how to write a case study in hrm

10 Steps to Write a HR Case Study

My sister always looks forward to when she will cease to be a student. I can only imagine her joy from the countless times I have heard her yapping about it. But I barely blame her; she has all the rights to wait for that time.

Being a student often feels like a necessary evil that you can barely wait to be over with. Many situations make the wait feel longer than it seems. An example is HR case study writing. But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is said that if you can’t beat them, join them. The same goes. If it is too unnerving, learn its ways and be the pro.

What is an HR case study?

If you may be interested in business studies, then this may not be a new phrase you’ve heard of.

A case study analysis is a form of academic writing which analyses a situation, event, place, or person to form a conclusion. They are valuable for phenomena that can’t be studied in a laboratory or quantitative methods. HR case studies play vital roles in human resource management, personnel management, and other related courses. They include a detailed description of a simulated or real-life decision-making scenario. They also aim at enhancing decision-making skills, managerial competency, and problem-solving skills.

The following are tips to perfect your HR case study writing:

1. Read the given instructions carefully

It is amusing how people often spurn instructions and delve right into whatever they desire to do as if they are experts. Guidelines will always be worthwhile and will come in very handy, more than you would know. The witty Agnes Allen quotes that when everything fails, read the instructions.

Make sure you understand what is expected of you from the given instruction. Scrutinize and comprehend them because only then will you have a facile time as you advance with your writing.

2. Prepare for the assignment

When going for battle, you must double-check on all items that offer you a winning chance. Determine the primary problem in context to your study, the kind of questions you want to ask, the tools necessary in your assignment, and your research background. Once you can answer the questions above, the foggy confusion in your mind fades, and you begin to experience translucence on how to go about your case study.

3. Choose your required tools carefully

The sky is always the limit. It is okay to dream as big as you want. However, make sure your dreams are achievable. A case study involves responses piled up from the public and any other sources. To amass this information, tools such as interviews and questionnaires are necessary for use. The decision on the tools to use may be guided as per the instructions provided. If not, choose the least problematic and the easiest to work with.

4. Formulate your questions to give the most accurate response

The type of questions depends on the kind of tool you decide to use. For example, if the study aims to check the public’s response towards a particular product, the questions asked in an interview may differ from those asked in a questionnaire. Interviews offer a one-on-one chance, allowing the interviewer to give more information on the topic. On the other hand, questionnaires are straightforward and cap the response of the one answering. For better response, you may combine various tools to get a wide array of information. The choice is all yours.

5. Learn how to use various tools of research

There is no research without action, no action without research. To conduct a case study, you may require skills you have minimal knowledge of. The only way this is possible is through studying and researching. If your tool of interest is through interviews, you must learn to be the best interviewer. Many expert writers from various essay writing services are patiently waiting for your call, and they will offer all the help you may require. With academic writing services, you may learn the best way of interviewing to get the best results as directly as possible.

6. Devise a method to analyze data collected

Information obtained is then collected and appropriately arranged to reduce any stupor. Review the answers to each question and analyze why the person provided such an answer. For this data to be understood effectively, it must be carefully examined. Ensure that you closely dissect all responses supplied to grasp properly how best you will answer your question.

7. Organize the information obtained to a manageable measure

You may have collected all manner of information from your research, questionnaires, interviews, and any other sources you may have had. However, it may be inconceivable to document all your responses in your case study. Of course, you will need to provide facts, numbers, or refer to authoritative sources. You can also use phrases from the interview. You may be forced to selectively choose the information provided. Summarize the responses given while highlighting the main point given by your audience. This is a skill you must master. Managing your data makes your study more manageable to handle, interpret and understand.

8. Choose the best data presentation tools

A case study is all about how well you handle your data and communicate the responses obtained. Presentation is therefore very delicate to this process. Your presentation skills must be nothing short of top-notch. All the information is necessary so that the reader can come to his conclusion with your help. In simpler words, this task is like a puzzle. Each of your sentences is a puzzle, and your conclusion already adds up the overall picture. Numbers may come a long way to show the extent of the work conducted. You may, for example, indicate the number of people that sided with a specific response. Take that extra mile to show how flawless your work is.

9. Compose your case study

Once you have all your facts right, nothing stops you from jotting down your findings. With the guidance of an efficient case study writing service , you will be unbeatable. You can also find professional essay writing help to guide you through your experience on the internet. You can also look at many examples to make your writing as smooth as possible.

10. Edit your work

The nerve-wracking part is now over. Ensure all questions have been answered, and the instructions have been followed closely. Confirm there are no grammatical or spelling errors as well. Now, you are good to go.

Negative perceptions have proven to be very restricting and imprisoning. Nothing is impossible with the proper guidance, so do not fear writing essays; we are here to help you.

“Mark Hunt” has been a professional writer since 2006. He is very passionate about his work related to HR.

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A Guide to Human Resources Management Case Studies

Human Resource Management case studies provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by HR professionals in diverse workplaces. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore real-life examples of HRM in action, showcasing the strategies and solutions implemented to tackle various HR challenges.

Key Takeaways:

• Human Resources Management Case Studies offer practical insights for HR professionals.
• Real-life examples highlight strategies and solutions for overcoming HR challenges.
• Case studies showcase the importance of effective HR strategies in organizational success.
• Diverse scenarios demonstrate the application of HRM practices in different workplaces.
• Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial for HR professionals to stay effective.

The Changing Landscape of HRM

In the rapidly evolving global business environment, Human Resources Management (HRM) is constantly adapting to new trends and challenges. From the emergence of emerging markets to the digitalization of workplaces, HR professionals have had to navigate through various obstacles to effectively manage their workforce. One of the most significant challenges in recent times has been the global COVID-19 pandemic, which has necessitated swift and innovative HR strategies.

To gain a deeper understanding of how organizations have successfully managed these changes and optimized their HR practices, we will delve into a range of case studies. These case studies provide valuable real-world examples that HR professionals can analyze and apply in their own organizations. By studying these HR case studies , professionals can learn from the experiences of others, gaining insights into successful strategies and approaches.

Utilizing HR case studies for analysis allows us to discover how organizations have leveraged HRM to overcome obstacles and adapt to new circumstances. These real-life examples showcase the diverse ways in which organizations have effectively managed HR challenges, providing valuable lessons and strategies for HR professionals across industries.

Company XYZ, a multinational technology firm, faced challenges in attracting and retaining top talent due to the fast-paced nature of the industry. To address this, they implemented a strategic HR initiative that focused on creating a flexible work environment, providing opportunities for professional development, and offering competitive compensation packages. As a result, the company experienced a significant reduction in employee turnover and an increase in employee satisfaction and productivity.

This case study highlights how HR professionals at Company XYZ were able to adapt to the changing landscape of HRM by implementing innovative strategies. By analyzing such success stories, HR professionals can gain valuable insights into the strategies and practices that drive organizational success.

• HRM is constantly evolving to respond to new trends and challenges in the business world.
• Case studies provide real-world examples of effective HR practices in managing change.
• Successful organizations leverage HRM strategies to optimize their workforce and drive organizational success.

The Importance of Effective HR Strategies

Effective HR strategies are crucial for organizations to attract, retain, and develop top talent. By implementing strategic HR practices, companies can create a positive work environment that fosters employee engagement, productivity, and overall organizational success. In this section, we will explore case studies that highlight successful HR strategies implemented by companies across different industries, providing valuable insights for research and inspiration.

Case Studies: Success Stories in HR Management

Case Study 1: Company X

“Our HR strategy of prioritizing employee well-being and work-life balance has had a significant impact on our organizational culture. Through flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and regular communication channels, we have seen a remarkable increase in employee satisfaction and productivity.”

Case Study 2: Company Y

“By investing in employee development and career progression, we have been able to attract top talent and retain key employees. The implementation of mentorship programs, training initiatives, and performance feedback systems has led to higher employee engagement and a stronger talent pipeline.”

Case Study 3: Company Z

“Our HR strategy focuses on promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce. Through targeted recruitment efforts, diversity training programs, and inclusive policies, we have successfully created a culture that celebrates and values diversity, leading to improved employee satisfaction and innovation.”

The Impact of Strategic HR Practices

These success stories demonstrate the tangible benefits of strategic HR practices. Organizations that prioritize effective HR strategies are better equipped to attract and retain top talent, foster employee engagement and satisfaction, and drive overall organizational success. By studying these case studies, researchers and HR professionals can gain valuable insights and inspiration to enhance their own HR practices and achieve similar levels of success.

By examining these HRM case studies for research and guidance, organizations can adopt successful strategies and adapt them to their unique contexts. The implementation of effective HR strategies is key to creating a thriving workplace culture that empowers employees, maximizes productivity, and ultimately drives the success of the organization.

Fundamental Concepts of HR Management

Before diving into Human Resources Management Case Studies , it is essential to have a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts that underpin HR management. This section will explore key definitions and concepts to provide a strong foundation for in-depth analysis of the case studies.

Definitions and Clarifications

Let’s start by clarifying some key terms:

• Management : Refers to the process of coordinating and overseeing organizational resources to achieve specific goals and objectives.
• Resources : In the context of HR, resources refer to the individuals who contribute to the organization’s success, including employees, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Role of a Manager : A manager is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve organizational goals and objectives. In the HR context, managers focus on effectively managing human resources.
• Difference between Management and Administration : While the terms management and administration are sometimes used interchangeably, it is important to note the subtle distinctions. Management is concerned with the implementation of strategies and the coordination of resources, whereas administration involves the overarching policies, procedures, and regulations that govern the organization.

By understanding these fundamental concepts, we can delve deeper into the case studies and gain valuable insights into the challenges and solutions faced by HR professionals.

Inspiring Quote

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” – Peter Drucker

Key Definitions

Management functions and responsibilities.

Effective management is essential for HR professionals in their role of overseeing an organization’s human capital. Understanding the four basic functions of management – planning, organizing, directing, and controlling – is critical for HRM success. Each function contributes to the efficient and effective management of human resources, ensuring organizational goals are met.

In addition to these management functions, HR managers have specific responsibilities that contribute to the overall success of the organization. These responsibilities include:

• Recruitment and selection of qualified candidates
• Employee onboarding, training, and development
• Creating and enforcing HR policies and procedures
• Ensuring legal compliance in all HR practices
• Managing employee relations and resolving conflicts
• Designing and administering compensation and benefits programs
• Developing and implementing employee engagement initiatives
• Overseeing performance management and evaluation processes

Furthermore, HR plays a vital role in the administrative cycle of an organization. HR professionals are responsible for managing and maintaining accurate HR records, handling payroll and benefits administration, and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.

By effectively executing their management functions and fulfilling their responsibilities, HR professionals contribute to the development and success of an organization’s human resources, driving overall organizational performance and productivity.

Skills and Competencies in HR Management

The success of an HR manager relies on a combination of technical skills and personal qualities. Understanding and mastering these essential skills and competencies is crucial for effectively managing human resources in any organization. Here, we will explore the key characteristics that distinguish an effective HR manager and how they contribute to success in HR management.

1. Integrity

Integrity is the foundation of trust in any HR department. HR managers must demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all aspects of their work. By upholding high ethical standards, HR managers cultivate a culture of integrity, ensuring fair and unbiased treatment of employees and fostering a positive work environment.

2. Flexibility

Flexibility is essential in an ever-changing business landscape. HR managers must adapt to evolving workplace dynamics, industry trends, and technological advancements. This includes being open to new ideas, embracing change, and continuously updating HR strategies to align with organizational goals and employee needs.

3. Resilience

HR managers often face challenging situations that require resilience and the ability to navigate complex issues. They must stay composed in difficult times, effectively manage conflicts, and find creative solutions to address HR challenges. Resilient HR managers are invaluable assets to organizations, as they can lead teams through change and uncertainty, ensuring continuity and stability.

4. Proactivity

Successful HR managers are proactive in identifying potential issues before they escalate. They anticipate future needs and create proactive strategies to address them. By staying ahead of the curve, HR managers can plan and implement initiatives that support employees’ growth, well-being, and overall job satisfaction.

“Proactive HR managers take a proactive approach to identify potential pitfalls early on, allowing organizations to prevent problems rather than just managing them when they arise.”

In addition to these personal qualities, HR managers must possess a range of technical skills to effectively manage human resources. Some of these skills include:

• Recruitment and selection
• Training and development
• Performance management
• Employee relations
• Compensation and benefits
• HR data analysis

To exemplify these skills and competencies, let’s take a look at a real-life HR case study:

By analyzing such HR case studies , aspiring HR professionals and organizations can gain valuable insights into the practical application of skills and competencies in HR management.

Now that we have explored the essential skills and competencies in HR management, it is clear that successful HR managers possess a unique blend of personal qualities and technical skills. These individuals play a vital role in driving organizational success by effectively managing human resources and fostering a positive work environment.

Employee Motivation and Engagement

Motivated and engaged employees are essential for organizational success. In this section, we will explore the crucial role of HR in motivating employees and fostering a culture of engagement. By examining real-life case studies, we will identify effective strategies and initiatives implemented by organizations to boost employee motivation and engagement.

Motivation through Recognition

Employee recognition is a powerful tool for motivating and engaging employees. Organizations that prioritize recognition programs create a culture of appreciation and reinforce desired behaviors. Case studies highlight the impact of tailored recognition programs on employee satisfaction, morale, and performance.

Professional Development and Growth

Providing opportunities for professional development and growth is another key driver of employee motivation and engagement. Organizations that invest in training, mentorship programs, and career advancement opportunities empower employees to enhance their skills and fulfill their potential. Real-life examples demonstrate how these initiatives contribute to higher employee satisfaction and loyalty.

