This textbook provides students with the skills and techniques necessary to analyse business case studies from a strategic perspective. With career development and impact in mind, the book goes beyond simply listing tools, instead teaching students how to prepare for a major strategic business case analysis project, how to position their analysis on a spectrum from reductionist to holistic approaches, how to critically engage with theory and case data, as well as how to leverage their work after completion.
A logical approach is offered, taking the reader through the analysis journey, from preparing to analyse a case study to conducting the analysis and maximising the impact going forwards. A comprehensive analysis task is incorporated, which asks the reader to reflect on a range of case data, understand the choices of analytical positioning and tool selection, and develop an analysis based on this positioning. Further pedagogical features include:
- Reflective practice exercises at the end of chapters, allowing the student to self-identify areas of strength and weakness as they develop through the process.
- Worked examples based on cases reproduced in the book, allowing the student to follow the analytical process that the author went through in different analysis modes.
- Quotes and analysis insights from former students who have previously conducted a strategic business case analysis, aiding reflective practice.
As case study analysis continues as a core component of teaching across business schools, this unique text will help to build key skills in advanced undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, and executive education students conducting strategic business case analysis. Support material includes PowerPoint slides as well as video content.
List of Figures; List of Tables; Preface; 1. Introduction; Part I: Preparing for a Strategic Business Case Analysis, 2. Choosing a Case to Analyse, 3. Placing the Case in Strategic Context, 4. Deciding on the Questions for Analysis; Part II: Conducting a Strategic Business Case Analysis, 5. The Case Analysis Spectrum, 6. Approaches and Tools along the Case Analysis Spectrum, 7. Worked Examples of Strategic Business Case Analysis; Part III: Maximizing Impact from a Strategic Business Case Analysis, 8. Externalizing the Impact of a Strategic Business Case Analysis, 9. Internalizing the Impact of a Strategic Business Case Analysis, 10. Summary; References
Biography
Christopher Williams is a Professor in the Strategy, Entrepreneurship and International Business Department at ESSCA School of Management in Paris. He previously worked in other business schools in the UK, Canada, France, and the Netherlands. His research interests include international strategy, innovation in international firms and contexts, health R&D and organisational resilience. Before entering academia in 2007, Dr Williams spent two decades in industry, mostly in innovative and international environments, including 10 years with IMS Health. His research appears in journals such as Research Policy, Journal of World Business, Journal of Management, Journal of Management Studies, Asia Pacific Journal of Management, International Business Review, Journal of Business Research, and Journal of International Management. He has also published a range of teaching cases on strategy and innovative issues in international contexts and is author of Venturing in International Firms: Contexts and Cases in a High-Tech World (2018), Management Consultancy for Innovation (2019), and Organizing for Resilience (with J. You) (2021).
'A welcome addition to literature on the case method in business education, this book provides an original insight into how business students can approach case analysis projects with confidence. The benefits of using this book on case work will be felt by students before, during and long after the completion of their analytical work.' Professor Julie Hodges, Professor in Management, Durham University Business School
'This book provides a timely and highly useful companion for executive students grappling with the challenge of analysing complex case data on their postgraduate programmes. Chris Williams has extensive experience in lecturing our students at all levels of business education, and he clearly stands out in case-based teaching. Great that his experience and method are now available to everyone by this publication. I would highly recommend engaging with this book before and during a significant case analysis module.' Professor Mark van der Veen, Director of the Amsterdam Graduate School of Business, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Amsterdam
'This book fills a massive gap in the business and management literature, providing excellent guidance on how to analyse cases that will benefit students, academics and consultants. Cases form a key part of education in business and management; yet there has not been, until now, a book that clearly sets out the various ways that exist to analyse and then create career impact from them. Readers of this book will benefit greatly, improving their abilities to strategize and analyse complex situations with uncertain outcomes.' Professor Matthew Allen, Head of the EPIB Department, Professor of International Business, Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
'In this lucid, insight-packed work, Williams uses decades of hard-won experience to show readers how to develop an analysis of strategic case studies. Well-designed case analysis is a foundation of how we understand the role of business in our social world, making this book an absolutely essential guide for every business and management scholar and student today.' Professor Jason Miklian, Professor in Business and Peacebuilding, Centre for Development and the Environment, University of Oslo
