Converting Data to Information for Case Study Analysis

Adapted from J. Osborne in Decisions Sciences Journal of Innovative Education 3:1 p137.

Making sense of it all.

Mixture of narrative, graphic and tabular data– Two steps of normative decision making model– Spreadsheet technology– Inputs to SWOT analysis

Starting an Analysis

Scan Re-read As a group

– Find 4 to 6 issues from case (see problem list)– Prioritize– Use these to value later bits of information

Problem List

Ethics Planning Organizing Directing Leading Structure Marketing Information systems Accounting Finance Facilities

Technology Economics Social Political Legal R&D Logistics Manufacturing Communications Human Resources Others…

Factoids

A factoid is a very short, single fact like CNN would use to entertain while adjusting timing.

– E.g. “The average time to produce a new generation of PCs is 9 months.”

Originate in:– Narrative– Tables– Graphs

Must be brief and limited to a single topic.

Gather Factoids in Excel

One person on PC enters factoids 1 per row. No factoids are excluded. Expect 8-12 pages from a 25 page case

study.

Classify and Value Factoids

Step one:– Classify as (I) internal or (E) external to

corporation Open vs. closed systems Boundary spanning

Step two:– Value items from:

-10 strong factor with detrimental effect w.r.t. issue 10 strong factor with positive effect w.r.t. issue

Sort and discard

Sort internal and external primary Sort importance secondary Zone of indifference -8 to 8

– Expect to end up with no more than 12.

Remaining High Value items are important w.r.t. case issues.

SWOT Analysis

Internal External

Strong Negative Weaknesses Threats

Strong Positive Strengths Opportunities

On with the analysis

Further analysis/number crunching Recommended plan of action Implementation plan and issues