Well-being Initiatives

Employee well-being initiatives play a vital role in nurturing a positive work environment and enhancing motivation. By offering wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and promoting work-life balance, organizations prioritize the holistic well-being of their employees. Case studies highlight the positive impact of these initiatives on employee engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

Effective Communication

Open and transparent communication is integral to fostering motivation and engagement among employees. Organizations that prioritize effective communication channels, including regular feedback, town hall meetings, and collaborative platforms, create an environment of trust and inclusion. Real-life examples demonstrate how improved communication positively influences employee engagement and overall organizational performance.

“Effective employee motivation and engagement are the cornerstones of a thriving organization. By examining real-life case studies, HR professionals and organizations can gain valuable insights into successful strategies and initiatives that fuel motivation and foster meaningful employee engagement.”

The case studies above demonstrate how organizations have successfully implemented strategies to motivate and engage their employees. By leveraging recognition, professional development, well-being initiatives, and effective communication, these organizations have created a positive work environment that drives employee satisfaction, productivity, and loyalty.

Strategies for Effective HR Management

HR professionals play a critical role in developing and implementing effective HR strategies. By analyzing real-life case studies, we can gain valuable insights into HR best practices. These case studies highlight successful strategies in key areas such as:

Recruitment and Selection

Training and development, performance management, compensation and benefits, labor relations.

Let’s explore how organizations have utilized these strategies to optimize their HR practices and achieve their business objectives.

“The key to effective HR management lies in understanding the unique needs and challenges of your organization. By analyzing case studies, we can gain valuable insights and tailor our strategies to drive employee engagement, productivity, and organizational success.”

Effective recruitment and selection processes are crucial for attracting and hiring top talent. Case studies in this area often showcase innovative methods used to identify and attract qualified candidates. From leveraging technology platforms for applicant screening to implementing targeted recruitment campaigns, organizations have successfully optimized their hiring processes.

Investing in employee training and development is essential for enhancing skills and fostering long-term growth. By examining case studies in this domain, we can learn from organizations that have successfully implemented comprehensive training programs, mentorship initiatives, and continuous learning platforms. These strategies contribute to a skilled and motivated workforce.

Effective performance management systems align individual and team goals with organizational objectives. Case studies in this area often highlight organizations that have implemented performance measurement frameworks, regular feedback systems, and performance-based incentives. This data-driven approach ensures transparency, fairness, and continuous improvement.

Strategic compensation and benefits programs attract, retain, and motivate talented employees. Case studies demonstrate how organizations have designed competitive salary structures, employee recognition programs, and comprehensive benefits packages. These initiatives contribute to higher employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall organizational performance.

Managing labor relations requires effective communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. Case studies in this area offer insights into organizations that have successfully fostered positive relationships with unions, implemented fair labor practices, and resolved labor disputes amicably. These examples highlight the importance of proactive labor management strategies.

By learning from these case studies and applying the demonstrated strategies, HR professionals can optimize their HR management practices and create a positive impact on organizational success.

These case studies showcase the application of effective HR management strategies in different organizations. They provide practical examples of how organizations have achieved success by implementing various strategies tailored to their unique needs and challenges.

Leveraging HR Technology

HR technology has revolutionized HRM processes, enabling organizations to streamline operations and enhance efficiency. By leveraging the power of technology, HR professionals can optimize their strategic decision-making and ensure a seamless employee experience.

Let’s examine some insightful case studies that illustrate the successful implementation and utilization of HR technology. These examples demonstrate how organizations have harnessed the potential of HRIS (Human Resource Information System), talent management software, and data analytics tools to drive meaningful outcomes and achieve their HR objectives.

Case Study 1: Enhancing Recruitment with HRIS

In this case study, Company ABC implemented an HRIS software to streamline their recruitment process. The software automated job posting, applicant tracking, and resume screening, significantly reducing the time and effort spent on manual tasks. With the implementation of HRIS, the HR team at Company ABC experienced a 40% reduction in time-to-hire and an improvement in the quality of hires.

“The HRIS software has transformed our recruitment process, allowing us to focus on strategic talent acquisition. The automation and advanced analytics capabilities have enabled us to make data-driven decisions and hire top talent efficiently.” – Sarah Thompson, HR Manager, Company ABC

Case Study 2: Optimizing Performance Management with Talent Management Software

In this case study, Company XYZ adopted a talent management software platform to streamline their performance management process. The software offered features such as goal setting, continuous feedback, and performance analysis, empowering managers and employees to take a more proactive approach to performance improvement. As a result, Company XYZ experienced a significant increase in employee engagement and aligned performance goals across the organization.

“The talent management software has revolutionized our performance management process. It has fostered a culture of continuous feedback and empowered our employees to take ownership of their professional growth. The transparent performance analytics have enabled us to identify and reward top performers effectively.” – John Davis, HR Director, Company XYZ

Case Study 3: Leveraging Data Analytics for Strategic Decision-Making

In this case study, Company DEF implemented advanced data analytics tools to gain insights into their HR processes. By analyzing data related to employee engagement, turnover rates, and performance metrics, the HR team at Company DEF could identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. This strategic use of data analytics enabled Company DEF to make informed decisions and implement targeted HR interventions, resulting in improved retention rates and increased productivity.

“Data analytics has been a game-changer for our HR department. By leveraging actionable insights from our HR data, we have been able to proactively address employee concerns, enhance our talent acquisition strategies, and design targeted training programs. Our data-driven approach has significantly contributed to our overall organizational success.” – Lisa Johnson, HR Manager, Company DEF

These case studies demonstrate how organizations can harness the potential of HR technology to drive efficiency, improve decision-making, and enhance the employee experience. By leveraging the right combination of HRIS, talent management software, and data analytics tools, HR professionals can transform their HR practices and contribute to the strategic objectives of the organization.

Leveraging HR technology is essential in today’s digital era, where technology continues to shape the future of work. By staying informed about the latest HR technology trends and exploring case studies, HR professionals can identify opportunities for innovation and drive impactful HR initiatives.

Now, let’s explore another critical aspect of HR management – diversity and inclusion.

Diversity and Inclusion in HR Management

In today’s diverse workforce, creating an inclusive environment is essential for effective human resources management. Organizations that prioritize diversity and inclusion benefit from improved employee satisfaction, increased productivity, and enhanced innovation. Let’s explore some real-life examples of HRM case studies that highlight the successful efforts of organizations to foster diversity and inclusion within their workforce.

Case Study 1: XYZ Company

XYZ Company, a global technology firm, recognized the value of diversity and inclusion in driving organizational success. They implemented a comprehensive diversity program that focused on recruiting and retaining employees from diverse backgrounds. By promoting a culture of inclusion through training, mentorship, and employee resource groups, XYZ Company witnessed a significant increase in employee engagement and creativity. This case study demonstrates the positive impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives on overall organizational performance.

Case Study 2: ABC Corporation

ABC Corporation, a leading retail company, recognized the importance of diversity and inclusion in meeting the needs of their diverse customer base. They implemented unconscious bias training for their hiring managers and implemented policies to ensure equal opportunities for all employees. As a result, ABC Corporation experienced improved employee satisfaction, reduced turnover rates, and a boost in customer loyalty. This case study exemplifies the positive outcomes that can be achieved through a commitment to diversity and inclusion in HR management.

By analyzing these HRM case studies , organizations can gain valuable insights into successful diversity and inclusion initiatives. Implementing similar strategies, such as targeted recruitment efforts, inclusive policies, and diversity training programs, can help companies create a more inclusive and diverse workforce, fostering a culture of innovation and success.

Incorporating diversity and inclusion into HR management practices is not only a legal and moral imperative, but it also leads to tangible business benefits. Organizations that embrace diversity and create an inclusive workplace are better equipped to attract top talent, retain employees, and drive innovation. By learning from these HRM case studies , organizations can develop effective strategies to foster diversity and inclusion, ultimately contributing to their long-term success.

Adapting HR Practices in Times of Crisis

In times of crisis, such as economic downturns or natural disasters, HR professionals face unique challenges that require them to adapt their practices quickly and effectively. By analyzing HRM case studies that showcase organizations’ responses to crises, we can gain valuable insights into the strategies and approaches they employed to navigate through turbulent times and emerge stronger.

The Importance of Flexibility

One key lesson we can learn from HR case studies in times of crisis is the importance of flexibility. Organizations need to be agile and responsive to rapidly changing circumstances. HR professionals play a vital role in proactively adjusting HR practices, policies, and procedures to meet the immediate needs of employees and the organization as a whole.

“During the global financial crisis of 2008, XYZ Corporation faced severe economic challenges that threatened its survival. The HR team swiftly implemented cost-cutting measures, including a freeze on hiring and salary reductions, while carefully balancing employee morale and engagement. Through open communication and transparent decision-making, XYZ Corporation managed to weather the storm and emerge with a more resilient workforce.”

By adopting a flexible approach, HR professionals can help organizations navigate through turbulent times, mitigate the impact on employees, and position the company for recovery and future growth.

The Power of Resilience

Resilience is another critical factor in adapting HR practices during a crisis. HR professionals need to demonstrate resilience in the face of uncertainty and guide employees through challenging times. By instilling confidence, providing support systems, and fostering a sense of unity, HR managers can help organizations withstand the pressures of a crisis and emerge stronger.

Resilience can be seen in action through the implementation of employee assistance programs, mental health initiatives, and crisis communication plans. These measures help employees navigate the emotional and psychological challenges brought on by the crisis, ensuring their well-being and enabling them to contribute effectively to the organization’s recovery efforts.

Proactive Planning for Future Crises

The best HR case studies in times of crisis highlight the importance of proactive planning. While crises may be unexpected, organizations can anticipate potential challenges and develop contingency plans to address them swiftly and efficiently. By anticipating various scenarios and regularly reviewing and updating crisis response strategies, HR professionals can position their organizations for success even in the face of uncertainty.

In addition to crisis preparedness, proactive planning involves identifying key skills and competencies that will be crucial in future crises. By integrating training programs, succession planning, and talent management initiatives into their HR practices, organizations can ensure they have the capabilities necessary to navigate through any crisis that may arise.

Table: Strategies for Adapting HR Practices in Times of Crisis

Adapting HR practices in times of crisis requires a combination of flexibility, resilience, and proactive planning to ensure the well-being of employees, maintain productivity, and secure the organization’s long-term success.

Human Resources Management Case Studies provide HR professionals with valuable insights into real-world challenges and innovative solutions. By analyzing these examples, organizations can learn from best practices and optimize their own HR strategies. The showcased case studies highlight the diverse scenarios that HR professionals face and the creative approaches they employ to overcome obstacles.

Continuous learning from these experiences enables HR professionals to enhance their skills and contribute to the overall success of their organizations. These case studies serve as a source of inspiration, demonstrating the importance of adaptability, strategic thinking, and effective HR management.

By embracing the lessons learned from Human Resources Management Case Studies, HR professionals can strengthen their expertise, foster employee engagement, and drive organizational growth. These real-life examples reaffirm the significance of HRM for businesses in today’s dynamic and ever-evolving corporate landscape.

Source Links

• https://www.shrm.org/credentials/certification/educators/teaching-resources
• https://www.e-elgar.com/shop/usd/case-studies-in-work-employment-and-human-resource-management-9781788975582.html
• https://gfoundry.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-human-resources-a-manual-for-managers-and-professionals/

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For example , a senior executive can provide clarity to how the competencies in talent management would show up in associate vice presidents or senior directors. Each session has a short case study that directly relates to the topic. These same individuals can have similar conversations with their direct reports.

What is HR Analytics? All You Need to Know to Get Started

FEBRUARY 28, 2024

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AUGUST 16, 2023

The benefits of a design thinking approach in HR The 4 principles and 5 phases of design thinking 4 Ways to apply design thinking to HR processes Successful implementation of design thinking in HR Design thinking in HR examples What is design thinking? The post How To Apply Design Thinking in HR (+ 3 Case Studies ) appeared first on AIHR.

How Mayo Clinic Selects Leaders: A Case Study

AUGUST 19, 2022

Kang also suggests how to evaluate if leaders are actually successful or not, offering examples that help to make this conversation very practical for companies that want to use their leaders to engage, develop, and retain their workforce. . . This episode is sponsored by Workplace from Meta. . .

13+ HR Case Studies: Recruiting, Learning, Analytics, and More

SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

As someone who has worked in the HR profession, I know well the full value of stories, examples , and case studies . While much of the work we do at Lighthouse Research & Advisory focuses on quantitative research studies , we do a fair amount of qualitative research as well.

Organizational Storytelling Case Study: Dell Technologies

JULY 5, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes This organizational storytelling case study is an excerpt from our download, The Complete Guide to Organizational Storytelling. For example , in one year, the Stories Inc. The post Organizational Storytelling Case Study : Dell Technologies appeared first on Stories Incorporated.

The Power of People: A Case Study on Power PEO Consulting’s Selection of ExtensisHR

AUGUST 28, 2023

Download the full case study to learn more. >> As an industry veteran, he maintains a strong portfolio of PEOs and knew of ExtensisHR’s reputation for customer service, human capital management, and ability to engineer custom PEO solutions.

HR Trends and Case Studies

Effortless HR

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These case studies and HR trends 2021 show how the future of work might look as we approach 2022. For example , some companies use online analytics tools to chart employee participation, online activity, and engagement in virtual meetings. HR Trends Throughout 2020-21. Working From Home. Data Analysis of Workforce.

