Class Discussion Following Your Presentation example essay topic

Guidelines for the Case Analysis The purpose of this assignment is to allow you to apply the material in the course to a real life situation and to give you an opportunity to discuss and exchange ideas with your group members. Each group will either write a case analysis or make a class presentation. Here are some pointers for your case analysis. The following set of guidelines is designed to help you with your assignment. If you make sure and cover the three general areas you are likely to improve your chances of putting together a good analysis. I am here to help you in your efforts to complete an effective analysis (but less likely to help when groups wait until the LAST minute!) Please do use these resources.

A good case analysis consists of these three essential components: I. Description and Identification The analysis should begin with a sharply focused summary of the important issues and problems of the company as you see it. Do not provide a detailed history of the company. Make sure your case analysis report is well organized. II. Analysis and Evaluation The second part of the presentation consists of analyzing the important issues and problem areas and evaluating their impact on the organization. At this stage, an important task expected of you is to apply some of the concepts, theories and techniques we have discussed in this course to the case.

You are expected to conduct outside research on the company to provide input to your analysis. Make sure you note down the citations and remember to mention them in your presentation or report.. Recommendations and Action Plans Once you have described, analyzed and evaluated the company and its issues, the next step is to present recommendations, action plans and or conclusions depending on the individual case. These recommendations should specifically address the problems or issues that you have identified for the company. Always try to substantiate your recommendations with facts and the knowledge that you have acquired in this course. Make sure that your recommendations follow from your analysis.

If what you recommend is different from what the company is currently doing then explain why you believe your recommendations are better. If your recommendations are similar to the actions taken by the company, then explain why other alternatives were not feasible. Finally, you are expected to provide an update on the company and explain what is currently happening. Written Case Analysis (if applicable) Written analyses must be 15 pages minimum. Standard MLA, APA, or Chicago Format is required as well as all standard rules of grammar and spelling. Please check with the library for use of referencing and style guides.

Considerable points will be deducted for papers written without proper reference style. Class Presentation (if applicable) IMPORTANT: 1) Make sure you distribute an outline of your presentation to the class. 2) Give me a detailed outline of your presentation (including a list of references you used) before you begin the presentation (10% will be deducted if detailed outline is missing). o The class presentation should be approximately 30 minutes long. You are expected to lead the class discussion following your presentation. This may include answering questions from the class and / or questions you pose to your audience. This could last anywhere from 10 - 15 minutes. o Use visual aids and speak clearly and loudly.

This is a great opportunity for you to practice and develop the oral presentation and analytical skills that are vital to success in the business world. I encourage you to be creative. Mock interviews, sketches, etc. are fine if they are effective in helping you present your case. Some points to remember 1.

Rehearse your presentation. Remember, you only get one chance to present your case. 2. Make sure you use overheads and that they can be seen clearly from the back of the room. 3.

Do not read from your notes and do use index cards if necessary. 4. Be on time for your presentation. If you need set up time for your presentation, come to class early and be prepared to begin on time. Delays due to lack of preparation on your part will adversely affect your grade. 5.

Let me know at least two weeks in advance if you require special equipment for your presentation. Time yourself. Have a friend or team member signal when you are running out of time. 6. Speak loudly and clearly. 7.

Do empathize with the audience and try to make the presentation as relevant and entertaining as possible. Try to get the class to participate in the discussion. Show enthusiasm for the company that your are dealing with and you are likely to get the attention of the audience. 8. Have a contingency plan! Backup your PowerPoint file!

Also, group members need to be familiar with one-another's presentation segment as a contingency for any member's absenteeism the day of the presentation. Peer Evaluation Each group member is expected to evaluate himself or herself and every other member of the group. These evaluations need to be turned in on the day of the presentation. You may turn these evaluations directly to the instructor if you are concerned about maintaining confidentiality.

You must turn in this evaluation on the day it is due to get a grade for the case analysis. The form for the evaluation is included in your syllabus. Please read the procedure for calculating grades on this form. Listed are some useful sites to aid you with research: Cal Poly Library - Online Business & Economic Databases.

Dow Jones Interactive, Business & Industry (especially good of your competitor isn't a public company), Business Abstract (academic research & publication on companies), & LexisNexis (Newspapers, magazine, etc -- largest single database of publications in the world! ). web Corporate Information and Annual Report, Securities & Exchange Commission (web) web CNN Financial -- great to get the latest on you company web CPP Library's Online resource for Market Share and Company Ranking web HOOVERS. Comprehensive company, industry, and market intelligence -- provides sales, marketing, business development, and recruiting professionals with the global business intelligence. web.