

How to Analyze a Business Situation

In:

Submitted By phuole11
Words 1873
Pages 8
How to Analyze a Business Situation

Real business situations are complex and confusing. They’re often more difficult to analyze than most problems you confront in academic life. To make sense of them and come to conclusions that will help you succeed in the long run, it helps to develop a discipline in sorting out facts. This handout is designed to help you create that discipline. The basic process outlined here will help you prepare for discussion of a case in class, prepare an essay on an exam, prepare a paper on a business question, or prepare to present a recommendation or make a decision in many (probably most) real-world business situations.

The process described here parallels that described in Hill & Jones’ text, Strategic Management Theory, pp. C2-C9 (at the back of the text), and that may be reviewed for further guidance.

Start by stating clearly (to yourself) what question you are trying to answer. Write it at the top of the page or computer file where you are taking notes. For analysis of a case in a business school class, it is appropriate to select one of the “study questions” from the syllabus that is most interesting to you.

Step 1. Analyze the history and development of the company and the situation. You are likely to receive information on the situation from confusing sources. Many different facts and dates will be out of chronological order. Usually the best first step for understanding the situation is simply to list the key events in chronological order. For example, the following list of facts was created in an effort to make sense of a Sun Microsystems case. (available from the instructor).

1980 – Scott McNealy graduates from Stanford, takes job at FMC Corp. as manufacturing trainee working on Bradley fighting vehicle.

1982 – Vinod Khosla, Stanford classmate, asks McNealy to join w

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Law and Corporate

...choose 1 then 3 for academic issues from the automated menu.”1-877-642-2999“Used for problems entering the class”1-866-448-6703 or 1-303-873-0005“Used for problems once in the class” | INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL | Kubasek, N. K., Brennan, B. A., & Browne, N. (2009).  The legal environment of business: A critical thinking approach (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson-Prentice Hall.Ferrell, O. C., Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L. (2010).  Business ethics: Ethical decision making and cases (7th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company/South-Western/Cengage Learning.PLEASE READ SYLLABUS PART II in the Course Home tab, it contains important University policies.GETTING TECHNICAL HELPTechnical questions regarding eCollege or classroom issues should be referred to helpdesk@strayeronline.net. Or you may phone the helpdesk at 1(866)448-6703.If the question regards a Strayer system, technical support can be reached at 1(877) 642-2999. Any technical inquiries sent to the instructor will, as a matter of course, be forwarded to the Helpdesk. The eCollege helpdesk is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days a year. Strayer Tech Support is available during normal Strayer Online business hours.QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS TABIn the course home area tab you may ask content related questions to your fellow students or your Professor. You should check this area to see anyone has a question for you. I check it often and will...

Words: 5313 - Pages: 22

Premium Essay

Case S

...Please note that this follows the discussion below. 1. Situation Analysis 2. Assumptions and Missing Information 3. Problem Definition 4. Development of Alternatives 5. Evaluation of Alternatives and Recommendation to Management 6. Appendix – Used for exhibits such as pro-forma income statements and other detailed analyses. The Case Analysis Framework The case analysis framework presented here is a synthesis of the frameworks used by your professor and other marketing professors who use case analysis in their courses. It will provide a solid structure to organize the diverse information presented in a case. As you work your way through this framework, or a similar approach to case analysis, we offer the following hints to increase your probability of success: 1. No one can analyze a case after reading it only one time, or even worse, doing the analysis during the first reading of the case. You should read through the case once just to get an understanding of the nature of the case. During the second reading, you can begin to structure and classify the issues as they appear. A truly comprehensive case analysis will probably require at least three readings. 2. Don’t get trapped into thinking the “answer” to the case is hidden somewhere in the case text. There is never a single answer to a case just as there is never a single marketing strategy that is appropriate for all situations. Each case is unique. Looking for tricks or shortcuts is...

Words: 7575 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Corporate Liquidation

...Corporate Liquidation vs. Dissolution Keith Williams The purpose of this research paper is to answer the following questions: 1. Discuss the differences between a corporation that is liquidated and one that is dissolved. 2. Analyze how assets are dealt with in both situations. 3. Analyze how shareholders are treated in both situations. Every entrepreneur who starts a business must first decide which form of business organization will be most appropriate for their new endeavor. “Business enterprises customarily take one of three forms: individual proprietorships, partnerships, or limited-liability companies (or corporations)” (Business organization, 2011). In making this decision, entrepreneur’s need to consider a number of factors such as the ease of creation, the liability of the owners, tax considerations, the need for capital, and the business form. Traditionally, entrepreneurs’ have created one of the three major business forms which are the sole proprietorship, the partnership, and the corporation. Most large businesses that employ hundreds or thousands of workers are corporations. Furthermore, a corporation is an artificial being, existing only in state and/or federal law and is neither tangible nor visible. It is a business that has the legal status of an individual but is owned collectively by many people. It can consist of one or more natural persons identified under a common name such as The Peanuts Corporation. One of the most common reasons for establishing...

