Case Analysis: Why the SWOT Approach Is Important

Although you may not be following the strict guidelines of a SWOT report for your assignment, you should keep this method of analysis in mind when you are researching and writing your paper. An awareness of a firm's strengths and weaknesses, as well as the opportunities it may take advantage of and the threats that challenge it, should form that basis of your case analysis and of your recommendations.

Think of a SWOT chart as a technique for brainstorming. Try to list items under each category in order to begin evaluating the company's current situation and the challenges that need to be resolved. The goal is not to discuss everything you generate on the chart, but to use your brainstormed ideas to select which strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are most appropriate to your discussion.

Strengths

Weeknesses

Opportunities

Threats

Some Ingredients for a Strong Case Analysis

1. A short discussion of a firm (brief history, current situation)

2. A short review of the industry and the firm's position within it

3. A thorough analysis of the firm's current situation (financial, managerial, etc.)

• Most of your SWOT information will probably be used here, when you discuss the challenges the firm faces and the resources the firm has and can use to resolve them.
  
• A financial analysis may also be necessary here.

4. Recommendations (NOTE: This is the most important part!)

• Which of the opportunities that you have identified should the company pursue? WHY?

5. Bibliography

• Be sure to cite any research you have done on the company. Citations of Internet research should always include the URL and the date you retrieved the information.

Click here to see a sample case analysis report.

So, Where Does This Information Come From, Anyway?

• Use The Company's Website ~ Most major companies have their own website where you can usually find the company's history and background, current financial situation, and recent press releases. Of course, company websites are likely to be somewhat biased, so look for more objective information as well.
  
• Use Library Resources To Find Business Information ~ Go to the Library Main Page ( http://library.temple.edu ). Select Full Text Databases . A list of databases will appear. These databases contain the entire text of certain newspapers, magazines, and journals. The following journals may prove especially useful in compiling information on the company's history, financial reports, and standing in the industry.

• Lexis-Nexis (General News and Business)
• Business Source Premier
• Business & Company Resource Center
• Business & Industry Database

Citing Your Sources

• Always be sure to cite any information that you have taken from a source.
  
• Attach a bibliography to the end of your report. Check out the Writing Center's Citation Guides for detailed instructions on documenting your sources.

Adapted from the MGT 485 syllabus of Prof. Marianne Gauss, La Salle University