Each Student Will Be Required To Complete 2 Individual Cases

Each Student Will Be Required To Complete 2 Individual Cases Projects

Each student will be required to complete 2 individual cases/projects during the semester. Papers are to follow APA standards and be limited to 4 pages, excluding the Academic Honesty Cover Sheet. The purpose of these cases is to develop analytical and critical thinking skills by combining class tools with other disciplines. The assignment involves identifying key issues, making recommendations, and applying class theory.

Students should focus on identifying the most critical issues that impact the organization's future success, which may include problems related to people, systems, or procedures. Recommendations should include alternatives where appropriate, with clear reasoning covering the why, who, how, and when. Proper organization, clear presentation, good grammar, and proofreading are essential for effective communication.

Paper For Above instruction

The completion of two individual case studies during the semester offers a vital opportunity for students to exercise and hone their analytical, critical thinking, and professional communication skills. Each paper, limited to four pages excluding the APA cover sheet, should be grounded in a thorough understanding of core organizational issues and guided by the application of relevant theories learned in class and beyond. This assignment aims to simulate real-world problem-solving environments, where identifying key issues and crafting strategic, well-supported recommendations are paramount.

Effective case analysis begins with distilling the myriad of issues presented into the most critical ones that threaten or enhance the organization's success. These issues can span a wide spectrum—from personnel challenges to systemic inefficiencies or procedural deficiencies—depending on the case context. The student must exercise sound judgment to prioritize issues that will have the greatest impact on the organization’s future, ensuring that their analysis targets those most significant at the time of the case.

Applying theory is an essential component of the assignment. This means integrating relevant concepts, models, or frameworks from class and applicable disciplines to lend credibility and depth to the analysis. For example, if the case involves leadership challenges, theories of organizational behavior or leadership models could be employed to understand and address the issues. The integration of theory not only enhances the quality of the analysis but also demonstrates the student’s ability to transfer academic knowledge into practical scenarios.

Recommendations form the keystone of a compelling case analysis. They should be specific, actionable, and justified with clear reasoning—addressing the “why,” “who,” “how,” and “when” aspects. Providing alternatives when feasible is encouraged, as this approach exhibits a balanced understanding and a strategic mindset. Well-reasoned recommendations show the student’s capacity to think critically about implementation, considering potential obstacles and facilitators to change.

Presentation is equally important. The paper must be organized coherently, starting with an introduction of the issues, followed by analysis, and culminating in recommendations. Clarity, conciseness, and logical flow are critical to ensuring that the message is communicated effectively. Proper grammar, syntax, and proofreading are essential—poor language quality can undermine the perceived professionalism of the work and distract the reader from the ideas presented.

Overall, this exercise does more than simply fulfill an academic requirement; it prepares students for professional problem-solving scenarios by emphasizing key issues, applying relevant tools, and communicating effectively. Success in this assignment depends equally on critical analysis, strategic recommendations, and professional presentation, demonstrating a comprehensive capability crucial for future organizational leaders.

References

• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Robinson, S. P., & Judge, T. A. (2019). Organizational Behavior (18th ed.). Pearson.
• Schermerhorn, J. R., Hunt, J. G., & Osborn, R. N. (2019). Organizational Behavior (14th ed.). Wiley.
• Grant, R. M. (2019). Contemporary Strategy Analysis: Text and Cases (10th ed.). Wiley.
• Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations (8th ed.). Pearson.
• Kotter, J. P. (2012). Leading Change. Harvard Business Review Press.
• McGrath, R. G. (2013). The End of Competitive Advantage: How to Keep Your Strategy Moving as Markets Evolve. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Argyris, C. (1991). Teaching Smart People How to Learn. Harvard Business Review, 69(3), 99-109.
• Barney, J. B. (1991). Firm Resources and Sustained Competitive Advantage. Journal of Management, 17(1), 99-120.
• Heifetz, R. A., & Laurie, D. L. (1997). The Work of Leadership. Harvard Business Review, 75(1), 124-134.