Words: 1375 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Sdlp

...professional goal two to three years from now is to graduate with my Master’s degree in Human Resources and hopefully obtain a entry level position in Human Resources or management. Strengths to Leverage Step 1: The most effective and satisfied people align their work with their natural strong points. Identify 3-5 of your key strengths (see Column 1 below); these could be a competency, skill, ability, knowledge area or personal characteristic. Think about how you can leverage those strengths to be effective in your work, achieve your professional goals, and become a leader in your profession. Step 2: At the beginning of each course in your MBA program, answer the following question either using this template or a narrative format. What do you expect to learn in this course that will help you leverage your strengths? (See Column 2 below). Be as specific as you can, e.g., assume that strength is your analytical ability. You might expect to understand more about macroeconomics so that you can analyze how the housing crisis affects other segments of the economy, such as interest rates or unemployment. At the beginning of the course you are not expected to be an expert in all facets of the course learning; however, you can glean valuable insights from the course description or purpose, course and unit learning objectives, and from unit themes. Step 3: At the end of each course (Unit 6) answer the following questions either using this template or a narrative...

Words: 1781 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Disadvantages Of Business Intelligence

... satisfaction of the clients and etc. In reality, having the ability to predict the system and its behavior can contribute in manners of sustainability and reliability many situations and circumstances encountered. This leads to the avoidance of losses, unnecessary costings or inefficiency in operations, delays in investment...

Words: 1052 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Application of Mis on Statistical Analysis

...information systems 2. Understand how information systems are developed 3. Understand the computer revolution and its impact on the way business is conducted 4. Become familiar with critical-thinking skills in identifying information systems problems and how to investigate existing literature about hardware and software solutions to problems. 5. Know the components and functions of computer systems, both hardware and software. 6. Become familiar with the advances in networking, data communications and the Internet and how they affect the way business is conducted. 7. Identify which information technology tools are used to solve various business problems. 8. Develop proficiency solving business problems using modern productivity tools (e.g., spreadsheet, database) or creating custom programs.   MIS 301: Statistical Analysis for Business At the end of this course students should be able to: 1. Use data from a sample to make inferences about a population. 2. Apply probability theory in decision making situations. 3. Formulate hypotheses for decision making and research. 4. Analyze data using appropriate statistical techniques. 5. Interpret the results of statistical analysis. 6. Present statistical results using graphics, text, and the spoken word. MIS 302: Introduction to Operations Management At the end of this course students should be able to: 1. Define the role of operations and supply chain in an organization and its interactions with business functions such as accounting,...

Words: 3623 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Human Managemant

...A Business Analysis Play an important role to a business because they use this as a tools enable to determine how well the performance of the company. Without using these tools there is no action can be develop to determine how business improved. Here are the following procedures when we are conducting the Business Analysis. 1. Investigate and Analyze the Company History and Growth – We must investigate the foundation of the company, their structure and growth enable to find out what is the actual performance of the company. 2. Identify the SWOT Analysis ( Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat ) of the Company. We should start to investigate what is the issue of the company. Find out what is the company Strengths and Weakness and Analyze the Opportunity and Threats within the company external environment. 3. Analyze your finding – This is where you can find out what is the actual situation of Of the company that you are evaluating and also compare the Strengths and weakness within the company to the external Threat and Opportunity. 4. Identify the corporate level strategy – We need to know what is the company strategy and identify what is their mission, goals and objectives. 5. Identify the business level of strategy – We should identify and analyze the competitive strategy, marketing, cost and general focus. 6. Analyzing Implementations – This is the part of your analysis that require you to Identify and analyze the structure...