Varda Chocolatier: Customer Interview & Case Study 

FingerCheck

OCTOBER 6, 2022

Varda Chocolatier: Customer Interview & Case Study . I’ve built that relationship, like for example , I speak to Jeremy a lot. For example , pushing payrolls for the next day is very fair and reasonable and I think recently they released that I could be having 8 p.m., Access Case Study .

JULY 31, 2023

As an industry veteran, he maintains a strong portfolio of PEOs and knew of ExtensisHR’s reputation for customer service, human capital management, and ability to engineer custom PEO solutions. He reached out soon after founding Power PEO Consulting and quickly forged a partnership.

20 Learning Management System Examples

FEBRUARY 29, 2024

Discover 20 top Learning Management System examples in our comprehensive guide. Explore LMS case studies and resources. Choose the right LMS for your needs.

What Is a Case Study? How to Write, Examples, and Template

OCTOBER 6, 2023

Learn how to write a case study that showcases your success. Use our template and proven techniques to create a compelling case study for your clients.

[CASE STUDY] Transforming Organizational Culture

Civility Partners

JUNE 10, 2021

We recently put together a case study regarding one of our clients, Rainbow Municipal Water District (RMWD), and thought we’d share it in case you were looking for ideas on improving your own workplace culture. The post [ CASE STUDY ] Transforming Organizational Culture appeared first on Civility Partners.

Case Study: Manufacturing Client Connects Frontline Employees

MAY 2, 2022

For example , employees were asked, “which shifts can you help out with?” Yes, sign me up to receive tips, case studies , and other helpful materials! Δ The post Case Study : Manufacturing Client Connects Frontline Employees appeared first on Bonfyre. Work email *.

OKR Examples: How to Write OKRs that Drive Impact

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In this article, we’ll break down the framework for writing impactful objectives and key results and share some OKR examples you can use as a guide when crafting your own. Example of a poorly-written objective: Provide better customer service. Example of poorly-written key results: Treat our customers well every day.

Talent Mobility Case Studies and Research [Podcast]

DECEMBER 7, 2016

In addition, I examine some case studies and examples of companies that are doing interesting work with talent mobility, including World Bank Group, Chipotle, and Hootsuite.

Recruiting Feedback Case Study: The Recruiting Revenue Connection

MARCH 11, 2019

In our latest recruiting feedback case study , Craft Brew Alliance (CBA) demonstrates that asking the right questions at the right time can dramatically affect overall recruiting effectiveness AND uncover powerful connections between recruiting and revenue generation. Download the Case Study for More.

Case Study: Credit Union

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Today’s case study explains how TimeSimplicity can help a typical small credit union maintain quality customer service while controlling operating expenses through automated credit union employee scheduling. Our example organization is Springfield Community Credit Union. How much can you save? ArticleID 7414.

Are You Throwing Your Employees Under the Bus? [Case Study] - DecisionWise

AUGUST 1, 2017

A Case Study on Improving The Customer Experience (CX) at the Risk of The Employee Experience (EX). In this case study we examine how the Chicago Transit Authority sought to improve its Customer Experience while failing to focus on its Employee Experience. Case Study ] appeared first on DecisionWise.

Case Study: How Bonfyre’s Top Manufacturing Site Improved Employee Engagement?

AUGUST 11, 2022

For example , they share site and facilities updates, real-time crisis updates and resolutions, system updates, upcoming events and leadership communications. Yes, sign me up to receive tips, case studies , and other helpful materials! Please indicate if you are in the EU (GDPR). Bonfyre is committed to your privacy.

Your In-Depth Guide to Implementing Job Shadowing (+ Google Case Study)

AUGUST 14, 2023

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Case Study: Bonfyre helps call center leaders to engage teams in a remote setting

APRIL 27, 2023

For example , Bonfyre can be used to share training materials, facilitate DEI discussions, and recognize employees for their diversity and inclusion efforts. Yes, sign me up to receive tips, case studies , and other helpful materials! Bonfyre is increasing awareness and impact of learning, DEI, and other programs.

Case Study: Growing Your Sales Organization Beyond The Deal

MARCH 16, 2017

In the following case study , you will learn how a high-growth company uses a software solution to respond to these challenges. For example , responses to “what are you hearing about our competition?” For example , his SDRs are capturing all of the biggest objections that they receive early in the sales cycle.

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Here I aim to shed light on what pay transparency looks like at Compt, explain its mechanics and influence on overall compensation structures and raises, present real-world examples of its benefits, and provide practical considerations for organizations contemplating this approach.

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MAY 19, 2021

This case study is an excerpt from our new ebook, Getting Buy-In for Your Employee Story Project: The Ultimate Guide to Employer Branding and Recruitment Marketing ROI. was the right fit, not only from the great examples of quality work they provided, and the array of project options that they offered. Read the Full Case Study .

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A Case Study on Performance Management & Policy Management. For example , it was difficult and time-consuming to identify who had read, understood and signed off policies due to the inability to produce reports on policy compliance for managers, the risk team and an external auditor.

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In one example provided by the company, Burbage talked about one of the company’s engineers. This is a great example of talent mobility in action –using employee interests and strengths where they can benefit the company the most. How can we help people be happy and pursue their interests and strengths? How does this sound?

9 Digital HR Case Studies with Business Impact

Digital HR Tech

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In this article, we have collected some of the best Digital HR case studies we’ve come across. They’re good examples of organizations that really get Digital HR and make the most of it. Each case study is connected to a specific business imperative. What’s in? Anchor Trust 2. Deloitte 5.

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For example , one area in particular that is growing faster than any other part of the business is personal shopping assistance. For example , how should you respond if the customer’s item is out of stock? This set of training examples in itself is highly indicative of the kind of work these people are doing.

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Take ‘ use’ and ‘ need’ as examples : do they occur often due to a particular focus on what is needed or should be used, or do they typically occur anyway when sharing knowledge through writing? In my opinion, text mining and natural language processing are prime examples of that. Words that are common may not always be important.

Case Study: How One Healthcare Agency Uses Appreciation to Improve Business and Patient Outcomes (#greatness17)

AUGUST 8, 2017

This data is one company’s example of how to do that, but it’s a great script for those of you that are looking to explore the value that appreciation and recognition can bring. Thanks to O.C. Tanner for the invitation to the event and for access to Ms. Ullom-Vucelich for the amazing conversation! Enjoyed this?

Case Study: Steelcase Uses Onboarding Technology for Leadership Development

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That’s what companies are discovering about onboarding technology and here’s a super interesting example . For a deeper look at the Steelcase program, read the full case study . The post Case Study : Steelcase Uses Onboarding Technology for Leadership Development appeared first on SilkRoad. Unlimited possibilities.

Case Study: Growing Your Marketing Agency With Automated Employee Feedback

MAY 24, 2017

For example , when co-founders Kelsey Meyer & John Hall were leading a team of ten, a weekly in-person meeting was sufficient to surface and address the most important issues facing the business. Influence & Co. , With hierarchy now in place, passing information up the ladder was critical to prevent information bottlenecks.

13 HR Analytics Courses Online To Check Out in 2024

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

All subjects are illustrated by real-life examples of how various organizations tap into HR analytics techniques to help them flourish. A dashboard example is included below. It includes facilitated discussions, case studies , group and individual activities, and self-assessments. Want to know more?

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In this article, we’ll explore what a talent acquisition strategy looks like, how to develop a talent acquisition strategy, along with some best practices and examples to help you move your company forward. Consider, for example , putting together an attractive compensation package with good health benefits (including mental health).

Why you must start succession management planning now – a case study

Business Management Daily

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Human resources leaders can use this example as a reminder as to why they need to drive succession management conversations frequently and with vigor. The post Why you must start succession management planning now – a case study appeared first on Business Management Daily.

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Guide to Writing an Effective HR Case Study

Table of Contents

As a human resource (HR) professional, you may be asked to write a case study at some point in your career. A case study is a detailed account of a real-life HR situation that highlights challenges, solutions, and outcomes. It’s an effective tool for learning and development and showcasing your skills and expertise to potential employers or clients. This brings us to why an HR should learn how to write an HR case study. Writing a good HR case study requires knowledge, creativity, and attention to detail. In this article, we’ll explore the key elements of a successful HR case study. Let’s get started with tips on  how to write an HR case study .

What Is an HR Case Study?

An HR case study is a detailed analysis of a specific human resources problem or challenges that an organization has faced . It typically involves the identification of the problem and analysis of potential solutions. It also includes developing and implementing a course of action to address the issue.

Importance of an HR Case Study

The importance of HR case studies lies in their ability to provide valuable insights. This is regarding the best practices and innovative solutions for human resources issues. Here are some of the key reasons why HR case studies are essential:

Learning From Real-World Examples

HR case studies provide a practical and engaging way to learn about HR issues and solutions. By studying real-world examples of HR challenges and their resolutions, HR professionals can gain a better understanding. This will lead to how to approach similar problems in their organizations.

Developing Problem-Solving Skills

HR case studies allow HR professionals to develop and showcase their problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, and strategic thinking. By presenting a well-researched and well-written case study, HR professionals can demonstrate their expertise and leadership potential within the organization.

Identifying Best Practices

HR case studies can be used to identify best practices and innovative solutions for HR issues. By examining successful HR initiatives and programs, HR professionals can gain insights into what works and what doesn’t. They can use this knowledge to develop effective HR strategies.

Building Support for HR Initiatives

HR case studies can be used to showcase the value of HR initiatives to senior leadership and other stakeholders. By presenting data and examples of successful HR programs, HR professionals can help to build support and buy-in for HR initiatives. They can help to secure the resources and funding needed to implement them.

Driving Positive Change

HR case studies can help to drive positive change and growth within an organization. Organizations can improve employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall business performance by identifying and addressing HR issues.

Key Elements of a Successful Case Study

Start with a clear objective.

Before you start writing your case study, it’s essential to have a clear objective in mind. What do you want to achieve with this case study? Is it to showcase your problem-solving skills? Is it to demonstrate the effectiveness of a particular HR strategy? Or is it to share best practices with others in the field? Whatever your objective is, make sure it’s specific, measurable, and achievable. This will help you stay focused throughout the writing process and ensure your case study is relevant and informative.

Choose a Compelling HR Situation

The next step is to choose an HR situation that is compelling and relevant to your objective. This could be a real-life scenario you’ve encountered or a hypothetical situation demonstrating a particular HR challenge. When choosing a situation, consider the following:

• Is it relevant to your objective?
• Is it complex enough to showcase your problem-solving skills?
• Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end?
• Does it involve various stakeholders, such as employees, managers, and external partners?

Once you’ve chosen your situation, gather all the relevant data, such as interviews, surveys, and performance metrics.

Set the Scene

The beginning of your case study should set the scene for the situation you’re presenting. This is where you introduce the main characters, provide background information, and explain the context of the situation. Tell a story that captures the reader’s attention to make your case study engaging. This could be a real-life anecdote or a hypothetical scenario that illustrates the problem you’re trying to solve. For example, if your case study is about a company struggling with high employee turnover, you could start by telling a story. It could be one of an employee who quits after only a few months on the job. This will help to humanize the situation and make it more relatable to the reader.

Define the Problem

Once you’ve set the scene, it’s time to define the problem you’re trying to solve. This should be a clear and concise statement that identifies the organization’s main issue or challenge. When defining the problem, focus on the root cause rather than the symptoms. For example, if the problem is high employee turnover, the root cause may be poor management practices or a lack of career development opportunities.

Analyze the Data

The next step is to analyze the data you’ve gathered and identify potential solutions to the problem. This is where your analytical skills come into play, as you’ll need to review the data and identify patterns, trends, and insights. When analyzing the data, consider all the relevant factors, such as employee demographics, job satisfaction, and performance metrics. You may also want to consider external factors, such as industry trends or economic conditions.

Develop a Solution

Based on your analysis, you should be able to develop a range of potential solutions to the problem. This is where your creativity and problem-solving skills come into play. You’ll need to create innovative and practical solutions that address the root cause of the problem. When developing a solution, consider the feasibility, cost, and potential impact on the organization. You should involve stakeholders, such as managers and employees, in the solution development process to ensure buy-in and support. It’s essential to consider a range of solutions and evaluate each one based on its potential effectiveness, cost, and feasibility. You can develop a cost-benefit analysis or a risk assessment to help you make an informed decision.

Implement the Solution

Once you’ve developed a solution, it’s time to implement it. This is where your project management skills come into play. You’ll need to create a detailed plan, assign responsibilities, and set a timeline for implementation. When implementing the solution, communicate the plan and its benefits to all stakeholders. You can also provide training and support to employees affected by the solution. Monitoring the implementation process closely and adjusting as needed is essential. You may encounter unexpected challenges or resistance from stakeholders, so it’s important to be flexible and adaptable.

Evaluate the Outcomes

Once the solution has been implemented, evaluating its effectiveness is essential. This is where you’ll measure the outcomes and compare them to the goals you set at the beginning of the case study. When evaluating the outcomes, consider both the quantitative and qualitative data. This could include employee satisfaction surveys, performance metrics, and stakeholder feedback. If the solution was successful, highlight the key factors that contributed to its success. If it wasn’t successful, consider what could be improved in future implementations.

Tell the Story

The final step is to tell the story of your HR case study in a compelling and engaging way. This could involve writing a report or developing a presentation that highlights the key elements of the case study. When telling the story, make sure to focus on the problem, the solution, and the outcomes. Use data and examples to illustrate your points, and consider including quotes or testimonials from stakeholders. To make your case study stand out, try to be creative and use a variety of formats, such as infographics, videos, or podcasts. You may also want to consider publishing your case study online or sharing it with other HR professionals through social media or professional networks.

