Converting Data to Information for Case Study Analysis

1
Converting Data to Information for Case Study
Analysis

• Adapted from
• J. Osborne in Decisions Sciences Journal of
  Innovative Education 31 p137.

2
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

3
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

4
Problem List

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

• Technology
• Economics
• Social
• Political
• Legal
• RD
• Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Communications
• Human Resources
• Others

5
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.

6
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.

7
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

8
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.

9
SWOT Analysis
10
On with the analysis

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