Case Analysis Flashcards

A business memo states: 'Due to declining revenue, the marketing team must reduce its budget by 30% while maintaining current outreach targets.' What is the primary conflict in this directive?

Answer: Fewer resources are expected to produce the same results

The directive creates a conflict because it demands identical output with significantly fewer resources, which is logically contradictory.

A case study describes a hospital that reduced patient wait times by 40% after hiring additional intake staff. A critic argues the improvement was caused by a new scheduling software installed the same month. This criticism is an example of:

Answer: Confounding variable concern

The critic identifies a confounding variable—another simultaneous change that could explain the outcome.

In a case report, a manager writes: 'Sales improved every quarter that our new rep was on leave.' What logical error does this statement most likely contain?

Answer: Correlation mistaken for causation

The statement implies the rep's absence caused the improvement, but correlation alone does not establish causation.

A case analysis reads: 'All employees who received the new training completed the project on time. Therefore, the training was effective.' Which additional piece of evidence would most strengthen this conclusion?

Answer: Untrained employees on similar projects frequently missed deadlines

Comparing outcomes of untrained employees provides a baseline that makes the trained group's success meaningful.

A case study presents two arguments: Argument A uses statistical data from a peer-reviewed study; Argument B relies on the personal testimony of one expert. In case analysis, which argument is generally considered stronger evidence?

Answer: Argument A, because peer-reviewed data is systematically validated

Peer-reviewed statistical evidence is systematically tested and validated, making it more reliable than a single personal account.

A case analysis asks you to evaluate the following recommendation: 'The company should eliminate its customer service department to reduce costs.' Which question is MOST critical to ask before accepting this recommendation?

Answer: What impact would elimination have on customer retention and revenue?

The most critical question addresses whether cost savings would be offset by revenue losses from reduced customer satisfaction.

A written case presents a school that adopted a four-day week and reported increased teacher satisfaction. The report concludes: 'All schools should adopt a four-day week.' This conclusion is flawed because:

Answer: It generalizes from one case to all schools without considering contextual differences

Generalizing a conclusion from a single case to all cases ignores the unique conditions that may have influenced the outcome.