Research Analysis

You are required to submit a total of two (2) case write-ups throughout the semester. Please submit your write-ups on the Canvas site (“Case Write-Up Assignment”). You have the freedom to pick which two cases are for this assignment.
A case write-up is a 3-page, double-spaced (font size = 11 or 12) paper analyzing the case. You only need to use the provided case (See uploaded Case-2-Kentucky Fried Chicken (Japan) Limited) as the only source and cite it in APA format.
The objective of written case assignments is to show your understanding of the material in the course by effectively applying it to the case, and providing a defensible position regarding the problem presented in the case. The course is cumulative in nature, so that concepts covered early in the course may play critical roles in later discussions.
Statement of the issue upon which you have chosen to focus. Insight is often necessary to go beyond symptoms and into the real issue. Some cases may deal with multiple issues. In such situations, you should choose the most important issue, and focus the analysis on that one.
Statement of alternative course of actions or analytic techniques that might be employed to deal with the issue.
Your recommendation as to which course of action should be taken, well supported by conceptual frameworks covered in the text or in class, any assumptions you must make, and facts from the case. In three pages, your ability to synthesize the essential elements of the argument and present them succinctly will be challenged.
In general, recommendations should be supported both quantitatively and qualitatively. A robust analysis will generally build support for your recommendation as well as argue why your recommended alternatives are superior to others and assess the possible downsides of the recommendation. In general, you should confine your statement of the issues and its alternative solutions to about one-half page in total. The balance of the three pages of text may then be devoted to building a strong argument as to why the alternative solution you have chosen is superior to others.
Some common shortcomings in write-ups:
• Restating the facts or copying the case material verbatim.
• A wandering discussion that lacks direction. The use of headings often helps provide structure to your argument. Be specific as to issue, alternatives, and recommendations.
• Failure to make a decision when the case calls for one. Choose a position and build an argument for it, even if you can see another position also has merit.
• Poor spelling, grammar or incomprehensible writing. The effectiveness of your communication can, in this class and in the business world, make an essential difference in selling your ideas.