HLSC 3P94: Health Administration

Fall 2019

How to Write a Case Analysis

Part 1. Situational Analysis

The purpose of the situational analysis is to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of the organization and the current situation outlined in the case. There are two components of the situational analysis: an overview and a SWOT analysis.

  1. a) Overview (1/2 page)
  • Describe the organization with respect to:
    • Structure
    • Mission/vision/values
    • Goals/objectives
    • Culture
    • Key stakeholders
  1. b) SWOT Analysis (2-3 pages)
  • Describe the main problem that is apparent in this case with evidence from the case to support that this is the issue
  • Create your SWOT by outlining
    • Strengths/Weaknesses:
      • Internal to the organization
      • 3-4 points for EACH
    • Opportunities/Threats
      • External to the organization
      • 3-4 points for EACH
    • Include your SWOT in a chart format added as an appendix, but in the body of the text you must have a paragraph detailing each section (Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats)
  • Each point requires proof from the case and/or research to justify its classification as a strength, weakness, opportunity, threat and explain why it is relevant to the situation

When looking at strengths/weaknesses, consider the following:

  • Advantages/disadvantages of proposed change
  • Leadership (structure, knowledge, etc.)
  • Personnel
  • Finances
  • Reputation
  • Quality of services
  • Capabilities (or lack thereof)
  • Time frame/deadlines
  • Historical results of change
  • Culture
  • Structure
  • Partnerships

When looking at opportunities/threats, consider the following:

  • Change patient needs
  • Changing resource availability
  • Changing technology
  • Economic conditions
  • Political climate
  • Partnerships
  • Industry trends

Part 2. Strategic Analysis (3-4 pages)

The purpose of the strategic analysis is to critically appraise the changes that need to be made within the organization to make improvement. Using the information from the SWOT, create recommendations to help move the organization forward based on theories learned in class. When making your own recommendations your goal is to match strengths with environmental opportunities and eliminate or minimize weaknesses to avoid or manage environmental threats. You must use research evidence to support your recommendations.

  1. Analyze the changes proposed within the case:
  • Summarize the proposed changes outlined in the case (your recommendations must be different from the plan identified in the case)
  • Offer a brief assessment of whether the proposed plan is likely to be successful
  1. Create your own recommendations (4) to move the organization in the desired direction
  • Offer four recommendations that have evidence to support their implementation
  • Relate your recommendations to your SWOT (i.e. each recommendation should match a point highlighted in your SWOT)
    • Do proposed strategies align with the organizations strengths and improve weaknesses?
    • Do proposed strategies capitalize upon opportunities and minimize threats?

Additional Details: You should include a minimum of 10 references.  Readings from class can be used but students will be rewarded for conducting a more comprehensive search of the literature to be included in the paper.  APA referencing style must be used.