The document outlines a case study analysis framework. It discusses how Harvard Business School developed case studies in 1920 to provide in-depth analysis of business problems and decision making processes. The 4 step framework involves: 1) defining the problem, 2) formulating alternative courses of action, 3) analyzing alternatives in terms of strengths and weaknesses, and 4) recommending an accepted course of action. The document also provides details on analyzing a firm's environment, industry, technology, political/social influences, and financials as part of a case study.

1. CASE STUDY
• Harvard Business School developed the
use of business cases in 1920.
• It analysis in depth description or reports
of business problems.
• It reveals the decision making process

2. CASE STUDIES ANALYSIS
FRAMEWORK
4 Steps Process:
• Define Problem
• Formulated alternative Course of action to
solve problem
• Analyzed alternatives in terms of strength
& weakness
• Alternatives accepted Recommended
Course of Action

3. PROBLEM
• It does not mean writing up a history of the firm but entails the type of analysis like
1. Environment
To study the environment in which the firm is opening like
1.1 Economic Environment: It can have a
decided effect on an industry, firm & making
program
Example – Depressed economy with high employment
may not be an ideal solution for
implementing a large price increase. Say
A/AI
1.2 Social and Cultural Environment
2. Industry
Categorized it by the Standard Industrial Classification (SCI):

4. • Class
1. A few giants (Oligopolistic)
Examples:
Aluminium Producers, Cigarette
Manufacturers
2. A few giant s and a relatively small
number of “independents”.
Examples: Auto Industry, Oil Industry,
Tyre Industry, meat processors
• Possible Implications
Price cutting is fruitless, Antitrust
action a hazard, Concerned action
leads to a monopolistic situation
facing the customers, Very high
capital costs to enter the industry
Price cutting by smaller
Companies, Follow –the- leader
Pricing, Antitrust action against the
giants a hazard, Monopolistic prices,
Squeeze on the independents
High capital costs to enter the
Industry

5. 3.Many small independent firms
Examples: Food Brokers, Sales
representatives, Auto Supply parts,
Kitchen cabinet manufacturers, Real
estate firms, Tanneries
4. Professional Services Firms
Examples: Management
Consultants,Marketing Research
Firms, Advertising Agencies
5. Government regulated to a degree
Examples: Banking, Stock Brokerages,
Rail Industry
• Cost of entry low: Special services,
Usual Local Market, Threat of regional
or national linking into a majour
competitor, Sophisticated business
practices often lacking
• Confusion of standards, Easy
entry (and exit), Secretive
pricing, often based on what
the traffic will bear
• Entry is usually difficult, Government
provides a semimonopoly that may
lead to high profits or inability to
survive in a changing world

6. After initial definition and classification, attention should be paid to such factor as:
1. Technology
a. Level
b. Rate of Change
c. Technological Threats
2. Political-Legal-Social influences
a. Trends in Government contros
b. Specific Regulations
c. Social responsibility pressure
d. Consumer perceptions of industry
3. Industrial Guidelines and trends
a. Pricing Policies
b. Promotion
c. Product Lines
d. Channels of Distributions
e. Geographic Concentration
f. Increase or declines in firms or profitability
4. Financial Indicators
a. Financial Ratios
b. Working Capital Required
c. Capital Structure
d. Sources and uses of funds
e. Sales
f. Profitability

7. The Firm
Key areas of concern objectives,
Constraints, management philosophy,
strengths, weakness, and structure of the
Firm
4. The Marketing Program