Case Study Analysis

Case Study - Toyota Motor Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc.

Case Type 1: Problem Situation

• Something important has happened, but we don't know why it did- there is a significant outcome (normally a change which results in a negative outcome), and there is no explicit explanation of the outcome.
• The analysis of a 'problem situation' case begins with a definition of the problem; after that you work out an explanation of the problem by linking the (negative) outcome to its root causes.

Case Type 2: Decision Situation

• As an example - What is the best strategy the company should pursue in the future?
• In this case, you need to first analyse the current strategy and how well it works.

Case Type 3: Evaluation Situation

• The case expresses a judgement about the effectiveness/value of a performance/act/outcome.
• Examples are- a new CEO evaluating the performance of the company; assessing a decision already taken.

Toyota - Identify what "type" of case is the Toyota case study.

Analysing a "Problem Situation" Case

• Understand the situation: start by asking the question- what is the situation? First understand the big picture and then fill in the details.
• Ask pertinent questions: knowing the situation allows you to ask questions pertinent to a problem. The most important question is- what do I need to know about the situation?

While analysing the case, consider the following questions:

1. As Doug Friesen, what would you do to address the seat problem? Where would you focus your attention and solution efforts?

2. What options exist? What would you recommend? Why?

3. Where, if at all, does the current routine for handling defective seats deviate from the principles of the Toyota Production System?

4. What is the real problem facing Doug Friesen?

Suggested Structure of Report -

Exe Summary

Table of Contents

Introduction (~200 words)

• What is the case about?

Situation Analysis (~1500 words)

• Key Problem (e.g. defective seats)
• Key Questions (e.g. what is the root cause of the problem)
• Limitations (e.g. what information would be useful, but is missing)
• Assumptions (e.g. what needs to be assumed to be able to draw conclusions)

Solution and Discussion (~800 words)

• Provide solutions to the problem. Your discussion may require research outside the case to provide support. (Peer reviewed)

Assignment Files -

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fuwqb81pkwh3o4u/Case%20Study%20Analysis%20Assignment.rar?dl=0