Tips on How to Write an HR Case Study

Now that you know the key elements of a successful HR case study, here are some tips to help. You can write one that is both informative and engaging:

• Use a storytelling approach to make your case study more relatable and engaging.
• Focus on the problem, the solution, and the outcomes to provide a clear and concise narrative.
• Use data and examples to illustrate your points and support your arguments.
• Involve stakeholders in the solution development process to ensure buy-in and support.
• Be creative and use a variety of formats to make your case study stand out.
• Don’t be afraid to highlight your own skills and expertise in the case study. Make sure to focus on the outcomes rather than your own achievements.
• Use a brief and formal writing style, and make sure to proofread and edit your work carefully.

Learning how to write an HR case study requires a combination of knowledge, creativity, and attention to detail. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can develop a great case study that showcases your problem-solving skills . This will prove your analytical abilities, and your expertise in the field of human resources. Remember to focus on the problem, the solution, and the outcomes, and to use data and examples to support your arguments. And don’t be afraid to be creative and innovative in the way you tell your story. After all, a great HR case study is not just informative, but also engaging and memorable.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to write a case study — examples, templates, and tools

It’s a marketer’s job to communicate the effectiveness of a product or service to potential and current customers to convince them to buy and keep business moving. One of the best methods for doing this is to share success stories that are relatable to prospects and customers based on their pain points, experiences, and overall needs.

That’s where case studies come in. Case studies are an essential part of a content marketing plan. These in-depth stories of customer experiences are some of the most effective at demonstrating the value of a product or service. Yet many marketers don’t use them, whether because of their regimented formats or the process of customer involvement and approval.

A case study is a powerful tool for showcasing your hard work and the success your customer achieved. But writing a great case study can be difficult if you’ve never done it before or if it’s been a while. This guide will show you how to write an effective case study and provide real-world examples and templates that will keep readers engaged and support your business.

In this article, you’ll learn:

What is a case study?

How to write a case study, case study templates, case study examples, case study tools.

A case study is the detailed story of a customer’s experience with a product or service that demonstrates their success and often includes measurable outcomes. Case studies are used in a range of fields and for various reasons, from business to academic research. They’re especially impactful in marketing as brands work to convince and convert consumers with relatable, real-world stories of actual customer experiences.

The best case studies tell the story of a customer’s success, including the steps they took, the results they achieved, and the support they received from a brand along the way. To write a great case study, you need to:

• Celebrate the customer and make them — not a product or service — the star of the story.
• Craft the story with specific audiences or target segments in mind so that the story of one customer will be viewed as relatable and actionable for another customer.
• Write copy that is easy to read and engaging so that readers will gain the insights and messages intended.
• Follow a standardized format that includes all of the essentials a potential customer would find interesting and useful.
• Support all of the claims for success made in the story with data in the forms of hard numbers and customer statements.

Case studies are a type of review but more in depth, aiming to show — rather than just tell — the positive experiences that customers have with a brand. Notably, 89% of consumers read reviews before deciding to buy, and 79% view case study content as part of their purchasing process. When it comes to B2B sales, 52% of buyers rank case studies as an important part of their evaluation process.

Telling a brand story through the experience of a tried-and-true customer matters. The story is relatable to potential new customers as they imagine themselves in the shoes of the company or individual featured in the case study. Showcasing previous customers can help new ones see themselves engaging with your brand in the ways that are most meaningful to them.

Besides sharing the perspective of another customer, case studies stand out from other content marketing forms because they are based on evidence. Whether pulling from client testimonials or data-driven results, case studies tend to have more impact on new business because the story contains information that is both objective (data) and subjective (customer experience) — and the brand doesn’t sound too self-promotional.

Case studies are unique in that there’s a fairly standardized format for telling a customer’s story. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t room for creativity. It’s all about making sure that teams are clear on the goals for the case study — along with strategies for supporting content and channels — and understanding how the story fits within the framework of the company’s overall marketing goals.

Here are the basic steps to writing a good case study.

1. Identify your goal

Start by defining exactly who your case study will be designed to help. Case studies are about specific instances where a company works with a customer to achieve a goal. Identify which customers are likely to have these goals, as well as other needs the story should cover to appeal to them.

The answer is often found in one of the buyer personas that have been constructed as part of your larger marketing strategy. This can include anything from new leads generated by the marketing team to long-term customers that are being pressed for cross-sell opportunities. In all of these cases, demonstrating value through a relatable customer success story can be part of the solution to conversion.

2. Choose your client or subject

Who you highlight matters. Case studies tie brands together that might otherwise not cross paths. A writer will want to ensure that the highlighted customer aligns with their own company’s brand identity and offerings. Look for a customer with positive name recognition who has had great success with a product or service and is willing to be an advocate.

The client should also match up with the identified target audience. Whichever company or individual is selected should be a reflection of other potential customers who can see themselves in similar circumstances, having the same problems and possible solutions.

Some of the most compelling case studies feature customers who:

• Switch from one product or service to another while naming competitors that missed the mark.
• Experience measurable results that are relatable to others in a specific industry.
• Represent well-known brands and recognizable names that are likely to compel action.
• Advocate for a product or service as a champion and are well-versed in its advantages.

Whoever or whatever customer is selected, marketers must ensure they have the permission of the company involved before getting started. Some brands have strict review and approval procedures for any official marketing or promotional materials that include their name. Acquiring those approvals in advance will prevent any miscommunication or wasted effort if there is an issue with their legal or compliance teams.

3. Conduct research and compile data

Substantiating the claims made in a case study — either by the marketing team or customers themselves — adds validity to the story. To do this, include data and feedback from the client that defines what success looks like. This can be anything from demonstrating return on investment (ROI) to a specific metric the customer was striving to improve. Case studies should prove how an outcome was achieved and show tangible results that indicate to the customer that your solution is the right one.

This step could also include customer interviews. Make sure that the people being interviewed are key stakeholders in the purchase decision or deployment and use of the product or service that is being highlighted. Content writers should work off a set list of questions prepared in advance. It can be helpful to share these with the interviewees beforehand so they have time to consider and craft their responses. One of the best interview tactics to keep in mind is to ask questions where yes and no are not natural answers. This way, your subject will provide more open-ended responses that produce more meaningful content.

4. Choose the right format

There are a number of different ways to format a case study. Depending on what you hope to achieve, one style will be better than another. However, there are some common elements to include, such as:

• An engaging headline
• A subject and customer introduction
• The unique challenge or challenges the customer faced
• The solution the customer used to solve the problem
• The results achieved
• Data and statistics to back up claims of success
• A strong call to action (CTA) to engage with the vendor

It’s also important to note that while case studies are traditionally written as stories, they don’t have to be in a written format. Some companies choose to get more creative with their case studies and produce multimedia content, depending on their audience and objectives. Case study formats can include traditional print stories, interactive web or social content, data-heavy infographics, professionally shot videos, podcasts, and more.

5. Write your case study

We’ll go into more detail later about how exactly to write a case study, including templates and examples. Generally speaking, though, there are a few things to keep in mind when writing your case study.

• Be clear and concise. Readers want to get to the point of the story quickly and easily, and they’ll be looking to see themselves reflected in the story right from the start.
• Provide a big picture. Always make sure to explain who the client is, their goals, and how they achieved success in a short introduction to engage the reader.
• Construct a clear narrative. Stick to the story from the perspective of the customer and what they needed to solve instead of just listing product features or benefits.
• Leverage graphics. Incorporating infographics, charts, and sidebars can be a more engaging and eye-catching way to share key statistics and data in readable ways.
• Offer the right amount of detail. Most case studies are one or two pages with clear sections that a reader can skim to find the information most important to them.
• Include data to support claims. Show real results — both facts and figures and customer quotes — to demonstrate credibility and prove the solution works.

6. Promote your story

Marketers have a number of options for distribution of a freshly minted case study. Many brands choose to publish case studies on their website and post them on social media. This can help support SEO and organic content strategies while also boosting company credibility and trust as visitors see that other businesses have used the product or service.

Marketers are always looking for quality content they can use for lead generation. Consider offering a case study as gated content behind a form on a landing page or as an offer in an email message. One great way to do this is to summarize the content and tease the full story available for download after the user takes an action.

Sales teams can also leverage case studies, so be sure they are aware that the assets exist once they’re published. Especially when it comes to larger B2B sales, companies often ask for examples of similar customer challenges that have been solved.

Now that you’ve learned a bit about case studies and what they should include, you may be wondering how to start creating great customer story content. Here are a couple of templates you can use to structure your case study.

Template 1 — Challenge-solution-result format

• Start with an engaging title. This should be fewer than 70 characters long for SEO best practices. One of the best ways to approach the title is to include the customer’s name and a hint at the challenge they overcame in the end.
• Create an introduction. Lead with an explanation as to who the customer is, the need they had, and the opportunity they found with a specific product or solution. Writers can also suggest the success the customer experienced with the solution they chose.
• Present the challenge. This should be several paragraphs long and explain the problem the customer faced and the issues they were trying to solve. Details should tie into the company’s products and services naturally. This section needs to be the most relatable to the reader so they can picture themselves in a similar situation.
• Share the solution. Explain which product or service offered was the ideal fit for the customer and why. Feel free to delve into their experience setting up, purchasing, and onboarding the solution.
• Explain the results. Demonstrate the impact of the solution they chose by backing up their positive experience with data. Fill in with customer quotes and tangible, measurable results that show the effect of their choice.
• Ask for action. Include a CTA at the end of the case study that invites readers to reach out for more information, try a demo, or learn more — to nurture them further in the marketing pipeline. What you ask of the reader should tie directly into the goals that were established for the case study in the first place.

Template 2 — Data-driven format

• Start with an engaging title. Be sure to include a statistic or data point in the first 70 characters. Again, it’s best to include the customer’s name as part of the title.
• Create an overview. Share the customer’s background and a short version of the challenge they faced. Present the reason a particular product or service was chosen, and feel free to include quotes from the customer about their selection process.
• Present data point 1. Isolate the first metric that the customer used to define success and explain how the product or solution helped to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Present data point 2. Isolate the second metric that the customer used to define success and explain what the product or solution did to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Present data point 3. Isolate the final metric that the customer used to define success and explain what the product or solution did to achieve this goal. Provide data points and quotes to substantiate the claim that success was achieved.
• Summarize the results. Reiterate the fact that the customer was able to achieve success thanks to a specific product or service. Include quotes and statements that reflect customer satisfaction and suggest they plan to continue using the solution.
• Ask for action. Include a CTA at the end of the case study that asks readers to reach out for more information, try a demo, or learn more — to further nurture them in the marketing pipeline. Again, remember that this is where marketers can look to convert their content into action with the customer.

While templates are helpful, seeing a case study in action can also be a great way to learn. Here are some examples of how Adobe customers have experienced success.

Juniper Networks

One example is the Adobe and Juniper Networks case study , which puts the reader in the customer’s shoes. The beginning of the story quickly orients the reader so that they know exactly who the article is about and what they were trying to achieve. Solutions are outlined in a way that shows Adobe Experience Manager is the best choice and a natural fit for the customer. Along the way, quotes from the client are incorporated to help add validity to the statements. The results in the case study are conveyed with clear evidence of scale and volume using tangible data.

The story of Lenovo’s journey with Adobe is one that spans years of planning, implementation, and rollout. The Lenovo case study does a great job of consolidating all of this into a relatable journey that other enterprise organizations can see themselves taking, despite the project size. This case study also features descriptive headers and compelling visual elements that engage the reader and strengthen the content.

Tata Consulting

When it comes to using data to show customer results, this case study does an excellent job of conveying details and numbers in an easy-to-digest manner. Bullet points at the start break up the content while also helping the reader understand exactly what the case study will be about. Tata Consulting used Adobe to deliver elevated, engaging content experiences for a large telecommunications client of its own — an objective that’s relatable for a lot of companies.

Case studies are a vital tool for any marketing team as they enable you to demonstrate the value of your company’s products and services to others. They help marketers do their job and add credibility to a brand trying to promote its solutions by using the experiences and stories of real customers.

When you’re ready to get started with a case study:

• Think about a few goals you’d like to accomplish with your content.
• Make a list of successful clients that would be strong candidates for a case study.
• Reach out to the client to get their approval and conduct an interview.
• Gather the data to present an engaging and effective customer story.

Adobe can help

There are several Adobe products that can help you craft compelling case studies. Adobe Experience Platform helps you collect data and deliver great customer experiences across every channel. Once you’ve created your case studies, Experience Platform will help you deliver the right information to the right customer at the right time for maximum impact.

To learn more, watch the Adobe Experience Platform story .

Keep in mind that the best case studies are backed by data. That’s where Adobe Real-Time Customer Data Platform and Adobe Analytics come into play. With Real-Time CDP, you can gather the data you need to build a great case study and target specific customers to deliver the content to the right audience at the perfect moment.

Watch the Real-Time CDP overview video to learn more.

Finally, Adobe Analytics turns real-time data into real-time insights. It helps your business collect and synthesize data from multiple platforms to make more informed decisions and create the best case study possible.

