MICR510 Writing Assignment: Preparing Cases and Their Solutions

Case preparation and analysis is the course writing assignment and comprises the major component of the final grade of MICR510. Even though there are two other factors that contribute to the course grade, the writing assignment grade usually determines the final grade. Papers are graded for content, clarity, logic, and novelty. Both the case problem statement, and the presentation of your analysis and solution are important in evaluation and grading of the writing assignment. Here are some expectations and guidelines that will help you in your writing.

1. Wait a few weeks into the course before beginning the assignment. This will allow time for you to experience the discussion of cases in class. You will better appreciate how to analyze a case, deal with ambiguities, and present a logical discussion that concludes with an acceptable solution.

2. Your case scenario should be plausible. Even though reality sometimes can be shocking, if your case stretches the imagination too far, it won't be useful. If the premise of the case isn't plausible, then the discussion in not likely to be either. Scenarios that present blatantly inappropriate actions or egregious transgressions of codes or norms seldom provide a good foundation for careful consideration and discussion.

3. Write a fully developed case problem. Some ambiguity is good, too much is confusing. There must be enough detail and clarity in the problem to elicit a critical analysis.  Focus on a few issues and help the case reader by concluding with a clear question or two that allows a departure point for discussion.

4. Write a fully developed case discussion. Bring discussion to clear closure with a one or more solutions or recommendations, and consider the outcomes of implementing them.

5. Give yourself enough time when writing. Let your case and your discussion of it sit for a while after you have written it. Then go back and read your work again. This will allow you to more objectively evaluate and refine your arguments.

6. Don't propose solutions that you would not be willing or able to carry out yourself. Would you really be able to be the "whistleblower" if that's what your case required? The solution of your case should be consistent with your personal conviction. What would be the consequences of your whistle blowing and how would you deal with them? Writing an off-handed solution will be transparent, and will cost you points.

7. Case solutions should be clear. Some action needs to be taken to solve the problem. Implying that you will ignore the problem or disengage from it as a means to solve it usually is not going to be accepted as an appropriate solution.

8. Some housekeeping items:  give the people in your cases fictitious names, rather than call them Mr. X or Dr. Y.  Keep the names simple.  Proof your work carefully for grammar and spelling.  Omit needless works and don't include needless distracting information.  

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Last modified: 08/20/01