| Case Analysis |
| One of the ways we
will review your grasp of the theories and concepts discussed in
the MPA curriculum is by having you analyze and present a case study.
The case will also allow you to demonstrate
your ability to diagnose a management/policy
problem using the theories and concepts
learned in the MPA program. It will also allow you to demonstrate
your ability to concisely present your findings. Accordingly,
each student will be required to present their analysis of a case study,
prepare a professional memorandum summarizing their findings, and
include an attachment that discusses the case in light of the theories
and concepts covered in the MPA curriculum. |
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| Hopefully, at this point in the
MPA program you realize the importance of good communication skills and
the necessity to be able to present your ideas in written form.
Since memoranda are a standard form of communication, it is critical
that you master the art of writing a quality memo. You are
required to prepare an individual memo summarizing your analysis of the
case study you have been assigned. Your memo is
limited to 2 single-spaced pages, 12 point font with 1 inch margins.
Additional
instructions and guidance for preparing
the individual and group case memos and leading the case discussions
is posted on the course web site. Each
memo is limited to 2 single-spaced pages and must be in a standard
professional format. A
sample
memo can be downloaded from the course web site and most word processing
programs have templates that can be used.
You
are also required to include an attachment (limited to
4 single-spaced pages) that discusses the case in light of
the theories and concepts covered in classes in the
MPA curriculum that are most evident in the case study. |
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| You will then be required to
present your analysis to the faculty. You will have no more than
12 minutes to present your findings.
Your
presentation should be professional, be clear
and concise, use grammatically
correct English, and get right to the point. Everyone will have
read the case so do not spend all of your time summarizing the case -
spend your time presenting your analysis and conclusions. While each case is somewhat unique, in general your
presentations should: |
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 | Discuss the main management
problem(s) or issue(s) that are central to the case - Be specific |
| Suggest a
course(s) of action
for
responding to the problem or specify what course of action you would
have followed if placed in a similar situation |
| What theories/concepts discussed in the
MPA curriculum does the case
illustrate? |
| What implications, lessons
or general advice does the case
suggest for managers of
public and nonprofit organizations? |
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| You will be assigned a time and
location for the presentation in consultation with the instructor.
This will be followed by questions from the faculty present. You
will be graded on both the presentation and response to the questions
and on the quality of the written memos. You will be required to
submit your memo several days prior to the presentation.
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