Request a demo to learn more about Adobe Analytics.

https://business.adobe.com/blog/perspectives/b2b-ecommerce-10-case-studies-inspire-you

https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/business-case

https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/what-is-real-time-analytics

Human Resource Management in Context

A Case Study Approach

• © 2002
• Latest edition
• Helen Newell 0 ,
• Harry Scarbrough 1

Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, UK

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Leicester University Management Centre, UK

• Casestudy approach bringing HRM alive for students and demonstrating direct relevance to real business life Thematic rather than techniquesoriented approach taking students beyond simply learning best practice and techniques Makes students aware of the wider context of HRM helping students to evaluate and critique HR techniques and best practice

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About this book

• human resource management
• organization

Table of contents (12 chapters)

Front matter, introduction.

• Helen Newell, Harry Scarbrough

Understanding Human Resource Management

Alcan: managing change.

• Paul Edwards, Martyn Wright

Buildsoc: Does Teamworking Mean Team Pay?

• Keith Sisson

Accountco: Small is Beautiful?

Helen Newell

Multico: New Technology and the Salesforce

• Helen Newell, Caroline Lloyd

London Borough: A Partnership Agreement?

Bankco: managerial and organisational learning.

• Elena Antonacopoulou

Pharmaco: Organisational Restructuring and Job Insecurity

Telco: managing a diverse workforce, engineering products: internationalising production.

• Tony Edwards

Conclusions: Developing the New Agenda for HRM

Back matter, authors and affiliations.

Harry Scarbrough

About the authors

Bibliographic information.

Book Title : Human Resource Management in Context

Book Subtitle : A Case Study Approach

Authors : Helen Newell, Harry Scarbrough

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-91364-0

Publisher : Red Globe Press London

eBook Packages : Palgrave History Collection , History (R0)

Copyright Information : The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2002

Edition Number : 1

Number of Pages : 272

Additional Information : Previously published under the imprint Palgrave

Topics : Human Resource Management

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Cases in Human Resource Management

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• Description

Cases in Human Resource Management provides students with insights into common challenges, dilemmas, and issues human resource managers face in the workplace. Using a wide variety of well-known companies and organizations, author David Kimball engages students with original, real-world cases that illustrate HRM topics and functions in action. Each case is designed to encourage students to find new solutions to human resource issues and to stimulate class discussion. Case questions challenge students to think critically, apply concepts, and develop their HRM skills. The contents are organized using the same topical coverage and structure as most HRM textbooks, making Kimball the ideal companion for any introductory HRM course.

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

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KEY FEATURES

• Original case studies bring concepts to life through a number of well-known organizations, including Apple, Amazon, Google, LinkedIn, and Zappos.
• Case questions require students to think critically about HR issues and apply HR concepts to each case.
• An emphasis on important issues and current trends in HRM brings up key topics in the field such as state and federal minimum wage, succession planning, executive compensation, mindfulness, cyber attacks, CSR, and managing a multigenerational workforce.
• A chapter on international HRM topics examines important issues like that of helping expatriates succeed.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 7: Training, Leading, Talent Management and Development

Chapter 16: Global Issues for Human Resource Managers

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How to Write a Management Case Study

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wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 141,180 times. Learn more...

A management case study contains a description of real-life management issues and proposed solutions. Students, practitioners and professionals write case studies to thinking critically about issues, and devise and implement remedies for challenging management situations. A case study generally contains facts, theories, assumptions, analysis, and prioritized solutions. The following are the steps for writing a management case study.

Identify the Objective, Method and Facts

• Choose an analytical approach to increase awareness. In the preliminary stages of solving management problems, an analytical case study might best meet the goal of alerting upper management to core facts and issues. An analytical case study primarily focuses on what has occurred and why.
• Select a problem-solving approach to pinpoint and solve major issues. If the goal is to make solution recommendations, write a problem-solving case study that clearly outlines problems and solutions.

Set the Scope for Readers

Focus on Issues and Solutions

• Address the challenges that might accompany suggested solutions. For example, cross-cultural conflicts in an organization might require additional training for managers, which may require funds or an extensive search for topic experts.

Provide a Clear Conclusion

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• ↑ https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/04/03/how-to-write-a-case-study
• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/assignments/casestudy
• http://monash.edu/lls/llonline/quickrefs/27-case-study.pdf
• http://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/pdf/CaseWritingGuide.pdf

About This Article

To write a management case study, first give a clear industry overview of the problem and explain theories and current knowledge. Next, pinpoint all the important issues and identify any underlying problems. For example, conflicts between team members might stem from unclear workplace policies. Finally, generate effective solutions and explain why they will work. Wrap it up with a conclusion that summarizes the problems and solutions you discussed. Read on for more details on how to conduct research for a management case study and cite your sources. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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12 Case Studies of Companies that Revised How They Compensate Employees

S HRM has partnered with ChiefExecutive.net to bring you relevant articles on key HR topics and strategies.

Higher compensation is part of the ransom for dealing with the pandemic for most American companies and industries. So salaries, wages, benefits and perks will cost them more—perhaps a lot more—in the year ahead.

The way CEOs and CHROs can make sure the Great Raise works to their companies' advantage is to be proactive, creative and equitable about it. Yet they also must weigh strategically the demands of the moment with their long-term compensation strategy.

"This is a time for real balance when it comes to how you deal with retention and attraction," said Paul Knopp, chair and CEO of KPMG US. "We all have to make sure we meet the market when it comes to base compensation, but the market has changed in a way that you also have to look at those benefits that are most attractive to employees for their careers."

While median full-time earnings of $1,001 per week in the third quarter of 2021 were nearly 9% higher than two years earlier, according to the Labor Department, expectations for 2022 remain frothy given the tight market for talent, the free-agent ethos encouraged by remote work, the geographic reshuffling of workers and decades-high inflation. U.S. wages will increase by 3.9 percent in 2022, according to the Conference Board, the highest rate since 2008.

The compensation surge is occurring at the high end, at a low end that's getting higher and everywhere in between. Goldman Sachs, for example, is offering paid leave for pregnancy loss and expanding the amount of time employees can take for bereavement leave while also boosting its retirement-fund matching contributions for U.S. employees to 6% of total compensation, or 8% for those making $125,000 a year or less.

Meanwhile, at Tyson Foods' chicken-processing plant in New Holland, Pa., the company has started offering a three-day workweek, plus pay for a fourth day that retains employees' status as full-time workers. Just for good measure, Tyson has created a $3,000 sign-on bonus for new hires.

"We're in a bidding war for talent that will go on for a long time," said Alan Beaulieu, president of ITR Economics.

For CEOs and CHROs, several new factors demand their attention along with the overall spike in compensation. They include:

• The end of retention. The "idea of a long-term commitment to one employer has been dead for a while, but it's really dead now," said Dave Roberson, CEO of the RoseRyan financial consulting firm. "You must have a stream of people. Assume you're going to be replacing people. So how do you keep the people you have, if you can, but also bring the next group in?"
• High-balling. A deal to recruit someone may not really be a deal these days. "You've made an offer and you think you've got a hire, and then they're asking for $5,000 or $10,000 more," said David Lewis, CEO of OperationsInc, an HR consulting firm. "Now you have to ask yourself what makes more sense strategically: say no and hold the line and lose the candidate and restart the process, not knowing how that will work out? Blow up your compensation structure? Or as a Band-Aid, give that person a sign-on bonus in hopes that the package will get them in the door?"
• Need for equalization. Recruiting with higher compensation also requires boosting pay and benefits for retention. "You need to be mindful of what you're paying others in the organization and understand the detrimental impact it will have when you bring someone in alongside a tenured employee," Lewis said. "Operate on the idea that everyone's salary is basically posted on the pantry door in your office."
• A focus on mental health. The pandemic, anti-contagion measures and the takeover of remote work has left many Americans isolated, confused, lonely—or at least disjointed. And they expect their employers to help them cope and adjust.

"Mental health is a real thing, regardless of how [a previous generation of leaders] feel and what we did," said Jeffrey Immelt, former CEO of General Electric. "Particularly post-Covid, it's something worth your time to try to understand."

Many Fortune 500 companies already offered mental-health benefits, but by now "mental health is just a place setter: You've got to have it in place to be competitive in the market today, across the board," said Richard Chaifetz, founder and CEO of ComPsych, a large provider of employee-assistance programs. "Companies understand the importance of keeping their people functioning at the highest level."

Codility, for example, has begun supplying all employees with 27 days of paid time off per year plus four mental-health days, which don't have to be approved. "We're offering these days in addition to personal-time-off days to recognize and bring to light the importance of mental health," said Natalia Panowicz, CEO of the platform that evaluates the skills of software engineers, with its U.S. hub in San Francisco.

CHRO360.com asked a dozen CEOs, CHROs and other top executives about their compensation strategies and practices for 2022. Here are some of their ideas:

Let Them Name Their Salary

Chris kovalik, ceo, rushdown revolt, a video-game maker in new york city.

We started as 12 part-timers, mostly people who were giving me their moonlight hours. That's not a lot different from now, except now we have 75 people. The magic of what we do is that we don't recruit anybody. We're just a magnet. We let people come to us.

When it comes to compensation, some say they wanted to volunteer, that they weren't expecting compensation. But we never, ever allow people to volunteer their time for us. So we say our company minimum wage is $15 an hour, and if you insist, we can pay you that per hour.

But generally people come to us with an expectation of compensation because they see that we're making money. When compensation came up, we'd say, "I don't know what your skill set is. I've never hired you before. How much do you think you're worth, and how much do you need?"

If every hour we're compensating them for the amount of money they want and need, if someone is part-time and only giving me 10 hours a week, I'd argue that they're giving me their best 10 hours. Because they're getting paid what they want and doing things that they want to be attached to and be part of.

There's no pattern to the compensation requests. If their number is too low, we'll say, "Are you sure? Are you just giving me a low-ball number I'll say yes to?" If it's high, I don't talk them down, but I ask them to justify it, and if the justification isn't adequate, what I say is, "How long do you think you'll need to prove that justification? Two to three weeks? Then let's pay you two-third to three-quarters of what you asked, and if you prove it, we'll go up to whatever you said."

Tailor Package for Youth Appeal

Ronald hall jr., ceo, bridgewater interiors, an auto-seat maker in detroit.

We enjoyed very low turnover pre-Covid, but during the last two years we have had to replace probably one-third of our workforce at our largest facility, about the same number from termination as voluntary. So we've had to work harder than ever to recruit.

Our most-tenured employees, who are the most highly trained, have had to pick up the slack, working record amounts of overtime and less-predictable production schedules.

In our upcoming negotiations with the United Auto Workers, we're trying to emphasize short-term bonuses rather than wage increases that get baked into our costs. But we have continued health insurance through the pandemic as well as our tuition-reimbursement program, and many employees have thanked me for that.

What I am hearing from new employees is that they're not as interested in benefits but rather in higher cash wages. We've long touted benefits like our generous 401(k) matching and better medical coverage versus our peers, but we're finding that doesn't resonate as readily now as it did a decade ago. So I've asked my team: Should we be looking at some kind of hybrid model of offering higher wages to people who want those and move those dollars from the benefits side to the wages side?

We've also looked at providing childcare in a partnering arrangement where there could be a center developed near our facilities, and we would arrange for some sort of company subsidy or guarantee some level of attendance. The challenge with that is the auto industry runs around the clock, and you'd need a daycare provider who'd be committed to opening around the clock and provide legal, regulated, benchmark-standard levels of care to all those children in the off hours.

Equalize as You Acquire

Diane dooley, chro, world insurance, a business and personal insurer in tinton falls, n.j..

We onboarded about 800 employees in 2021 through acquisitions of small agencies and organic growth, but there had been no compensation modeling. Now we're building out our compensation philosophy with commission plans, incentives and bonuses, centralizing components and ensuring we have the right framework.

When we do an acquisition, we might retain their compensation model for a year or two years then slowly migrate, but make sure employees aren't taking a cut in pay. We are also capitalizing commissions into base compensation—identifying what commissions would have been and what they will be, and recognizing roles that are moving away from a commission base.

Some agencies we acquire are smaller and may be below-market for total compensation. Now we're addressing those concerns. They need to be more front and center. We must do everything to retain our employee population. If they're woefully underpaid, or not at market, we risk losing people, and we don't want to do that.

Educating the owners of some of the agencies [we acquire] is a piece of this. As we partner with them, we are evaluating them and asking, "Did you give people an increase this year?" We're not telling them what to do but providing guidance about what to do.

We're also modifying and increasing our benefits, such as giving employees pet insurance. And making counteroffers is a critical piece today, usually for high-end employees. They work better than they used to because not a lot of people really want to make a move in this environment.

Innovate for the New World

Jason medley, chief people officer, codility, a provider of skill-evaluation software in london.

We really have to step back and be innovative and force ourselves to change. The companies that are going to win are going to be more progressive early and not fighting what's happening.

One thing we've done is change our outdated compensation models that give higher pay to employees living in tech hubs like San Francisco and New York and lower compensation for areas inside the coasts. Now, we've created a United States-wide salary band, so no matter where you live, the compensation is based on the role, not the location. You can go live and work wherever you want to.

We decided to approach compensation through a very human lens. People have seasonality in life, and maybe they are caregivers at different moments and want to live in different places. We want to be as flexible as possible, and this country band gives us that flexibility.

We are starting to see the same thing in Europe, where we have our headquarters in London and offices in Berlin and Warsaw, and employees all over, especially in Poland. People are wanting to live in the countryside of Spain but demanding a London salary. So we are transitioning to one European Union band and saying, "Here is your rate—live where you want to."

