Assessment 1: Case Study Analysis

For this assessment, you will respond to case study questions particularly reflecting and analysing the context of the organisation, leaders decision making and the outcomes of the actions taken. In particular, you will reflect on the value of leadership for a particular organisation, and critically consider whether leadership matters. You will need to analyse the case study in light of the leadership theories and concepts discussed in the unit.

When responding to the case questions, you will need to ensure that the following criteria are met: 1) diagnosis and recommended actions are a good fit for the context presented in the case study; 2) diagnosis and recommended action are based on a sound theoretical basis; 3) critical thinking skills are demonstrated; and 4) appropriate academic writing style and referencing are used.

How to analyse a case study

1. Read the questions carefully

• What are you being asked to do? Decide? Describe? Analyse? Make recommendations? Use this information to focus your reading of the case study. Highlight key words, characters, and events.

• Start to think about leadership theories and concepts that could be related to the case.

2. Read the case study carefully

• Read it from beginning to end to get an overall idea of what is happening.

• Highlight anything you feel is important and related to the problem.

Sometimes the problems are not immediately clear, and you may need to read the case several times before you understand fully what is happening. It’s important to understand the CONTEXT of the situation so that you can see how this might influence decisions made and resulting consequences.

3. Ask questions and be a detective

• Descriptive questions: Where? What? When? Who?

• Analytical questions: Why? How? What if?

• Evaluative questions: So what? What next?

• Investigate and eliminate what is irrelevant to the situation or appears to not fit the case context.

• Make notes. Analyse and organise the information.

4. Structure your response - Make sure your answer:

• Is evidence-based (using data from the case);

• Is supported by relevant peer-reviewed literature;

• Demonstrates integration and synthesis;

• Uses linking words to connect your argument, and includes a short introduction and conclusion;

• There is no single “right” answer – as long as your arguments are supported through evidence of research and well-crafted by your critical thinking skills, many different points of view are possible.

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