Overview of assignment. Your task is to apply concepts from class to critically analyze the following:
Episode 216 of the podcast 99% Invisible, titled: “The Blazer Experiment.” The episode, in audio and textual formats can be found here: http://99percentinvisible.org/episode/the-blazer-experiment/
Critically analyze means using two-three concepts from class to:
1. Explain an event or events described in the story through the lens of theories or concepts we covered in class (for example, why a certain organizational practice developed, why did a
certain decision or strategy work or fail to work).
2. Explain what lessons your explanation for #1 above provides for organizations. In other words, if you had to summarize your insights from the case and from the class to a CEO of an
organization, what would be your recommendations and why.
Grading: To receive the highest grade, papers will…
• Be written and organized in a clear and concise manner
• Have a clear, perspective/thesis
• Demonstrate an understanding of course concepts through the appropriate application of these concepts to the case
• Integrate the chosen concepts in addition to discussing the concepts individually
• Ground the analysis in the content of the case (i.e., use the content of the case to support the claims in the analysis).
• Propose remedies that could have been (or could be) implemented to address the problems identified in the analysis and explain clearly why these remedies would be effective.
• Follow the guidelines of the assignments
Length and format of the analysis: A compelling, thorough analysis does not equate to a long-winded one. I have found through experience that clarity of thought results in conciseness, and, thus,
agree with Shakespeare’s observation that “brevity is the soul of wit.” Thus, this analysis is limited to 1000-1200 words (excluding the reference list). Papers should be formatted as follows:
Double-spaced, 1-inch margins, Times New Roman font.
References: You will need to cite any material you include from the case and class readings. I’m not particular about which style guide you use (e.g., MLA, APA) as long as it is clear whom and what
you are citing.
CASE WRITE-UP SCORING RUBRIC
“95-100” – Exemplary “80-94” – Competent “60-79” – Developing “0-59” – Unacceptable
Student demonstrates that he or she has read the case thoroughly and has identified the key issues, the potential courses of action, and consequences of events or decisions described in the case.
Student has clearly integrated into case write-up ideas and his/her own argumentation, concepts and theories from class, and uses information from the case to clearly support such arguments.
Student demonstrates that he or she has read the case and has identified some the key issues, potential courses of action, and consequences of events or decisions described in the case. Student
uses ideas, concepts and theories from class in case write-up. Student demonstrates that he or she has read the case. Student mentions ideas, concepts and theories from class in case write-up, but
these are not implemented or integrated into the case discussion. Student demonstrates that he or she has not read the case. There is no apparent use, integration, and implementation of
ideas, concepts and theories from class in case write-up.
CORE CRITERIA USED FOR CASE STUDY GRADING:
Descriptive vs. Analytical Described the events instead of analyzing them. Often arose when it was unclear to which topic or point the evidence from the case related
Concepts presentation Need to describe the concept and lay out why it is important and relevant.
Clarity of arguments Clarity regarding the basis on which the claim is being made. For instance, if the argument is made that there is a weak culture or ineffective leadership, it needs to be
clear, respectively, how one assesses whether a culture is weak or strong or how one assesses whether a leader is effective or ineffective.
Clarity of Sentences Unclear sentence/paragraph; hard to follow; not clear what is being said
Evidence- based writing Need to provide specific evidence from the case/course to support a claim (e.g., If the analysis were to claim that the organization had a low level of
formalization, it would need to provide specific evidence from the case showing its low level of formalization).
Language Casual writing (e.g., slang)