We are also seeing that with global warming, it's harder to get work done for people on the west coast of the U.S. and in Europe, because they didn't build homes with air conditioning. If you're sitting in a house at 90 degrees with no air conditioning, there's no way your performance is the same as someone with AC. Supplementing air conditioning isn't something we thought about before, but now we're very much having to look at those things.

Stay Ahead of Expectations

Traci tapani, ceo, wyoming machine, a sheet-metal fabricator in stacy, minn..

Our wages have gone up by about 20% for the typical worker. When I found people I could hire, I knew they were being brought in at an hourly rate that was too high for what I was paying my incumbent workers.

My strategy has been to be proactive about that and not wait for [existing] employees to say something about it or give them a reason to look for another job. We're proactively making wage adjustments to make sure our incumbent workers are in line.

Employees will leave for more money, so they're very appreciative of it. But in my shop, I also know that people like working here, and I know they don't want to leave. I don't want to give them a reason. If they can get an increase in pay that's substantial, I know that I can cut them off at the pass. Retaining my workforce is my No. 1 strategy. They're already here, and I'm going to do everything I can to keep them.

For that reason, we've also been more generous as time has gone on with paid time off, offering it sooner than we once would have, especially for new workers. We recognize that it's healthy for people to be away from work and also, in the pandemic, people need to be away from work. Knowing they have some paid time off makes it easier for them.

Leverage Benefits for DE&I

Mark newman, ceo, chemours, a chemical manufacturer in wilmington, del..

In general our company hasn't seen the Great Resignation. And in fact, we continue to believe our focus on being a great place to work is serving us well, along with appropriate benchmarking on compensation issues.

Chemours  is  a great place to work. We survey our employees every year, to improve our working environment from a compensation and benefits perspective. Also, from the [diversity, equity and inclusion] perspective, we're trying to make sure we tap into the full breadth of talent in our industry.

That means, for instance, we are helping people more with college loans. We are offering same-sex [marriage] benefits. We are providing more family leave for people who have kids. There is clearly an aspect of our benefits package that is evolving to be consistent with our strategy of making Chemours a great place to work.

Overall, we view compensation as something where we want to be either in the median or upper quartile. It's something we're very focused on from both a wage as well as benefit level. From Covid, there's been no fundamental change as it relates to us wanting to be in the median to top quartile.

We've had to make some local adjustments where the labor market is more super-charged. For example, we see a lot of that in the Gulf Coast region, especially with oil prices coming back, and petrochemicals and refining. But it's very much a regional factor. So if industries are moving to a certain region, like the South, you have to make sure you stay current with local benchmarks.

Offer Skin in the Game

Cesar herrera, ceo, yuvo health, a healthcare administrator in new york city.

We're a year-old company that provides tech-enabled administrative solutions for community health centers across the U.S. that are specifically focused on providing primary-care services for low-income individuals. We have a team of about 10 people right now, and we have a number of open roles and positions where we're likely going to be tripling the size of our team in 2022.

Google can compensate well above the market rate. We don't have that since we're an early-stage organization. What we do have as levers aren't up-front financial compensation but equity, support in your role and a relatively flat organization where you can have significant autonomy.

A lot of individuals are going to be driven by the mission; that's the case with the entire founding team. We've made sacrifices to create this organization. So you can come in at a meaningful position with a lot of decision-making.

But one of the biggest carrots we can give is, if you accept the lower pay and the risk that comes with an early-stage organization, you can have meaningful equity in the company. We have an options pool which is not to exceed 10% ownership of the organization, and as we grow and scale, we increase that options pool. For senior-level leaders, we do expect to be able to distribute up to 10% of the company to them.

Pay Extra for Continuity

Corey stowell, vice president of human resources, webasto americas, a maker of automotive sunroofs in auburn hills, mich..

We had to recruit for several hundred new openings at a brand-new facility right at the beginning of the pandemic. So we instituted an attendance bonus. For those who worked all their hours in a week, we paid an additional $3 an hour. We really had to keep it short-term, so we paid it weekly. If you wanted to pay it every month, you couldn't do it, because people needed that instant gratification.

Otherwise they could get it on unemployment. With our pay rate, they could earn more to stay at home and collect unemployment, a significant amount more than they could earn than working for us. So we also had to increase our wages, and we increased them by more than 20% in some classifications [in the summer of 2020].

We've filled all of our positions, but it's still a challenging market. We've had to increase all our wages, with the lowest for a position being $17 an hour, on up to $30 an hour.

We also have offered stay bonuses of $500 a month for three consecutive months, up to $1,500. And for hourly employees we've instituted a different attendance policy, where they can earn two hours of paid personal time for so many hours that they work consecutively with no attendance issues.

The key is the schedule—we can prepare and get someone to cover. That's easier to do than just managing whoever's going to come in today. In this environment, that really has changed with our workforce, and it's tough to rely on our current workforce.

Give Them the Keys

Elliott rodgers, chief people officer, project44, a freight-tracking software provider in chicago.

We have equipped and subsidized a van that we call Romeo, which employees can use to combine work with personal uses like family road trips. We cover the cost of the rental. It's a luxury van that comes equipped with a bed, a toilet and shower, Wi-Fi, device charging and a desktop workspace. And it's pet friendly.

We started it as a pilot project and reservations were full within 10 minutes of when we posted it internally. Then we extended it into 2022. By the end of 2021, more than 20 unique team members completed or nearly completed reservations. They've ventured out to places spanning Mount Rushmore and the Badlands; Rocky Mountain National Park; Salem, Mass.; and Pennsylvania. A pretty broad number of places.

It's something we're really proud of. It allows our team members the opportunity to work in a lot of different places while still being connected to us. And they've appreciated the opportunities to stay connected, but also be connected in other ways with nature and other places in the world. They can maintain their perspective while also continuing to contribute to their role in a productive way.

When you place a team member at the center of what they'd want in an experience like that, the value of it answers itself. It creates a comfort level where it provides the necessities for you to be able to continue to work, and you can work from anywhere. It's the best of both worlds. It's one thing to find that on your own but another to have that accessible to you via work, but done in a way that caters to you.

Help Them Come, Go—and Stay

Aamir paul, country president - u.s., schneider electric, a maker of electrical distribution and control products in andover, mass..

With our knowledge workforce, it's been about intentional flexibility. So, for instance, we launched a "returnship" program for women who'd left the workforce but might want to come back even at reduced hours. That means 20, 30, up to 40 hours a week, and we're finding some incredibly talented people who haven't been in the workforce.

This program is available to men as well. If there's a field engineer who's been in the electrical industry for 35 years and he's now retiring, but he's five years from getting his medical benefits, we say: Don't retire. Go on the program. Work 20 hours a week. Work from home. We'll reduce your pay proportionally, but we will couple you with three university hires, and they will call you on Microsoft Teams and show you what's happening on the job site, and you're going to walk them through it. Work just three days a week. We'll cover your benefits.

We've also expanded the parental leave policy, which already was one of the best in the industrial sector. And we created a way for people to buy more time off without having to leave their positions. They apply for more unpaid time off and we allow them to retain their position and seniority and allow them to work through whatever life event it is.

We landed on six weeks for the maximum. In the most intense industries—such as a fighter pilot or a surgeon—they've found that six weeks of being out of the rotation allows them to re-set. So that's what we did. Before, the limit was two weeks.

Give Sway to Local Management

Tom salmon, ceo, berry global, a maker of plastic packaging in evansville, ind..

We've got to be competitive in all the geographies we serve. We have 295 sites around the world and manage our employees in those sites geographically. Every geography will be a different labor environment. There are different criteria that employees are looking for. It's not just about wages but taking everything into consideration.

We let local management handle things with their insight about wages and competition. They're hearing directly from employees about what they like and don't like, what they want more of and less of. It's a site-by-site discussion.

For example, at some sites, it may be important for employees to be able to access the internet at lunch; at other sites, they may not value that as much. Some want a more advanced locker facility, with different shower facilities. That includes the southwestern United States, where the temperatures are warmer; but in New England, some might not want that.

In any event, if you treat these things locally, you're going to be able to affect that local population and address the need of that geography. If you blanket something across our entire plant population, you may provide something that's not desired or needed.

We depend on our local management to respond to the different demands in terms of compensation and benefits at their sites. The better the front-line leadership is, and the more satisfied their team is, the higher our retention rate and productivity and safety performance. So these leaders participate in profit-sharing plans for those respective sites, because they have a great influence on the success of a given facility.

Focus Benefits on Flexibility

Paul knopp, chair and ceo, kpmg us, a financial consulting firm in new york.

We announced a new package of enhancements to our benefits and compensation, tied to mental, physical, social and financial well-being. These increases are the biggest in the history of the company. You have to make sure your base compensation meets the market, but you also must have attractive benefits.

For example, we cut healthcare premiums by 10% for 2022 with no change in benefit levels, and we introduced healthcare advocacy services. We are replacing our current 401(k) match and pension programs with a single, automatic company-funded contribution within the plan that's equal to 6% to 8% of eligible pay.

As part of this, we're focusing on the crucial element of ensuring that employees know you're watching out for them. They also are looking for flexibility—you don't want to under-index on how important that is. So we also are providing up to three weeks additional caregiver leave, separate and apart from PTO. And all parents will receive 12 weeks of paid parental leave, in addition to disability leave for employees who give birth, allowing some up to 22 weeks of paid leave. We also have expanded our holiday calendar to now include Juneteenth.

Dale Buss is a long-time contributor to Chief Executive, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal and other business publications. He lives in Michigan.

This article is adapted from www.ChiefExecutive.net with permission from Chief Executive. C 2022. All rights reserved.

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Case Study Method - Meaning & Definition

What is case study method.

The case study is a method used as a part of, off-the-job managerial training and development. It includes a detailed written description of a stimulated or real life decision making scenario. Trainees are expected to solve the problems stated in the case using their decision making ability complemented with teamwork skills.

The aim of the case study method is to develop managerial competency, problem solving and decision making skills. The trainer will only act as a facilitator to guide the discussion but will not provide any input in order to encourage the trainees to participate and master their KSAs.

An advantage of the case study method is that it exposes the trainees to a wide range of situations, which they otherwise may not have face and thereby allows them test their skills and develop their strengths. Furthermore this method provokes real life behaviour to help trainees understand and improve their behaviour in a crisis situation. Another advantage is that case studies stimulate innovation and ideas which can be further implemented on the job.

However, many times case studies are considered as unrealistic and therefore irrelevant by trainees. As a consequence trainees may not put enough effort to generate viable solutions. Furthermore, in real life the problems are not laid out in paper as it is in the case study, therefore it does not develop problem identification skills. Lastly, case studies have no right or wrong answer therefore validation of the solution is difficult.

Hence, this concludes the definition of Case Study Method along with its overview.

This article has been researched & authored by the Business Concepts Team . It has been reviewed & published by the MBA Skool Team. The content on MBA Skool has been created for educational & academic purpose only.

Browse the definition and meaning of more similar terms. The Management Dictionary covers over 1800 business concepts from 5 categories.

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Definition and Introduction

Case analysis is a problem-based teaching and learning method that involves critically analyzing complex scenarios within an organizational setting for the purpose of placing the student in a “real world” situation and applying reflection and critical thinking skills to contemplate appropriate solutions, decisions, or recommended courses of action. It is considered a more effective teaching technique than in-class role playing or simulation activities. The analytical process is often guided by questions provided by the instructor that ask students to contemplate relationships between the facts and critical incidents described in the case.

Cases generally include both descriptive and statistical elements and rely on students applying abductive reasoning to develop and argue for preferred or best outcomes [i.e., case scenarios rarely have a single correct or perfect answer based on the evidence provided]. Rather than emphasizing theories or concepts, case analysis assignments emphasize building a bridge of relevancy between abstract thinking and practical application and, by so doing, teaches the value of both within a specific area of professional practice.

Given this, the purpose of a case analysis paper is to present a structured and logically organized format for analyzing the case situation. It can be assigned to students individually or as a small group assignment and it may include an in-class presentation component. Case analysis is predominately taught in economics and business-related courses, but it is also a method of teaching and learning found in other applied social sciences disciplines, such as, social work, public relations, education, journalism, and public administration.

Ellet, William. The Case Study Handbook: A Student's Guide . Revised Edition. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing, 2018; Christoph Rasche and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Analysis . Writing Center, Baruch College; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

How to Approach Writing a Case Analysis Paper

The organization and structure of a case analysis paper can vary depending on the organizational setting, the situation, and how your professor wants you to approach the assignment. Nevertheless, preparing to write a case analysis paper involves several important steps. As Hawes notes, a case analysis assignment “...is useful in developing the ability to get to the heart of a problem, analyze it thoroughly, and to indicate the appropriate solution as well as how it should be implemented” [p.48]. This statement encapsulates how you should approach preparing to write a case analysis paper.

