LEADER OF THE CRIMSON TIDE- Nick Saban

Case Analysis Outline A significant amount of this course is centered on you learning how to apply the Case Analysis Outline given below. Being able to apply this case analysis process, both individually and as part of a team, is what distinguishes graduate from undergraduate work in management. For exams and assignments that require you to apply the Case Analysis Outline, you must demonstrate that you can: 1. Take a real-world situation and analyze it using distinct approaches that help you gain insight into the key issues that must be addressed to move the organization to the next significant level of performance. 2. Apply the most relevant concepts or models that can be used to assess the degree to which the organization is following them. The basic assumption here is that individuals and organizations that apply or adhere to these concepts/models are more effective. 3. If these models are being successfully followed and implemented, then the challenge is to offer, select, and implement alternatives that, given the situation analysis, will help insure that the organization continues to be effective. 4. If there is a discrepancy between the organization’s behavior and what is prescribed by these models, the challenge is to offer, select, and implement alternatives that reduce this discrepancy. 5. Draw on at least one model that should be followed as part of your implementation strategy that will effectively address the issues you identified in the situation analysis. 1. Situation Analysis (20%): Describe briefly in no more than 2-3 paragraphs the management situation reflected in the case. This is not a restating of the case details or history. Instead, it captures the essence of the management situation and leads to the development of the issue(s) statement to follow. Be sure and include a: A. Vision/Purpose/Mission/Values Statement Identify any issues related to: 1. The organization not having a stated set of Vision/Purpose/ Mission/Values. 2. The organization not living up to its stated set of vision/Purpose/Mission/Values. B. Stakeholder analysis: 1. Identify key stakeholders. 2. Identify expectations for each stakeholder. 3. Identify any issues related to unmet stakeholder expectations. 4. Apply the Savage et al., framework to the stakeholders and other relevant organizations (e.g. competitors) in the case. 2. Issue(s) Statement & Management Question (15%): A. List and briefly summarize the key issues you identified in your Situation Analysis. B. Close this section with a single, concise but comprehensive underlying management question that must be answered to address the key issues from A. 3. Organizational Behavior Analysis (35%): Apply in-depth 3-4 course concepts/models. This means that you should identify a model/concept (e.g., Org. Structure from Ch. 15, the Big Five Personality Factors from Ch. 5) and use it to analyze/describe what’s going on in the case relative to the key issues and the management question to be addressed. If the case differs from what the model suggests or recommends, this provides evidence that the model can be useful in addressing the key issues and answering the management question. 4. Identification and Evaluation of Alternatives (15%): Based on the Organizational Behavior Analysis, identify three or more specific, mutually exclusive options/alternatives that should be evaluated to address the issues and the underlying problem. Label each with a brief key word name that identifies the alternative, i.e., Reorganize the Division. Then develop and fully discuss the pro’s and con’s, and related implications of each alternative. 5. Recommended Alternative (5%): Which of the alternatives in Section 4 does your team recommend and why? Give 2-3 concrete reasons this is the best alternative. 6. Implementation and Conclusion (10%): Describe and discuss the strategic and operational issues related to implementing the recommended alternative. Include a course concept/model to follow along with a timeline for implementing it.