Description
Case studies are wonderful tools for applying concepts to real world situations and exploring possible solutions to those situations. For this assignment we ask that you create a Problem Oriented (identifying a major problem and possible solutions) case study from your work life. Use the How to Write a Case Study (Monash University, 2007) guide to help you craft out the specifics of the case, identify the major problem, suggest recommendations for solutions and describe implementation of the best solution for your case. Please keep confidential what needs to be confidential-i.e.: keep any individuals that you name in your case study anonymous by providing aliases and refrain from writing about any situations that need to be kept private.
Objectives
The intention of having you describe and work through your own case studies is to help you to achieve the following course objectives:
· Understand various human resource challenges that can be encountered in a variety of healthcare settings;
· Apply knowledge to understand, analyze and discuss common human resource issues in healthcare;
· Develop and implement human resource strategies that can be utilized to solve various management and operational issues
*Remember*
· The Case is the “real life” situation
· The Case Study is the analysis of this situation
Structure of the paper
Your case studies should include the following sections:
· Synopsis – Describe the purpose of the case study and the details of the context (where, an outline of the what (without the specifics-that’s the next section), any theories or HR concepts that will be applied). Be sure to include:
- A Bio of the Organization where the Case Study takes place including a description of the Organizational Structure, summary of key players and description of the Organization’s size and services.
- A thorough and objective description of events.
Tell us what you’re going to tell us.
· Finding (s) – Identify all of the problems you want to address in this case study (fleshing out the purpose). Tell the story of what happened.
· Discussion – Identify potential solutions to the problems. Include specifics (when applicable) about regulations that may come into play. Keep in mind that problems may not be limited to violation of company policy or state and federal regulation but could also be indicative of ineffective processes, inadequate management, culture etc.
· Conclusion – Provide a succinct summary of the main points
· Recommendations – Of the multiple solutions that may exist, which do you recommend (what would best fit the context of the situation)?
· Implementation –How would you implement the solutions? Include details on the timing/order of implementation and who will be responsible and how HR principles support this solution.
· References- (if applicable)
· Formatting- Proper APA style formatting, i.e.: double-spaced, running header, citations (if applicable) etc. (see APA citation guide on Bb). Length should be between 5-6 pages (no more than 7 pages please).
Refer to the following for guidance:
· How to write a case study-Monash University library (on Blackboard)
· APA Guidelines (on Blackboard)
Rubric for NLX 474 Midterm Paper
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Dimensions of Writing Expectations | Exceeds Expectations | Meets Majority of Expectations | Does Not Consistently Meet > 50% Expectations | Meets Few to None of Expectations |
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| FOCUS: Synopsis and Findings (20%) - Provides a clear overview of the case, including details of the context, purpose and applicable HR principles. - Problems are succinctly explained. - Problems are realistic, and supported by the facts of the case, not based on speculation or assumption. | 19.5-20 | 16-19.4 | 12-15.9 | 0-11.9 |
| DISCUSSION: Solutions, Evidence and Conclusion (30%) - The major problems of the case are effectively summarized. - Solutions and at least 2-3 possible alternatives are well presented and supported using HR principles. - Pertinent HR policies/practices (application of principles) are identified and discussed. - Conclusion clearly summarizes the major points from the findings and discussion. | 39-40 | 32-38.9 | 24-31.9 | 0-23.9 |
| RECOMMENDATIONS Deciding solutions and implementation (20%) - Includes thoughtful discussion concerning recommendations of alternative solutions. - Includes clear rationale for solution choice and how it will solve the major problems, using HR principles as supporting evidence. - Section is persuasive and realistic. - Implementation plan is clear and includes: what, how and who to involve. | 19.5-20 | 16-19.4 | 12-15.9 | 0-11.9 |
| ORGANIZATION: Document and Paragraph Structure (20%) - Clear, easy-to-follow macro structure or format used. - Transitions are used to move the argument forward. - Paper flows, without redundancy, at the document and paragraph levels. | 19.5-20 | 16-19.4 | 12-15.9 | 0-11.9 |
| SENTENCES: Mechanics and Style (5%) - Sentence structure is varied and grammatically correct. - Writing is free of spelling errors; proofreading is evident. - Writing is clear, concise, formal, interesting, in the active voice, objective, and free from bias and anthropomorphisms, as per Chapter 3 in the APA Manual (see Bb). | 4.8-5 | 3-4.7 | 1-2.9 | 0-.5 |
| SCHOLARLY CONVENTIONS: Source Quality and Citations (5%) - All ideas, words, and research belonging to others are properly attributed in-text and in the references section. - Paraphrasing is an accurate representation of the primary source; direct quotes are used sparingly. - Conventions for document format are followed as stated in the current APA Style Guide. | 4.8-5 | 3-4.7 | 1-2.9 | 0-.5 |
| Total Score: | | | | |
Are there any concerns about Academic Honesty? Yes _______ No _______
MONASH UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
QuickRef 27 How to write the case study There are two different approaches to case studies Type 1: The Analytical Approach The case study is examined in order to try and understand what has happened and why. It is not necessary to identify problems or suggest solutions. Type 2: The Problem-Oriented Method The case study is analysed to identify the major problems that exist and to suggest solutions to these problems. This Quickref focuses on Type 2: The Problem-Oriented Method Check with your lecturer which type they require. A successful case study analyses a real life situation where existing problems need to be solved. It should: • Relate the theory to a practical situation; for example, apply the ideas and knowledge discussed in the coursework to the practical situation at hand in the case study. • Identify the problems • Select the major problems in the case • Suggest solutions to these major problems • Recommend the best solution to be implemented • Detail how this solution should be implemented NB: The Case is the “real life” situation The Case Study is the analysis of this situation July 2007 © Monash University How to Write the Case Study There are usually eight sections in a case study. Synopsis/Executive Summary • Outline the purpose of the case study • Describe the field of research – this is usually an overview of the company • Outline the issues and findings of the case study without the specific details • Identify the theory that will be used. • Here, the reader should be able to get a clear picture of the essential contents of the study. • Note any assumptions made (you may not have all the information you’d like so some assumptions may be necessary eg: “It has been assumed that…”, “Assuming that it takes half an hour to read one document…”) Findings • Identify the problems found in the case. Each analysis of a problem should be supported by facts given in the case together with the relevant theory and course concepts. Here, it is important to search for the underlying problems for example: cross-cultural conflict may be only a symptom of the underlying problem of inadequate policies and practices within the company. • This section is often divided into sub-sections, one for each problem. Discussion • Summarise the major problem/s • Identify alternative solutions to this/these major problem/s (there is likely to be more than one solution per problem) • Briefly outline each alternative solution and then evaluate it in terms of its advantages and disadvantages • No need to refer to theory or coursework here. Conclusion • Sum up the main points from the findings and discussion Recommendations • Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted • Briefly justify your choice explaining how it will solve the major problem/s • This should be written in a forceful style as this section is intended to be persuasive • Here integration of theory and coursework is appropriate Implementation • Explain what should be done, by whom and by when • If appropriate include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time). References • Make sure all references are sited correctly Appendices (if any) • Note any original data that relates to the study but which would have interrupted the flow of the main body. Other useful references LLOnline, IT Case Study http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/information-technology/case-study/ Kimberly, N & Crosling, G 2005, Q Manual, Monash University, Caulfield East, Vic, pp XXXXXXXXXXManagement Case Study, L & L Online tutorial http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/writing/businesseconomics/management/index.xml July 2007 © Monash University Summers, J & Smith, B 2004, Communication skills handbook, John Wiley & Sons, Milton, Qld, pp.47-62.
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