1. Source Problems:

This is a general statement of the underlying, fundamental problem or core issue. It is important to distinguish between symptoms of the problem, and the problem itself. Frequently the source problem precedes the current problems in the case. (one short paragraph)

(medical example: tonsillitis)

2. Secondary Problems:

These are more specific, current and observable problems and derive from the source problem. They frequently are the problems immediately evident in the case. Do not write three sections: all problems should be listed under short or long term. (Three quarters of a page).

(medical example: fever, loss of appetite, cough)

Short Term:

Current problems of recent origin, which can be solved within a period of months without major commitments of capital, technology, finance or managerial effort.

(business example: overstocking, high prices, labour shortage)

2.1

2.2

2.3

Long Term:

Problems which have existed for years, and which involve long-term trends in the internal or external environment. They will reuire solutions spread over a period longer than, say, a year, and may demand major allocations of capital, technology, finance and managerial effort.

(business example: obsolete products, out-pf-date production process technology, lack of adequate plant capacity)

2.4

2.5

3. Analysis:

Case facts which are crucial to the problems as defined are called “evidence”. They should not be mere repetition of case facts, but should rather reflect the processes of evaluation, synthesis, careful interpretation and insight. The analyst should “read between the lines”. This might involve the calculation of financial rations, trend lines, growth rates, etc. in order to reorganise data to yield not-so-obvious facts. These “new”