Case name: Heineken-Brewing a better World.

Case Analysis Directions

1. You will be assigned a case study to analyze.

2. The MBA program has seven programmatic learning outcomes
A. Comprehensive knowledge of the functional areas of business
B. Problem framing and solving capabilities
C. Global perspective
D. Communication competency
E. Ability to manage information
F. Social responsibility
G. Behavioral skills

3. Using the case study you’ve been assigned, please demonstrate your competence in each of the seven areas listed above. Specifically, analyze the case you have been assigned using subheadings for each of the 7 learning objectives. That is, discuss the case with reference to each one of the learning objectives.

It is very unlikely that the case you’ve been assigned explicitly addresses each of the seven programmatic learning outcomes that provide the centerpiece for the MBA curriculum. Consequently, you will need to extend your thinking and your analysis beyond the domain of the case per se. This represents the most frustrating and potentially the most valuable dimension of this assessment exercise. The way in which you’re able to adapt and extend the range of your abilities to accomplish this type of task is another dimension of your abilities that we’re endeavoring to measure. Problem solving is the heart of the MBA program. As stated above, this type of ambiguously defined problem is typical of those you will encounter most frequently throughout your professional lives.

If the case does not clearly align to one of the learning objectives, you can use your creativity to make the connection. For example, if a case has limited direct ties to global perspectives you may discuss implications for the company if they wanted to globalize, even if that is not what the case is about. The idea is to demonstrate your knowledge and decision making abilities.

Case Analysis Format. In the first paragraph of your paper, identify the case you’ve been assigned and provide a brief abstract of the company and the situation it is confronting within the context of the case. The format of your responses to the case should be organized according to the seven program goals listed in #2 above. Each goal should be used as a separate section heading.

A general outline of the required paper is provided on the next page of this document.

4. Tips for Success. As you develop your responses to this task, please keep our objectives in mind. We want to see the linkages between goals and outcomes. We want to be able to discern how the curriculum has enhanced your analytical and decision making abilities. So … PLEASE be very transparent in explaining specifically how your experiences within the program have informed the analysis of the case study that you’ve been assigned.

5. Paper Guidelines

Papers should be submitted electronically as Word documents. Please use 11or 12-point type and single space each paragraph . Use your own judgment when formatting tables, graphs, references, etc.
Sample Outline of BUS790 Case Analysis

Shanghai Volkswagen: Time for a Radical Shift of Gears
(Your Name Here)

Shanghai Volkswagen (SVW) finds itself caught in swiftly changing external and internal environments. Factors that have been critical to its past success are either no longer relevant or quickly vanishing from the competitive marketplace. Although taking first-mover risks has rewarded Volkswagen with a dominant market position and high profitability, such dominance and profitability might not be sustainable in the long run as the competitive landscape is transformed. The central strategic issue confronting SVW is the value of first-mover advantages and disadvantages in global expansion, especially into emerging markets. This issue will shape the strategic positioning of the brand for many years to come. In addition, the case examines several other globalization issues including: localization vs. technology transfer, local partnership and governmental relations, and the effect of local industry policies on corporate performance and strategies.

Problem framing and solving capabilities.

Using the assigned case as a frame of reference, provide a thorough analysis which illustrates how the problem framing and solving capabilities that you’ve acquired in the MBA program can be used to diagnose the problem(s) facing SVW and provide the means to identify a solution.

Please include in your analysis, demonstration of the following learning objectives:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the functional areas of business.
o Using the assigned case as a frame of reference, provide a thorough analysis of the case as it relates to the functional areas of business. Doing so should illustrate how the comprehensive knowledge of the functional areas of business that you’ve acquired in the MBA program enhances your understanding of the problems facing SVW and provides the means to identify a solution.

• Global perspective
o In your decision framing and analysis, also include a global perspective or, if not directly related, what the company should keep in mind with a global perspective on business.

• Communication competency

• Social responsibility
o In your decision framing and analysis, also include a social responsibility perspective or, if not directly related, what the company should keep in mind regarding social responsibility.

• Behavioral dimensions
o In your decision framing and analysis, also discuss the behavioral dimensions that are influencing the case and the decision making. If not directly related, what the company should keep in mind regarding behavioral dimensions in business.

• Information Management
o In your decision framing and analysis, also discuss how information management is, or could, play a role in the situation. If not directly related, what the company should keep in mind regarding information management in business.
**Please use subheadings of each of these learning outcomes in your case analysis when possible.