Writing a Harvard Business School (HBS) Case Study Analysis
Apply the HBS Case Method. Define the problem statement, execute quantitative analysis, and formulate a decision for your MBA coursework.
Defining the HBS Case Analysis
The Harvard Business School (HBS) Case Study Analysis places students as decision-makers facing time-sensitive dilemmas. The objective is to use the provided data—both qualitative narrative and quantitative exhibits—to diagnose the problem statement and recommend a specific course of action.
We cover the essential structure: Situation Analysis, Problem Definition, Quantitative Analysis, Alternative Generation, and the final Decision/Action Plan. We emphasize moving beyond summary to critical strategic evaluation.
Key Distinction:
A case summary retells the story. An HBS Case Analysis diagnoses the root cause and argues for a solution using evidence. Summary is passive; analysis is active.
Key Requirements for Analysis
Root Cause Diagnosis
Distinguish between symptoms (e.g., low morale) and the root problem statement (e.g., misaligned incentive structure).
Quantitative Rigor
Using financial exhibits to perform quantitative analysis (ratios, margins, valuation) that proves the viability of your arguments.
Decisive Recommendations
Making a clear “Go/No-Go” decision and supporting it with a detailed implementation plan, acknowledging risks and trade-offs.
Phase 1: Situation Analysis and Problem Definition
Situation Analysis
Scan the case to understand the core facts. Apply frameworks like SWOT or PESTLE to map the external and internal environment. This contextualizes the protagonist’s dilemma.
Formulating the Problem Statement
Define the Problem Statement clearly. Identify the *immediate* decision (e.g., “Should Company X acquire Company Y?”) and the deeper strategic issue. The statement must be concise and focused on the root cause.
Phase 2: Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative analysis evaluates organizational culture and leadership. Quantitative analysis is non-negotiable for HBS style. Crunch the numbers in the exhibits. Calculate profit margins, ROI, or market share. Interpret this data to support your diagnosis.
Struggling with financial exhibits? Our MBA writers specialize in quantitative analysis and strategic frameworks for case study writing.
Phase 3: Alternatives, Decision, and Action Plan
Developing Alternatives
Develop 2-3 mutually exclusive strategic alternatives. Compare the status quo against active changes. Evaluate each against specific decision criteria (e.g., cost, feasibility, alignment). This comparative analysis demonstrates critical thinking.
The Recommendation (Decision)
State your Decision clearly. Justify it by summarizing why it scored highest on your decision criteria. Be decisive. Support your choice with the strongest evidence from your quantitative analysis.
Implementation Plan (Action Plan)
Your Action Plan details *how* to implement the recommendation. Use a short-term, medium-term, and long-term structure. Include steps, budget estimates, and timelines. Address risks and provide a mitigation strategy.
The implementation plan bridges the gap between theory and practice Harvard Business School, Case Method.
Applying Strategic Frameworks
Apply established business frameworks like SWOT, Porter’s Five Forces, 4 Ps of Marketing, or the Value Chain. Select the framework that fits the problem statement. Use it to generate insights, not just to fill space.
The Role of the Protagonist
Keep the protagonist in mind. Your recommendation must be feasible *for them*. Tailoring the decision to their constraints (budget, political capital) demonstrates situational awareness.
Handling Missing Information
You must make reasonable assumptions to bridge gaps in data. Explicitly state these assumptions (e.g., “Assuming constant market growth…”). This protects the validity of your quantitative analysis.
Formatting and Professional Tone
Use an Executive Summary. Employ clear headings and bullet points. Avoid academic jargon. The tone should be objective, confident, and persuasive.
Meet the Experts in Case Study Analysis
When you hire a research paper writer for your HBS Case Study, you are matched with an expert specializing in quantitative analysis and business strategy.
Success in MBA Case Studies: Client Testimonials
Hear from students who aced their Harvard Business School style assignments.
SiteJabber: 4.9/5
Trustpilot: 3.8/5
“The quantitative analysis of the exhibits was spot on. The writer calculated margins I missed, making my recommendation undeniable.”
– M. Smith, MBA Student
“I finally understood how to define the problem statement correctly. The distinction between symptoms and the root cause changed my approach.”
– A. Patel, Business School
“The implementation plan was detailed and realistic. It covered short-term and long-term actions, which my professor specifically praised.”
– L. Rodriguez, Executive MBA
FAQs: HBS Case Study Analysis
Q: What is the HBS Case Method?
A: The HBS Case Method is a participant-centered learning model where students step into the shoes of a decision-maker (the protagonist) facing a complex business challenge. The goal is not to find the ‘right’ answer, but to demonstrate rigorous analysis and decision-making under uncertainty.
Q: How important is Quantitative Analysis in an HBS Case Study?
A: Crucial. An HBS analysis cannot rely solely on qualitative arguments. You must use the financial data provided in the exhibits to calculate ratios, break-even points, or valuation estimates to justify your recommendation.
Q: What should be included in the Problem Statement?
A: The Problem Statement must be a single, focused sentence that identifies the immediate decision the protagonist must make. It should address the root cause of the issue, distinguishing it from surface-level symptoms (e.g., ‘declining sales’ is a symptom; ‘ineffective pricing strategy’ is the problem).
Q: How should I handle missing information in a case study?
A: Missing information is intentional in HBS cases. You must make reasonable, explicit assumptions to bridge the gap. State your assumptions clearly (e.g., “Assuming market conditions remain stable…”) and proceed with your analysis based on them.
Master the HBS Case Method Today
Transform your analysis from simple summary to strategic insight. Secure expert help to ensure your problem statement, quantitative analysis, and recommendations meet MBA standards.
