"8W" Case Analysis

In case teaching in higher vocational colleges, students often can't really master the method of case analysis, but only memorize "answers" to cope with the exam. Once they encounter new case problems, they will feel at a loss. The author summarizes the "8W" case analysis method, so that students can solve the eight "W" in turn through discussion and naturally draw their own judgments and opinions.

1. The specific content of the "8W" case analysis method

1. Where

Solve what kind of workplace atmosphere and business situation things happen, and provide a basic background for the case analysis.

2. What happened

Answer what happened in the case, that is, the main facts of the case.

3. Who is involved

The related parties involved in the case and their relationship are the business subjects of the case.

4. What is the focus?

The main conclusions, differences and conflicts reflected in the case are the core of the case analysis.

5. What are the different viewpoints and bases?

What are the different viewpoints on the focus issue, the parties (subjects) of the conflict, or on this issue? This is the judgment object of the case analysis.

6. What theoretical knowledge has been learned

There are three main categories of theoretical knowledge: theoretical knowledge about this kind of business, this kind of event and the relationship between related parties. This is the theoretical basis for judging different viewpoints and the basis for case analysis.

7. What's your judgment

Use relevant theoretical knowledge to make an analysis and judgment, and get your own opinion, which is the conclusion of the case analysis.

8. What is your conclusion and basis?

Organize your own conclusions and arguments, and be able to make an accurate statement in written or oral form, which is the result of case analysis.

2. Examples of the application of "8W" case analysis

1. Management case

The sales volume and export volume of an enterprise producing traditional handicrafts have increased by more than 15% on average in recent ten years. The number of employees has also increased from less than 2 to more than 2,. Director Wang, the head of the enterprise, is in charge of both sales and production. Recently, some things happened in the enterprise, which made factory director Wang overwhelmed. First, the production task is basically to produce according to orders, and the factory director gives production instructions. When the delivery time is tight, the factory director takes the lead and burns the midnight oil with the employees. Although the goods were delivered on time, the quality was not up to standard, causing customers to return goods and claim compensation. Secondly, in the past, there were few recruiters in the enterprise, so the factory director Wang could make a decision alone. Now, the enterprise has to recruit nearly 5 college students every year, and it also involves the training of personnel. The previous practice is not good. Third, in the past, factory director Wang always temporarily selected people to do logistics work. Now there is too much work, and the practice of temporarily selecting people is no longer appropriate. Ask students to explain the problems existing in the enterprise and suggest measures from the perspective of organizational management.

The following is the analysis process of "8W" case analysis method:

(1) Where is it? An enterprise that produces traditional handicrafts.

(2) What happened? The number of employees has increased from less than 2 to more than 2,. Recently, something happened in the enterprise, which made the factory director Wang overwhelmed.

(3) Who is involved? Director Wang, the head of the enterprise.

(4) what is the focus? Previous effective management methods have lost their effectiveness.

(5) What are the different viewpoints and bases? The effective management methods in the past have lost their functions.

(6) What theoretical knowledge has been learned? Linear organizational structure has the advantages of simple structure, clear responsibilities and powers, and it may be easier and faster to make decisions. Disadvantages are: in the case of a large organization, the business is complicated, and all management functions are concentrated in one person, so it may be difficult to make a decision.

The advantage of the linear-staff organization structure is that line managers at all levels have corresponding functional organizations and personnel as staff and assistants, so they can effectively manage the department to adapt to the complicated and meticulous characteristics of modern management.

(7) What is your judgment? Enterprises need to adopt the organizational structure suitable for their development.

(8) What is your basis? The company should consider adopting a linear-staff organization structure and setting up a production planning department, a human resources department and a logistics department. In this way, the advantages of the linear-staff organization structure can be brought into play. That is, line managers at all levels have corresponding functional organizations and personnel as staff officers and assistants, so they can effectively manage their headquarters to adapt to the complicated and meticulous characteristics of modern management, and each department is under the unified command of line personnel, which meets the requirements of unified command and strict responsibility system for modern organizational activities.

2. International trade case

Company A of our country exported 1 cases of food to CIF Rotterdam, CY/CY, and paid by sight letter of credit. After the goods are loaded on the ship, Company A receives the payment from the bank on the basis of the list of the loaded goods, the bill of lading and the insurance policy insured against all risks and war risks. After the goods arrived at the port of destination, the importer reinspected, and the container was in good appearance and the lead seal was complete. However, it was found that 1 boxes of goods were in good appearance, but the goods in the box were missing ***6kg. The consignee then claimed compensation from the insurance company, and the insurance company thought that the lack of goods was the seller's lack of goods, which was within the scope of exemption and refused to pay compensation. The consignee also claimed compensation from the carrier, who refused to pay compensation for the same reason. Who should bear the responsibility for the lack of goods in this case?

Please analyze the case according to the following steps of "8W Case Analysis":

(1) Where is it?

(2) What happened?

(3) Who is involved?

(4) what is the focus?

(5) What are the different viewpoints and bases?

(6) What theoretical knowledge has been learned?

(7) What is your judgment?

(8) What is your basis?

(Author: Guangxi Vocational and Technical College)