Before you begin to write your paper, consider the following analytical procedures:

• Review the case to get an overview of the situation . A case can be only a few pages in length, however, it is most often very lengthy and contains a significant amount of detailed background information and statistics, with multilayered descriptions of the scenario, the roles and behaviors of various stakeholder groups, and situational events. Therefore, a quick reading of the case will help you gain an overall sense of the situation and illuminate the types of issues and problems that you will need to address in your paper. If your professor has provided questions intended to help frame your analysis, use them to guide your initial reading of the case.
• Read the case thoroughly . After gaining a general overview of the case, carefully read the content again with the purpose of understanding key circumstances, events, and behaviors among stakeholder groups. Look for information or data that appears contradictory, extraneous, or misleading. At this point, you should be taking notes as you read because this will help you develop a general outline of your paper. The aim is to obtain a complete understanding of the situation so that you can begin contemplating tentative answers to any questions your professor has provided or, if they have not provided, developing answers to your own questions about the case scenario and its connection to the course readings,lectures, and class discussions.
• Determine key stakeholder groups, issues, and events and the relationships they all have to each other . As you analyze the content, pay particular attention to identifying individuals, groups, or organizations described in the case and identify evidence of any problems or issues of concern that impact the situation in a negative way. Other things to look for include identifying any assumptions being made by or about each stakeholder, potential biased explanations or actions, explicit demands or ultimatums , and the underlying concerns that motivate these behaviors among stakeholders. The goal at this stage is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situational and behavioral dynamics of the case and the explicit and implicit consequences of each of these actions.
• Identify the core problems . The next step in most case analysis assignments is to discern what the core [i.e., most damaging, detrimental, injurious] problems are within the organizational setting and to determine their implications. The purpose at this stage of preparing to write your analysis paper is to distinguish between the symptoms of core problems and the core problems themselves and to decide which of these must be addressed immediately and which problems do not appear critical but may escalate over time. Identify evidence from the case to support your decisions by determining what information or data is essential to addressing the core problems and what information is not relevant or is misleading.
• Explore alternative solutions . As noted, case analysis scenarios rarely have only one correct answer. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the process of analyzing the case and diagnosing core problems, while based on evidence, is a subjective process open to various avenues of interpretation. This means that you must consider alternative solutions or courses of action by critically examining strengths and weaknesses, risk factors, and the differences between short and long-term solutions. For each possible solution or course of action, consider the consequences they may have related to their implementation and how these recommendations might lead to new problems. Also, consider thinking about your recommended solutions or courses of action in relation to issues of fairness, equity, and inclusion.
• Decide on a final set of recommendations . The last stage in preparing to write a case analysis paper is to assert an opinion or viewpoint about the recommendations needed to help resolve the core problems as you see them and to make a persuasive argument for supporting this point of view. Prepare a clear rationale for your recommendations based on examining each element of your analysis. Anticipate possible obstacles that could derail their implementation. Consider any counter-arguments that could be made concerning the validity of your recommended actions. Finally, describe a set of criteria and measurable indicators that could be applied to evaluating the effectiveness of your implementation plan.

Use these steps as the framework for writing your paper. Remember that the more detailed you are in taking notes as you critically examine each element of the case, the more information you will have to draw from when you begin to write. This will save you time.

NOTE : If the process of preparing to write a case analysis paper is assigned as a student group project, consider having each member of the group analyze a specific element of the case, including drafting answers to the corresponding questions used by your professor to frame the analysis. This will help make the analytical process more efficient and ensure that the distribution of work is equitable. This can also facilitate who is responsible for drafting each part of the final case analysis paper and, if applicable, the in-class presentation.

Framework for Case Analysis . College of Management. University of Massachusetts; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Rasche, Christoph and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Study Analysis . University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center; Van Ness, Raymond K. A Guide to Case Analysis . School of Business. State University of New York, Albany; Writing a Case Analysis . Business School, University of New South Wales.

Structure and Writing Style

A case analysis paper should be detailed, concise, persuasive, clearly written, and professional in tone and in the use of language . As with other forms of college-level academic writing, declarative statements that convey information, provide a fact, or offer an explanation or any recommended courses of action should be based on evidence. If allowed by your professor, any external sources used to support your analysis, such as course readings, should be properly cited under a list of references. The organization and structure of case analysis papers can vary depending on your professor’s preferred format, but its structure generally follows the steps used for analyzing the case.

Introduction

The introduction should provide a succinct but thorough descriptive overview of the main facts, issues, and core problems of the case . The introduction should also include a brief summary of the most relevant details about the situation and organizational setting. This includes defining the theoretical framework or conceptual model on which any questions were used to frame your analysis.

Following the rules of most college-level research papers, the introduction should then inform the reader how the paper will be organized. This includes describing the major sections of the paper and the order in which they will be presented. Unless you are told to do so by your professor, you do not need to preview your final recommendations in the introduction. U nlike most college-level research papers , the introduction does not include a statement about the significance of your findings because a case analysis assignment does not involve contributing new knowledge about a research problem.

Background Analysis

Background analysis can vary depending on any guiding questions provided by your professor and the underlying concept or theory that the case is based upon. In general, however, this section of your paper should focus on:

• Providing an overarching analysis of problems identified from the case scenario, including identifying events that stakeholders find challenging or troublesome,
• Identifying assumptions made by each stakeholder and any apparent biases they may exhibit,
• Describing any demands or claims made by or forced upon key stakeholders, and
• Highlighting any issues of concern or complaints expressed by stakeholders in response to those demands or claims.

These aspects of the case are often in the form of behavioral responses expressed by individuals or groups within the organizational setting. However, note that problems in a case situation can also be reflected in data [or the lack thereof] and in the decision-making, operational, cultural, or institutional structure of the organization. Additionally, demands or claims can be either internal and external to the organization [e.g., a case analysis involving a president considering arms sales to Saudi Arabia could include managing internal demands from White House advisors as well as demands from members of Congress].

Throughout this section, present all relevant evidence from the case that supports your analysis. Do not simply claim there is a problem, an assumption, a demand, or a concern; tell the reader what part of the case informed how you identified these background elements.

Identification of Problems

In most case analysis assignments, there are problems, and then there are problems . Each problem can reflect a multitude of underlying symptoms that are detrimental to the interests of the organization. The purpose of identifying problems is to teach students how to differentiate between problems that vary in severity, impact, and relative importance. Given this, problems can be described in three general forms: those that must be addressed immediately, those that should be addressed but the impact is not severe, and those that do not require immediate attention and can be set aside for the time being.

All of the problems you identify from the case should be identified in this section of your paper, with a description based on evidence explaining the problem variances. If the assignment asks you to conduct research to further support your assessment of the problems, include this in your explanation. Remember to cite those sources in a list of references. Use specific evidence from the case and apply appropriate concepts, theories, and models discussed in class or in relevant course readings to highlight and explain the key problems [or problem] that you believe must be solved immediately and describe the underlying symptoms and why they are so critical.

Alternative Solutions

This section is where you provide specific, realistic, and evidence-based solutions to the problems you have identified and make recommendations about how to alleviate the underlying symptomatic conditions impacting the organizational setting. For each solution, you must explain why it was chosen and provide clear evidence to support your reasoning. This can include, for example, course readings and class discussions as well as research resources, such as, books, journal articles, research reports, or government documents. In some cases, your professor may encourage you to include personal, anecdotal experiences as evidence to support why you chose a particular solution or set of solutions. Using anecdotal evidence helps promote reflective thinking about the process of determining what qualifies as a core problem and relevant solution .

Throughout this part of the paper, keep in mind the entire array of problems that must be addressed and describe in detail the solutions that might be implemented to resolve these problems.

Recommended Courses of Action

In some case analysis assignments, your professor may ask you to combine the alternative solutions section with your recommended courses of action. However, it is important to know the difference between the two. A solution refers to the answer to a problem. A course of action refers to a procedure or deliberate sequence of activities adopted to proactively confront a situation, often in the context of accomplishing a goal. In this context, proposed courses of action are based on your analysis of alternative solutions. Your description and justification for pursuing each course of action should represent the overall plan for implementing your recommendations.

For each course of action, you need to explain the rationale for your recommendation in a way that confronts challenges, explains risks, and anticipates any counter-arguments from stakeholders. Do this by considering the strengths and weaknesses of each course of action framed in relation to how the action is expected to resolve the core problems presented, the possible ways the action may affect remaining problems, and how the recommended action will be perceived by each stakeholder.

In addition, you should describe the criteria needed to measure how well the implementation of these actions is working and explain which individuals or groups are responsible for ensuring your recommendations are successful. In addition, always consider the law of unintended consequences. Outline difficulties that may arise in implementing each course of action and describe how implementing the proposed courses of action [either individually or collectively] may lead to new problems [both large and small].

Throughout this section, you must consider the costs and benefits of recommending your courses of action in relation to uncertainties or missing information and the negative consequences of success.

The conclusion should be brief and introspective. Unlike a research paper, the conclusion in a case analysis paper does not include a summary of key findings and their significance, a statement about how the study contributed to existing knowledge, or indicate opportunities for future research.

Begin by synthesizing the core problems presented in the case and the relevance of your recommended solutions. This can include an explanation of what you have learned about the case in the context of your answers to the questions provided by your professor. The conclusion is also where you link what you learned from analyzing the case with the course readings or class discussions. This can further demonstrate your understanding of the relationships between the practical case situation and the theoretical and abstract content of assigned readings and other course content.

Problems to Avoid

The literature on case analysis assignments often includes examples of difficulties students have with applying methods of critical analysis and effectively reporting the results of their assessment of the situation. A common reason cited by scholars is that the application of this type of teaching and learning method is limited to applied fields of social and behavioral sciences and, as a result, writing a case analysis paper can be unfamiliar to most students entering college.

After you have drafted your paper, proofread the narrative flow and revise any of these common errors:

• Unnecessary detail in the background section . The background section should highlight the essential elements of the case based on your analysis. Focus on summarizing the facts and highlighting the key factors that become relevant in the other sections of the paper by eliminating any unnecessary information.
• Analysis relies too much on opinion . Your analysis is interpretive, but the narrative must be connected clearly to evidence from the case and any models and theories discussed in class or in course readings. Any positions or arguments you make should be supported by evidence.
• Analysis does not focus on the most important elements of the case . Your paper should provide a thorough overview of the case. However, the analysis should focus on providing evidence about what you identify are the key events, stakeholders, issues, and problems. Emphasize what you identify as the most critical aspects of the case to be developed throughout your analysis. Be thorough but succinct.
• Writing is too descriptive . A paper with too much descriptive information detracts from your analysis of the complexities of the case situation. Questions about what happened, where, when, and by whom should only be included as essential information leading to your examination of questions related to why, how, and for what purpose.
• Inadequate definition of a core problem and associated symptoms . A common error found in case analysis papers is recommending a solution or course of action without adequately defining or demonstrating that you understand the problem. Make sure you have clearly described the problem and its impact and scope within the organizational setting. Ensure that you have adequately described the root causes w hen describing the symptoms of the problem.
• Recommendations lack specificity . Identify any use of vague statements and indeterminate terminology, such as, “A particular experience” or “a large increase to the budget.” These statements cannot be measured and, as a result, there is no way to evaluate their successful implementation. Provide specific data and use direct language in describing recommended actions.
• Unrealistic, exaggerated, or unattainable recommendations . Review your recommendations to ensure that they are based on the situational facts of the case. Your recommended solutions and courses of action must be based on realistic assumptions and fit within the constraints of the situation. Also note that the case scenario has already happened, therefore, any speculation or arguments about what could have occurred if the circumstances were different should be revised or eliminated.

Bee, Lian Song et al. "Business Students' Perspectives on Case Method Coaching for Problem-Based Learning: Impacts on Student Engagement and Learning Performance in Higher Education." Education & Training 64 (2022): 416-432; The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Georgallis, Panikos and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching using Case-Based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Georgallis, Panikos, and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching Using Case-based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; .Dean,  Kathy Lund and Charles J. Fornaciari. "How to Create and Use Experiential Case-Based Exercises in a Management Classroom." Journal of Management Education 26 (October 2002): 586-603; Klebba, Joanne M. and Janet G. Hamilton. "Structured Case Analysis: Developing Critical Thinking Skills in a Marketing Case Course." Journal of Marketing Education 29 (August 2007): 132-137, 139; Klein, Norman. "The Case Discussion Method Revisited: Some Questions about Student Skills." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 30-32; Mukherjee, Arup. "Effective Use of In-Class Mini Case Analysis for Discovery Learning in an Undergraduate MIS Course." The Journal of Computer Information Systems 40 (Spring 2000): 15-23; Pessoa, Silviaet al. "Scaffolding the Case Analysis in an Organizational Behavior Course: Making Analytical Language Explicit." Journal of Management Education 46 (2022): 226-251: Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Schweitzer, Karen. "How to Write and Format a Business Case Study." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-and-format-a-business-case-study-466324 (accessed December 5, 2022); Reddy, C. D. "Teaching Research Methodology: Everything's a Case." Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods 18 (December 2020): 178-188; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

Writing Tip

Ca se Study and Case Analysis Are Not the Same!

Confusion often exists between what it means to write a paper that uses a case study research design and writing a paper that analyzes a case; they are two different types of approaches to learning in the social and behavioral sciences. Professors as well as educational researchers contribute to this confusion because they often use the term "case study" when describing the subject of analysis for a case analysis paper. But you are not studying a case for the purpose of generating a comprehensive, multi-faceted understanding of a research problem. R ather, you are critically analyzing a specific scenario to argue logically for recommended solutions and courses of action that lead to optimal outcomes applicable to professional practice.

