Scenario In 1994 at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina, there was an exercise that ended in a tragedy known as the Green Ramp Disaster where 2

SFTY 350

Case Analysis Guidelines and Sample Format

By Dr. Dave Worrells and Mr. Scott Burgess, ERAU College of Aeronautics

Students will submit a case analysis that is a maximum of two pages, with a reference page

(three total), double spaced, in APA format, using Times New Roman, 12 point font. For these

activities, students read and review all module objectives and materials, consume the

information, and research the internet to produce a case analysis. Each case analysis is

directly related to the module learning objectives (LOs). Once all of the module material is

reviewed, find current (within the last six months), scholarly internet sources, that directly

relate to the case and module learning objectives and conduct your case analysis. In-text

citations serve to substantiate and validate your statements.

If a source is not scholarly, it must be supported with other scholarly references. As an

example; information may be pulled from an article in the New York Times (not a scholarly

source), which will need a supported scholarly source that can be greater than six months but

less than seven years, in support of the information from the New York Times; such as the

textbook. Tables (not shown) can go beyond the text and are highly encouraged and show an

understanding of research and how to find valid and reliable sources.

These activities promote scholarly research targeting topics specific to the learning objectives.

They also require critical thinking throughout the entire case analysis process. Writing skills are

enhanced over the conduct of the course (work is graded weekly using APA formatting and the

Case Analysis Rubric) as you write two pages (plus a reference page) every week. The result

is improved writing and research skills. This process also provides a glimpse at the real world

of organizational operations.

Case Analysis (sample) Format

Summary

The primary purpose of the summary is to develop the nature or the background from which the

issue/problem/situation evolved. What is the environment that enabled this problem to exist?

This section should be no less than one paragraph in length, and at least three to five

sentences.

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Problem

Begin this section with a clear problem statement, i.e., The problem is….Elaborate on what

caused the problem. Nothing but the problem statement and its contributing factors should

appear in this section. The problem should be specific and action oriented. The problem or

issue statement reflects a situation that must be addressed.

Do not confuse SYMPTOMS/RESULTS of the problem with the problem itself. This entire

section should be no less than one paragraph, and at least three to five sentences minimum.

However, this is the heart of the analysis. There must be a thread of consistency woven

throughout the remainder of the analysis. "Do not introduce more than one problem." Your

statement is the foundation of your analysis; everything that follows must be linked back to your

problem statement.

Significance of the Problem

Identify what you consider to be the significance of the problem, not the cause of the problem.

The problem is significant because, if not addressed, it might cause a decline in one segment of

the industry, or result in a weak financial report/reduced revenue, or could have an impact on

safety, etc. The significance of the problem may be multi-faceted; this is fine, but do not lose

focus on the problem that you identified in Section II. Another aspect of this section is to validate

the problem and help determine what priority should be assigned to its resolution. This section

should be no less than one paragraph in length and at least three to five sentences minimum.

The significance of the problem is determined by what will happen if the problem is not

resolved.

Development of Alternative Actions (TWO)

Alternatives (two) should provide a feasible, realistic way to solve the problem. Provide rationale

for each alternative and then provide two advantages and two disadvantages for each

alternative. Be consistent with the problem and the related critical factors. Alternatives must be

derived directly from the source of the issue/problem/situation and/or the assigned

chapter(s)/learning objective(s). As you solve the problem be sure to consider the critical

factors as well. Use the information you found, the source document, and/or the assigned

chapter(s) from the textbook, to resolve the situation. You must have two alternatives, each

must have rationale, and each must have two advantages and two disadvantages. This

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section should be no less than two paragraphs in length. It is imperative that you do not use

any part of your recommendation (next section) in either alternative action.

Recommendation

Now, based on what you read in the source document, the assigned textbook chapter(s),

and/or your professional experiences, provide a recommendation, just one, completely

outside of what is identified in the source document and/or the chapter(s) readings that

will solve the problem. You may explain why your recommendation is superior and why the

advantage outweighs the disadvantage. You may discuss how the disadvantage might be

overcome or minimized. You may discuss what is involved in implementing this

recommendation. How long will it take? How much will it cost? What results do you anticipate?

BE CREATIVE! You may have to make assumptions in formulating your recommendation.

Assumptions are acceptable to the extent that they are clearly articulated. Use the information

you have and work with it. Rarely do decision makers have all the information they would like to

have. This is an opportunity to take a chance, to risk putting forth an idea or thought of your

own device; use your imagination. Be sure to provide rationale, one advantage, and one

disadvantage for it. Do not hesitate to go out on a limb. Innovation is highly desirable. The

recommendation should be at least one paragraph in length. Put your analysis into a concept of

what should be done to address the issue/problem/situation. It doesn’t have to be pretty but it

should work, theoretically.

News articles that meet the 6 month requirement but are not peer reviewed are okay if,

 You back up the article with other sources that can be older (within 7 years)

 These should be scholarly and/or peer reviewed

 The textbook is considered a scholarly source

The instructor will look for evidence that you reviewed sufficient literature which led to a

comprehensive analysis and applied knowledge to the chosen topic.

If you can honestly say that you have done what is expected in that requirement, then you’ve

probably done enough. Many students ask how many references meet the minimum

requirement. The answer is, as many as needed. If the work is very mathematical, then less

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would be expected than a management based work. Ask yourself if you have a good range of

sources. If not, more work needs to be done.

Referencing can be done wrong; reference your APA for advice, Chapters 6 and 7 will help.

Defeating bias (what is bias?)

 Look at the source

 Who reviews the source prior to publication?

 Are your sources valid and reliable? Need both.

 Reliability & Validity = (Web Center for Social Research Methods). The source is an

acceptable source within the context of the writing. Facts you draw on must fairly

represent the larger situation. Findings are repeatable!