MGT 351 Fall 2016
New Mexico State University 1
Case Study Guidelines The objectives of case studies are to:
Apply and improve your critical thinking skills. Identify and suggest potential solution(s) to business problems. Apply the skills and concepts discussed in the classroom.
Some of the case studies might be somewhat difficult at first since they deal with real issues, but often the underlying symptoms of the problem mask the root cause of the problem. Your task is to determine the critical information provided in the case and propose recommendations and/or answer the questions as indicated. The key to a successful case analysis is to integrate and apply the knowledge learned in class.
In preparing the write‐up of the case, please follow these general guidelines:
Be concise and well‐structured: in most cases, your case should not be more than two pages in length (double space, not including tables, figures, and/or references).
Articulate the content of your case clearly. For proper writing and styling standards, please refer to http://goo.gl/GCZ0j5.
Case write‐up structure The following is the suggested structure when writing up the case.
Title: include the title of the case, name, student ID, and due date. Executive summary: a one‐to‐two paragraph summary of the case and your
recommendation(s).
Problem definition: identify the key issues/questions that need to be addressed. Analysis/Answers: find key points of interest and/or answer the case questions. Be as
descriptive as possible and apply and integrate the class discussions topics covered in
the textbook to support your analyses/answers.
References: supporting materials that might include trade/academic journals, books, URLs. Use APA referencing style.
MGT 351 Fall 2016
New Mexico State University 2
Grading Rubric The following rubric is intended to provide you with a guideline regarding the evaluation of your case analysis submission.
Performance Rating
Evaluation dimensions Excellent Competent Weak Identification Identifies and demonstrates a solid
understanding of main
issues/problems
Identifies and demonstrates an
understanding of most of the
issues/problems
Identifies and demonstrates
acceptable understanding of some of
the issues/problems
Analysis / evaluation Insightful and thorough analysis of
all identified issues/problems;
includes all necessary calculations
when appropriate
Thorough analysis of most of the
issues identified; missing some
necessary calculations when
appropriate
Superficial or incomplete analysis of
some of the identified issues; omits
necessary calculations when
appropriate
Recommendations Diagnosis and opinions supported
with strong arguments and well‐
documented objective evidence
Diagnosis and opinions supported
with limited reasoning and
somewhat subjective evidence
Little or no action suggested and/or
inappropriate solutions proposed.
Writing and formatting Demonstrates clarity, conciseness
and correctness; formatting is
appropriate and writing is free of
grammar and spelling errors.
Occasional grammar or spelling
errors, but still a clear presentation of
ideas; lacks organization.
Writing is unfocused, rambling, or
contains serious errors; poorly
organized and does not follow
specified guidelines.
References Clearly links to outside readings;
sources are cited in References
section in APA style
Limited links to outside readings;
sources are cited in References
section in APA style with errors
Outside readings are weak and/or
missing; sources are not cited in
References section and/or not
following APA style
Supplemental Case
Chapter 10: Cutting Costs at VentaCare
VentaCare Nursing Homes provides private care for over 500 residents in three different
locations. The company employs 250 staff members with a variety of responsibilities including
RN’s, nursing assistants, kitchen staff, custodians and administrators. VentaCare has a
reputation of providing superior care and has a waiting list for residents ready to move in to their
homes. Further, the company enjoys a relatively low employee turnover rate. However, some
recent cuts in federal funding have created some financial difficulties for the company.
VentaCare has cut costs in all aspects of their operations, but the company still has not
accounted entirely for their expected budget shortfall and must now examine personnel costs.
Due to state requirements for minimum levels of staff to residents, cutting staff is not an option.
They have decided to temporarily freeze salaries, but this will still not create enough savings for
the company. Allison Wiggan, the Director of Human Resources, has been asked to examine the
company benefit program for cost cutting options.
The company offers a fairly generous benefits program, which is quite costly for the
company. In addition to a health insurance plan, the company provides both short-term and
long-term disability insurance and life insurance for which the company pays the full premium.
The company provides paid time off including eight paid holidays, an average of ten vacation
days and five sick days each year. As a retirement benefit, the company provides a 401(k) plan
where they match the first 3% of the employee’s contributions. The company also offers tuition
reimbursement for employees pursing any advanced degree. To promote employee wellness,
they offer a variety of programs such a monthly lunch to discuss health concerns. And finally,
they offer a full-service Employee Assistance Program.
Changing or eliminating any of these benefits is going to be a challenge. Part of the
reason VentaCare has had such success is that they are able to retain talented and dedicated staff
members. While the company’s pay rates are in line with their competitors, their benefits
program is clearly more generous. Allison is concerned that making cuts to the program could
cause employee turnover or create challenges in future recruiting efforts.

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