Words: 281 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Economical Der

...01.00 Welcome to Economics01.01 How Do I Plan for Success?  01.02 What is Economics? 01.03 Why Can’t I Have It All?01.04 Demand 01.05 Supply 01.06 The Soap Opera of Supply and Demand | After completing 01.00 you will be able to: * navigate your economics course * identify how different elements of society are interconnected by economics * print and utilize the module checklist to identify lessons and assessments in this module * identify the essential questions in this moduleAfter completing 01.01, you will be able to: * understand course requirements and honors credit requirements * comprehend the pace options * examine collaboration expectations * define and explain the purpose of studying economics * complete a module pre-assessment to assess your prior knowledgeAfter completing 01.02, you will be able to: * define the study of economics * analyze ways that economics influences our daily lives * identify three basic economic questions: What will be produced? How will it be produced? For whom will it be produced?After completing 01.03, you will be able to: * apply the concepts of scarcity and opportunity cost to explain why choice is necessary * analyze situations creating opportunity cost in your life and the world around you * justify the choice you make based on a costs and benefits analysisAfter completing 01.04, you will be able to: * differentiate between demand and quantity demanded * create and analyze demand curvesAfter completing 01...

Words: 2045 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Bus 402 Complete Course Bus402 Complete Course

...Lastly, be sure to respond to the introductions of at least two (2) of your peers. Bottom of Form BUS 402 Week 1 Discussion 1 Entrepreneurs Please respond to the following: * Inc. magazine claims, “Entrepreneurship is more mundane than it is sometimes portrayed . . . you don't need to be a person of mythical proportions to be very, very successful in building a company.” Discuss whether you agree or disagree with this statement and why. * Analyze the characteristics of a successful entrepreneur and determine if you have what it takes to start your own business. Provide specific examples to support your response. BUS 402 Week 1 Discussion 2 Strategic Management Please respond to the following: * Analyze the steps involved in developing a strategic plan for a company and determine which step is the most difficult to get right. Explain your rationale. * From the e-Activity, determine how you would leverage the support provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration in planning and starting your own business....

Words: 1200 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Leg 565 Complete Course Leg565 Complete Course

...http://workbank247.com/q/leg-565-complete-course-leg565-complete-course/27213 LEG 565 Week 1 Discussion 1 "The Purpose of Law"  Please respond to the following: * Define the “law” and analyze its functions and impact on business. * Evaluate the components that the Supreme Court should consider when overturning or re-interpreting a decision. LEG 565 Week 1 Discussion 2 "Governmental Powers and the Bill of Rights" Please respond to the following: * Differentiate among the powers of government and how they protect against control by one specific branch. * Assess two possible implications of the Bill of Rights on how business is conducted in the U.S. LEG 565 Week 1 Discussion 3 "Courts" Please respond to the following:  * Compare the jurisdiction of state courts with that of federal courts and offer one type of business case that would reside in each court. Discuss the rationale you employed in making your decision. * Propose three distinct types of decisions that are issued by the U.S. Supreme Court. Discuss the implications of these decisions to business. LEG 565 Week 2 Discussion 1 "Types of Resolution" Please respond to the following: * Differentiate among arbitration and other non-judicial methods of alternative dispute resolution. For each method, offer one type of business case that might be settled in this manner. * Take a position on the pros and cons of e-Courts and e-Dispute resolution. Discuss whether or not you would prefer this method of settling...

Words: 2165 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Term Paper Portfolio

...ADMN 995, section 2: PORTFOLIO COURSE FOR MBAs Course Information & Syllabus for Online MBA Course Purpose The Portfolio Course has two main purposes: (1) Program evaluation for continuous improvement and (2) Professional development for you as you near graduation from the online MBA program. Most students report that the entire process takes only 2-4 hours. This zero-unit course contains your insights, which allow the online MBA faculty to evaluate the effectiveness of its program. It also requires you to reflect on and write about the way in which your selection of courses achieves the goals of the online MBA program. As the online MBA program collects and assesses student portfolios produced over a period of years, the faculty will be able to adjust the mix of electives and requirements that make up each major to more fully meet program goals. Other matters, such as grading standards or individual course requirements may also come up for discussion during the review of student portfolios. Thus, your particular portfolio will help shape the future of the online MBA program as well as help you review your own education. This course will also develop your career and professional aspirations via a career workshop and advisement session to prepare you for the next step in your professional life, which varies from student to student. ADMIN 995 Course Overview There are four components to the course which you must complete: 1. Portfolio of Academic Work 2. Reflective...

