How to answer case analysis questions Demonstrate your ability to apply knowledge in context When answering case study analysis questions, demonstrate your ability to apply the knowledge you gained in this course in the context of a specific case. It is not enough to analyse the case from “common sense” perspective, or from the perspective of related personal experiences. (This kind of analysis will bring you some marks, but well short of the full mark.) You need to rely on the theory and the key concepts you learned in this course. It is not enough just to reproduce the material of this course without clearly relating it to the case you are analysing. (Just summarizing related material will bring you some marks, but it will not be enough to get a full mark.) To maximize your marks, make sure that everything you write is explicitly related to the case. Stay on track – stay focused on the case. You can make assumptions if you believe that the amount of detail given in case description is not sufficient. Do document your assumptions in your answer. You can get points by incorporating additional relevant background research; comparing the case under analysis with similar cases; stating your opinions and insights - if relevant and backed up by analysis. Write clearly and structure text to better convey meaning – we cannot appreciate your ideas if we cannot understand you. To write clearly, follow these guidelines Write for skim value Write as simply as possible. Try not to make things more complicated than they have to be. Write for high skim value – make it easy for the reader to “skim” and glean the important points: use headings; use lists; break your message into short chunks: short lines, short sentences, short paragraphs. Use headings Headings should make sense on their own, capturing the essence of your ideas. In your headings, say enough for skim value, but be brief enough for clear emphasis. In general, limit your headings to six words, maximum. Use lists Lists should have at least two, but usually no more than seven items. Use numbered lists if you need numbers to show sequence or priority, otherwise use bullet lists. Use sufficient white space between list items. Use short paragraphs Each paragraph should develop one idea only. Introduce the idea in the first sentence of the paragraph. Every single sentence in the paragraph should elaborate that idea. Leave enough white space between paragraphs to clearly separate them. Avoid sentences that may be too long. Ideally, a sentence should be no longer than three lines. Break up long sentences with bullet points. Use common sense Use common sense when following these (or any other) writing guidelines. Referencing literature If you cite literature, use APA Word count, originality, and grading There is no strict word count limit, but it is anticipated that high quality submissions will be of roughly 1000 words (covering both of the questions). Team work is not allowed, and your work should be original. Plagiarism detection software may be used. Simply summarising the relevant theory (with little success in applying it in the context of the case) may result in a pass. However, submissions recognised as excellent (and thus leading to A level grades) will exhibit outstanding depth of analysis and quality of presentation. References Munter, M., & Hamilton, L. (2013). Guide to Managerial Communication. Pearson.