This case study relates to the Firestone Tyre Company in the United States in 2000, and refers to the now famous tyre recall that took place during August of that year.
You have been provided with case study details in the General Announcements section of the Moodle.
The key issue that you need to critically evaluate and discuss is the role of leadership when commercial realities conflict with public safety concerns and the ethical dilemmas that ensue for leaders in such situations, and how you suggest these need to be addressed.
Integral to your analysis is an adequate discussion of the theory and characteristics of ethical leadership.
The key issue that you need to critically evaluate and discuss is the role of leadership when commercial realities conflict with public safety concerns and the ethical dilemmas that ensue for leaders in such situations, and how you suggest these need to be addressed.
How to write a case study
There are two different approaches to case studies
Type 1: The Analytical Approach
The case study is examined in order to try and understand what has happened and why. It is not necessary to identify problems or suggest solutions.
Type 2: The Problem-Oriented Method
The case study is analysed to identify the major problems that exist and to suggest solutions to these problems.
The Problem-Oriented Method
A successful case study analyses a real life situation where existing problems need to be solved. It should:
- Relate the theory to a practical situation; for example, apply the ideas and knowledge discussed in the coursework to the practical situation at hand in the case study
- Identify the problems
- Select the major problems in the case
- Suggest solutions to these major problems
- Recommend the best solution to be implemented
- Detail how this solution should be implemented
The Case is the "real life" situation
The Case Studyis the "analysis" of this situation
How to Write the Case Study
Synopsis/Executive Summary
- Outline the purpose of the case study
- Describe the field of research - this is usually an overview of the company
- Outline the issues and findings of the case study without the specific details
- Identify the theory that will be used
Findings
- Identify the problems found in the case. Each analysis of a problem should be supported by facts given in the case together with the relevant theory and course concepts. It is important to search for the underlying problems and present these.
- This section is often divided into sub-sections, one for each problem.
Discussion
- Summarise the major problem/s
- Identify alternative solutions to this/these major problem/s
- Briefly outline each alternative solution and then evaluate it in terms of its advantages and disadvantages
- No need to refer to theory here
Conclusion
- Sum up the main points from the findings and discussion
Recommendations
- Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted
- Briefly justify your choice explaining how it will solve the major problem/s
- This should be written in a forceful style as this section is intended to be persuasive
- Here integration of theory is appropriate
Implementation
- Explain what should be done, by whom and by when
- If appropriate include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time)
References
- Make sure all references are cited correctly
Attachment:- Firestone Case Study.rar