Words: 3481 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Decision Making

...different types of decisions and how does the decision-making process work? There are 3 different types of decisions, which are Unstructured, Structured, and Semi-Structured. For Unstructured decision making managers must provide judgment, evaluation, and insight to solve problem. The made decision depends on the individual making it. In a Structured decision repetition and routines are applied for each decision that is made. These decisions have a procedure for handling a situation so that it does not have to be approached as a new situation upon accurance. Structured takes away stress from the manangers as they do not have to make difficult decisions. But, managers also lose some of their power with this decision making process. Semi-structured allows the manager to use past situations for current problems, but also has the flexibility to emphasize using own judgement. 2. How do information systems support the activities of managers and management decision making? Information systems can assist in making decisions by providing information and tools for analysis. To manage situations effieciently and effectively, organiztions use Management Information Systems, MIS, to process information. Individuals, technology, and informationManagement information systems involve three primary resources people, technology, and information. Management information systems are distinct from other information systems in that they are used to analyze operational activities in the organization...

Words: 524 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Career Profiler

...the competencies part as well. The profiler section stated that I am artistic, enterprising and investigative. I would have to agree with the findings of the test. These traits can be useful in critical thinking. In most situations, being able to investigate all sides of the situation or argument can help come to a resolution to the issue. The artistic trait can help with brainstorming or coming up with ideas towards a solution to a problem. Another reason understanding our personal competencies will help to improve my critical thinking skill is that I can analyze my own skills and which ones will help in the current situation. The profiler also said I’m enterprising. Not sure how my business skills or desire to open a business would help critically thinking unless the situation specifically dealt with that field came up. How can knowing your competencies help you to evaluate arguments? The same goes for critical thinking and arguments when it comes to our competencies. Using our strengths, or at least knowing which ones we excel at, can help us in arguments. We have to analyze what we are trying to have our end result be so we use what traits are going to better help us with that achievement. We can also use our competencies to try to defuse a situation before it crosses into the plane of an argument. There can be many different levels or degree of arguments but using our competencies we can stop it before it becomes a more difficult...

Words: 267 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

China Ail Lines

...adjudged in one instance. 01. McDonald’s in the United Kingdom a. When McDonald’s entered the UK market in 1974, it initially failed to attract British customers and reported losses. However, as of 2009, the UK was one of the most promising markets for McDonald’s. Many factors were responsible for this change in situation. First, identify the subset of factors that could be attributed to the organization’s strategies. Next, tabulate that subset of factors along with the associated strategies for each factor. Finally, classify these strategies into originally intended and subsequently emergent strategies. b. As of 2009, McDonald’s faced many challenges in the UK. In your opinion, what strategies should McDonald’s adopt at the corporate, business, and functional levels to continue its growth trend in the UK? Give reasons for your answer. 02. Emerging Markets Strategy: Nokia Life Tools for Rural Markets a. Business strategy is often compared with war strategy, resulting in win-lose situations. ‘Nokia’s emerging markets strategy is apparently creating a win-win situation, with benefits accruing to the company, its rural customers, as well as its business partners who provide telecommunication services or the content on agriculture, education, and entertainment.’ Do you agree with this statement? Explain. b. Critically...

Words: 1615 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Case Interview

...retain copyright ownership over these materials © Victor Cheng Page 1 www.caseinterview.com Introduction • My Story • Goal for Today • How This Workshop Is Different • What I Will NOT Cover o Normal job interview questions o More recent twists to the case interview o Estimation / Back of Envelope Cases • Recommend Reading: “Case in Point” by Marc Cosentino Excellent coverage of recent twists to cases and estimation question type cases © Victor Cheng Page 2 www.caseinterview.com Why I’m Doing This • The first time I did this… • www.kidpower.org Examples o 7 year old girl took class, one year later stopped a man who was trying to molest her at the zoo. o Teenage girl took class, 2 years later got tackled to the ground by kidnaper, fought him off and escaped o 10 year old took class, 13 years later, walking in the woods with an old boy friend, former employee, baseball bat, she took him out My request: IF you find today useful, then make a $50 donation and keep a child safe for life Cost of MBA to Get Interview: Cost to Ace Interview: $150,000 50 Conclusion: It’s a darn good deal © Victor Cheng Page 3 www.caseinterview.com Agenda 1. Case Interview Basics 2. Case Interviewer Mindset & Criteria 3. How to Open, Analyze & Close a Business Case 4. Demonstration of Common Cases & Frameworks 5. How to Practice Case Interview Skills 6. Final Tips + Q&A © Victor Cheng Page 4...

Words: 2043 - Pages: 9