Develop an analysis of the “American Red Cross Case” (Case 18) provided in Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell (2013, pp. 485-493). (See the Case Analysis Guidelines and Rubric document for more detail.)
DBA710
Case Analysis Guidelines and Rubric
Develop an analysis of the American Red Cross case (Case 18) provided in Ferrell, Fraedrich, & Ferrell
(2013, pp. 485-493). Guided by the questions listed at the end of the case, the analysis should reflect a
sophisticated understanding of the relevant concepts and theories related to ethical leadership in global
organizations.
The essay should be supported by information from research-based publications, such as textbooks,
peer-reviewed journal articles, or other sources providing relevant guidance on the topic. Your essay
should clearly explain how the research informs your analysis. You may reference your textbooks for
this assignment, but the textbooks must not be the only sources you reference. The analysis should be
based on research or information from at least five credible sources—such as journal articles, books, or
other sources providing guidance on this topic—in addition to your textbooks.
While your analysis should address the case questions, it should be presented in essay format.
Summarize the case, explain the problems, and then suggest recommendations to address the
problems. Remember that you are a management scientist, not a casual observer. Scientists not only
report what they know; they also report how they know what they know. Your analysis should reflect
your ability to apply logic, critical thinking, and theoretical reasoning as you construct point-by-point,
evidence-based arguments to support your conclusions and recommendations.
Content Guidelines
Cases are intended to be mechanisms for you to demonstrate mastery of course concepts by describing
the applicable theories (in correct terminology) and providing an assessment of how the case situation
can be explained or better understood in light of each concept or theory. The result should be that both
the author and the reader have a better understanding of the theories and how they apply to the case.
Your analysis should be supported by your research of the concepts beyond what is covered in the
course textbooks. This research should assist you in understanding course concepts or case details and
constructing a detailed and well-reasoned response to the case.
Answering the case questions is necessary, but not sufficient, to earn a passing grade on this
analysis.
You must demonstrate knowledge and analytical skills in the process. The best way to demonstrate
these skills is to include a clear explanation of the relevant theories, ideally in your own words. Merely
quoting your sources may leave the instructor wondering if you understand the material enough to
explain it to someone else.
Do not assume that your audience (the instructor) knows anything about the case subject or relevant
theory. If you make a brief statement that is not explained and supported with case evidence, the
instructor will have to assume that you don’t know enough to elaborate the point. Similarly, if you make
a short generalized statement, the instructor will have to assume that you only have a superficial
understanding of the concept and that you are unaware of the details and the specific situations to
which it does and does not apply.
Your answers should be clear enough for someone’s grandmother to understand, and persuasive
enough to convince a stubborn adversary. Treat these cases with the same rigor and approach as
research papers, with thoroughly documented evidence for each assertion that you make. Imagine that
the case responses are arguments in a court of law—tell the story and back it up with factual specifics
and quotes; leave out the details at your own risk.
Choose sources that are credible and directly relevant to the case; do not rely on quoting other people’s
opinions without your own explanation. Cite the source of all information that is not original to you.
Follow APA to document your sources. Thus, any analysis meeting the content guidelines will consist of
in-text citations and a reference page which includes the course textbooks as a source.
Formatting Guidelines
Your analysis should be typed and submitted in APA format by the due date assigned. The essay should
consist of in-text citations and a reference list. All of the sources mentioned in-text should be on the
reference list. There should be no sources on the reference list, which have not been mentioned in-text.
Format the essay using MSWord, 1” margins, double-spaced, Times New Roman, and 12-point font.
There is no minimum or maximum length. The essay should fully respond to the questions at the end of
the case, and it should consist of the following elements:
A cover page and abstract
An introduction which engages the reader, sets the tone for the essay, and describes the
problem or topic the essay will explore
A clear thesis statement which states the purpose and focus of the essay
A brief description of the case
Responses to the questions
References to at least five sources other than the course textbooks
Headings to organize the flow of the essay
A conclusion that summarizes and contextualizes the essay
Maximum
Points
Points
Earned
Notes
Overall Content—Paper demonstrates
critical thinking; original ideas and insights;
demonstrates an understanding of the
assignment and comprehension of course
concepts.
10
Introduction & Discussion of the Topic—
Presents the purpose and goals of the
paper and the problem the researcher is
investigating or analyzing. Sets a
professional tone for the essay. Includes a
thesis statement which explains the
purpose and the focus of the essay.
10
Clear Responses to Questions—Analysis
clearly responds to case questions.
Relevant theories, terms, and concepts are
provided to support responses.
15
Recommendations—Essay explains
recommendations to address the problems
or issues identified in the analysis.
15
Findings and Conclusions—Paper explains
the findings, conclusions, and results of the
analysis.
15
Knowledge, Research, and Critical
Thinking—Discusses and defines key terms
and concepts and explains their relevance;
analyzes and integrates research to
support the analysis and conclusions.
15
References & APA—Essay is supported by
at least 5 reputable and credible sources, in
addition to the course textbooks. All
research is properly cited in-text and on
the reference page according to APA
guidelines.
10
Format/Grammar/Mechanics—Paper
follows APA: proper font, margins and
spacing, well-developed paragraphs, sound
logic, and effective organization using
headings. Written in clear, grammatical
English; few spelling or grammar errors
with sound structure in sentences and
paragraphs.
10
Total
100