To avoid any confusion, here are twelve characteristics that delineate the differences between writing a paper using the case study research method and writing a case analysis paper:

• Case study is a method of in-depth research and rigorous inquiry ; case analysis is a reliable method of teaching and learning . A case study is a modality of research that investigates a phenomenon for the purpose of creating new knowledge, solving a problem, or testing a hypothesis using empirical evidence derived from the case being studied. Often, the results are used to generalize about a larger population or within a wider context. The writing adheres to the traditional standards of a scholarly research study. A case analysis is a pedagogical tool used to teach students how to reflect and think critically about a practical, real-life problem in an organizational setting.
• The researcher is responsible for identifying the case to study; a case analysis is assigned by your professor . As the researcher, you choose the case study to investigate in support of obtaining new knowledge and understanding about the research problem. The case in a case analysis assignment is almost always provided, and sometimes written, by your professor and either given to every student in class to analyze individually or to a small group of students, or students select a case to analyze from a predetermined list.
• A case study is indeterminate and boundless; a case analysis is predetermined and confined . A case study can be almost anything [see item 9 below] as long as it relates directly to examining the research problem. This relationship is the only limit to what a researcher can choose as the subject of their case study. The content of a case analysis is determined by your professor and its parameters are well-defined and limited to elucidating insights of practical value applied to practice.
• Case study is fact-based and describes actual events or situations; case analysis can be entirely fictional or adapted from an actual situation . The entire content of a case study must be grounded in reality to be a valid subject of investigation in an empirical research study. A case analysis only needs to set the stage for critically examining a situation in practice and, therefore, can be entirely fictional or adapted, all or in-part, from an actual situation.
• Research using a case study method must adhere to principles of intellectual honesty and academic integrity; a case analysis scenario can include misleading or false information . A case study paper must report research objectively and factually to ensure that any findings are understood to be logically correct and trustworthy. A case analysis scenario may include misleading or false information intended to deliberately distract from the central issues of the case. The purpose is to teach students how to sort through conflicting or useless information in order to come up with the preferred solution. Any use of misleading or false information in academic research is considered unethical.
• Case study is linked to a research problem; case analysis is linked to a practical situation or scenario . In the social sciences, the subject of an investigation is most often framed as a problem that must be researched in order to generate new knowledge leading to a solution. Case analysis narratives are grounded in real life scenarios for the purpose of examining the realities of decision-making behavior and processes within organizational settings. A case analysis assignments include a problem or set of problems to be analyzed. However, the goal is centered around the act of identifying and evaluating courses of action leading to best possible outcomes.
• The purpose of a case study is to create new knowledge through research; the purpose of a case analysis is to teach new understanding . Case studies are a choice of methodological design intended to create new knowledge about resolving a research problem. A case analysis is a mode of teaching and learning intended to create new understanding and an awareness of uncertainty applied to practice through acts of critical thinking and reflection.
• A case study seeks to identify the best possible solution to a research problem; case analysis can have an indeterminate set of solutions or outcomes . Your role in studying a case is to discover the most logical, evidence-based ways to address a research problem. A case analysis assignment rarely has a single correct answer because one of the goals is to force students to confront the real life dynamics of uncertainly, ambiguity, and missing or conflicting information within professional practice. Under these conditions, a perfect outcome or solution almost never exists.
• Case study is unbounded and relies on gathering external information; case analysis is a self-contained subject of analysis . The scope of a case study chosen as a method of research is bounded. However, the researcher is free to gather whatever information and data is necessary to investigate its relevance to understanding the research problem. For a case analysis assignment, your professor will often ask you to examine solutions or recommended courses of action based solely on facts and information from the case.
• Case study can be a person, place, object, issue, event, condition, or phenomenon; a case analysis is a carefully constructed synopsis of events, situations, and behaviors . The research problem dictates the type of case being studied and, therefore, the design can encompass almost anything tangible as long as it fulfills the objective of generating new knowledge and understanding. A case analysis is in the form of a narrative containing descriptions of facts, situations, processes, rules, and behaviors within a particular setting and under a specific set of circumstances.
• Case study can represent an open-ended subject of inquiry; a case analysis is a narrative about something that has happened in the past . A case study is not restricted by time and can encompass an event or issue with no temporal limit or end. For example, the current war in Ukraine can be used as a case study of how medical personnel help civilians during a large military conflict, even though circumstances around this event are still evolving. A case analysis can be used to elicit critical thinking about current or future situations in practice, but the case itself is a narrative about something finite and that has taken place in the past.
• Multiple case studies can be used in a research study; case analysis involves examining a single scenario . Case study research can use two or more cases to examine a problem, often for the purpose of conducting a comparative investigation intended to discover hidden relationships, document emerging trends, or determine variations among different examples. A case analysis assignment typically describes a stand-alone, self-contained situation and any comparisons among cases are conducted during in-class discussions and/or student presentations.

The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2017; Crowe, Sarah et al. “The Case Study Approach.” BMC Medical Research Methodology 11 (2011):  doi: 10.1186/1471-2288-11-100; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing; 1994.

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HRM Case Studies With Solutions

Let’s study Human Resource Management Case Studies with solutions. HRM Case studies play a vital role in management education especially in subjects like Human Resource Management (HRM), Personnel Management, PAAP and related subjects.

It gives a clear picture of the concepts when you practise them through case studies. Here we have given some live HRM case studies that are short, useful & interesting. This will allow you to think beyond the theoretical part and make you capable to apply the concepts in real-time situations.

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We are also providing solutions which are free of cost. We welcome your feedback about these HRM case studies.

Below are short and simple Case Studies on HRM with Solutions, Questions, and Answers.

HRM Case Study 1

Harsha and Franklin both of them are postgraduates in management under different streams from the same B-School. Both of them are close to each other from the college days itself and the same friendship is continuing in the organization too as they are placed in the same company, Hy-tech technology solutions. Harsha placed in the HR department as employee counsellor and Franklin in the finance department as a key finance executive. As per the grade is concerned both are at the same level but when responsibility is concerned Franklin is holding more responsibility being in core finance.

By nature, Harsha is friendly in nature and ready to help the needy. Franklin is silent in nature ready to help if approached personally and always a bit egoistic in nature. They have successfully completed 4 years in the organization. And management is very much satisfied with both of them as they are equally talented and constant performers.

Harsha felt that now a day’s Franklin is not like as he uses to be in the past. She noticed some behavioural changes with him. During general conversations, she feels that Franklin is taunting her that she is famous among the employees in the organization, on the other hand, he is not even recognized by fellow employees.

One morning Mr. Mehta General Manager Hy-tech technology solutions shocked while going through the mail received from Franklin about his resignation. Mr. Mehta called Harsha immediately and discussed the same as she is close to Franklin. By hearing the news Harsha got stunned and said that she does not know this before she also revealed here current experience with him. Mr. Mehta who does not want to lose both of them promised her that he will handle this and he won’t allow Franklin to resign.

In the afternoon Mr. Metha took Franklin to Canteen to make him comfortable after some general discussion he starts on the issue. Franklin, after some hesitation, opened his thinking in front of Mr. Mehta. The problem of Franklin is

1) when he comes alone to canteen the people from others don’t even recognize him but if he accompanied by Harsha he gets well treated by others.

2) one day Both of them entered the company together the security in the gate wished them but the next day when he came alone the same security did not do so.

3) Even in meetings held in the office, the points raised by Harsha will get more value so many times he keeps silent in the meeting.

It happens to Franklin that he has to face such degradation in each day of work which totally disturbs him. Franklin also questioned that ” Harsha and myself have the same qualification, from the same institute, passed out in the same year both with first class. We have the same number of experiences in this organization. Moreover, the responsibilities with me are more valuable than those of Harsha. After all these things if I am been ignored or unrecognized by the fellow employees my ego does not allow me to continue here”.

By listening to this statement Mr.Metha felt that it is not going to be very difficult to stop his resignation. Mr. Mehta explained Franklin the reasons for such partial behaviour of the employees. After listening to Mr. Mehta Franklin said sorry for his reaction and ready to take back his resignation. And he called Harsha and spoke with like before.

Questions for HRM Case Studies: Case Study 1

Find the reason that Mr. Mehta would have given to Franklin.

Solution for HRM Case Study 1

Mr. Mehta listening to this case understood the situation and realized the reason behind the partial response given by the employees towards Franklin and Harsha. As Franklin said both Harsha and Franklin are passed out from the same college in the same year. Both of them joined the company together both have the same experience. Even in performance-wise, both stands in the same level i.e. both are constant performers and good performers.

Franklin analyzed all the above-said similarities between him and Harsha. He also stated that he holds more responsibility than that of Harsha. One thing Franklin did not notice or analyzed is the job profile of Harsha. It is true that Franklin holds more responsibility than that of Harsha but when it comes to direct interaction with employees Harsha wins the employees’ attention in this aspect. Harsha being a counsellor in HR she faces the employees every day. She developed good rapport among the employees due to her friendly nature. She is always remembered by the employees whenever they face any problem as she gives good counselling and most of the time she suggests the best solutions for such issues.

Franklin though holding a key position in finance his profile does not allow him to interact with the employees. Though he has a helping tendency he does only when someone approached him personally. As the employees of other departments do not have any relation with him they never approach him for help. Mr. Mehta having a good experience understood these things when Franklin explained his problems one by one. Later he relates each situation, explained by Franklin with the above said reasons and made Franklin understood the reality.

Mr. Mehta said that the security in the gate or the employees in the canteen who recognized Harsha and not Franklin would have interacted with her during counselling or approached her for any issues. And as usual, she would have counselled well or solved the issues of them that is the reason why they treat her and wish her whenever where ever they meet her. When it comes to the case of Franklin they would have hardly met him or interacted with him.

When it comes to the point that even in-office meetings Harsha, points are valued so Franklin keeps mum. For this, Mr. Mehta replied that the points put forward by her would be related to employees or from the employees’ point of view which actually the management wants to know so they give value to her points. And as quoted Fraklin after, one or two such incidents keep silent in the meeting. He never made an attempt to raise some suggestions so management does not have any option to listen to that suggestion.

After listening to all the explanations given by Mr. Mehta Franklin realized his mistake and felt proud of the Rapport developed by Harsha among the employees. He said to Mr. Mehta that he will take back his resignation. And rushed to Harsha to make an apology and to meet her as a friend as like his college days.

HRM Case Studies Part 2:

HRM Case Study 2

Watson Public Ltd Company is well known for its welfare activities and employee-oriented schemes in the manufacturing industry for more than ten decades. The company employs more than 800 workers and 150 administrative staff and 80 management-level employees. The Top-level management views all the employees at the same level. This can be clearly understood by seeing the uniform of the company which is the Same for all starting from MD to floor level workers. The company has 2 different cafeterias at different places one near the plant for workers and others near the Administration building. Though the place is different the amenities, infrastructure and the food provided are of the same quality. In short, the company stands by the rule of Employee Equality.

The company has one registered trade union. The relationship between the union and the management is very cordial. The company has not lost a single man day due to strike. The company is not a paymaster in that industry. The compensation policy of that company, when compared to other similar companies, is very less still the employees don’t have many grievances due to the other benefits provided by the company. But the company is facing a countable number of problems in supplying the materials in the recent past days. Problems like quality issues, mismatch in packing materials (placing material A in the box of material B) incorrect labelling of material, not dispatching the material on time, etc…

The management views the case as there are loopholes in the system of various departments and hand over the responsibility to the HR department to solve the issue. When the HR manager goes through the issues he realized that the issues are not relating to the system but it relates to the employees. When investigated he come to know that the reason behind the casual approach by employees in work is

• The company hired new employees for a higher-level post without considering the potential internal candidates.
• The newly hired employees are placed with higher packages than that of existing employees in the same cadre.
• Narrate the case with a suitable title for the case. Justify your title.

Solution for HRM Case Case Study 2

Employee Equality is not the need for every hour. In the above-said case, Watson Ltd had provided all facilities to employees at each grade in an equal manner. But still, the employees started creating certain issues like materials are meeting the quality supply schedule is not met etc. And the HR manager said that the policy of hiring new employees for the higher post without considering old potential employees is the major problem.

“Employee recognition VS Employee equality ”. As the HR manager states that employees are not been recognized for the potential rather the company has gone for new recruitment. Because of which the company faces problems.

• The points rose by the HR manager as the reason for the latest issues in the organization is justifiable or not. Support your answer with Human resource related concepts.

Yes, the points raised by the HR manager is justifiable because “Human beings are social Animals as popularly” said by many Human resources Scholars. So human minds demand social recognition, self-respect, consideration, etc for their work and performance.

In the above-said case, even the company provides and stands by the concept of employee equality when it fails to recognize the potential talents of existing employee they felt dissatisfaction towards the organization and they showed in the way of quality issues and slow down production.

Related HR concept.

Slow down Production:

The concept of slow down production is a type of employee’s strike. The Industrial Relations sates that when the employee wants to show their dissatisfaction to the management but don’t want to go for strike they follow slow down strike. The impact of which will be understood after a particular time period.

Employee Recognition:

Human beings can be easily motivated by Rewards and recognition than that of money. In this case, also the employee is not satisfied even after all facilities just because of the reason that they are not recognized.

Hawthrone Experiment:

In the four types of test conducted by Elton Mayo, the remarkable hike in production is recognized in the stage when they consulted the employees for the management decisions regarding them. The same thing was missing in Watson Ltd. Before the new hires if the management consulted the employees both management and employees would have avoided this issue

Hygiene Factor:

The theory of hygiene factors states that there are certain factors related to employees the presence of which will not create a major impact but the absence of such things will lead to a de motivation to the employees. Employee Recognition is one such factor when the management fails to do so it will Detroit the employees to a great extent.

• Help the organization to come out from this critical issue. If you are in the role of HR manager what will be your immediate step to solve this case.

If I was in the post of the HR manager I will try to discuss the issue and ask for the reason from the management for new recruiting rather than considering available potential talents. I will personally analyse the reasons provided by management and if acceptable I will discuss the same with the employees. Everything is possible with a discussion. So I will discuss and convince the employee that this won’t happen again in the organization. I will also initiate the collective bargaining process for reasonable salary hike for the existing employees.

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