A case study is a short descriiption of a real business situation. Analyzing case studies gives you the opportunity to apply those concepts to real business problems. Cases are generally written for several types of analysis. Usually, there is not a “right or wrong” answer. Generally, cases provide a vehicle for you to demonstrate your understanding and ability to apply course concepts. You must use appropriate sources (properly cited) to support your position. Check your analysis by assessing how well it demonstrates your HR knowledge. If your answer relies on your impressions of HR prior to taking this course, it is likely that the analysis is not your best effort.

Simply answering the questions which are part of the case is not enough; consider the questions to be clues to the important concepts and facts. Specifically, focus on the following:

What options exist regarding the vacant store manager position?
What option would your team recommend and why?
Does Ruffian need to revamp the compensation plan? If yes, how?
Does Ruffian Apparel need to revamp its sales and performance goals? If yes, how?
Are the issues which plaque Ruffian Kelowna likely to spread to other locations, or is this an isolated incident?
Realize the case may have too much information. In your discussion, you should filter the information and discuss those facts which are pertinent to the issues identified above.

Discuss your tentative solution to the problem and how you would implement your solution. What actions would you propose to correct the situation, based on the knowledge you have gained in this course? Be sure to support your recommendation by citing references in the text and in the supplementary readings. You should also draw on other references such as business periodicals and HR journals. Remember that an ANALYSIS is more than simply a SUMMARY of the Case Study.
Discuss follow-up and contingency plans. How will the organization know that your proposed solution is working? What should they do if it does not work?
It may be helpful for you to “role-play” this assignment. Consider yourself to be an HR consultant, charged with developing a presentation for the Ruffian Apparel CEO. Your presentation should cover the points listed above. By “role-playing” the situation, using the questions at the end of the case as hints, and by using this guide, you should be able to develop an action-oriented analysis with a recommended course of action.