Case study

Case study brief

Wetlaufer, S. (1994), The team that wasn’t, Harvard Business Review, November –

December, pp. 1 – 4.

Answer the question posed in the case study: “Why doesn’t this team work?”

Answering the brief:

• identify a major problem (problems) presented in the case study
• discuss reasons for this problem (or these problems). Use relevant theories where appropriate.
• discuss possible solutions to this problem (or these problems). Use relevant theories where appropriate.
• NB: must note that it will not suffice to answer the question of why the team does not work by only identifying or pointing to (describing) apparent issues. Your analysis should explain why these issues are problematic and how can they be rectified (solutions).

 

“Reflection on teamwork” brief:

Reflection is about questioning one’s experiences in pursuit of learning and growing.

In your reflective statement, it should answer the following question:

• How can both your knowledge about and your experience of teamwork acquired during this course assist you in your current or future career?

 

Aims and Objectives:

This assessment targets the development of analytical, problem-solving,

research and reflective skills. This assessment expects to:

• Answer the brief (the question posed above)
• Demonstrate an understanding of teamwork and the challenges and opportunities it presents for managers and team members.
• Demonstrate ability to find solutions to an identified problem.
• Reflect on their own experiences of teamwork.

 

Report format and reference guidelines

In all reports:

• use 1.5 spacing
• use 2.5 cm margins on top, bottom and on each side
• use Times New Roman or Arial, font size 12.
• cite at least three (3) academic sources (NB: no references required in the reflective statement)
• use the designated structure consisting of introduction, body (under headings) and conclusion

 

Report instructions

Report (1000 words)

In following the approved structure, students should:

1. in the Introduction (up to 250 words) – introduce the brief and how it is tackled in the report. Tip: a report introduction should include a brief overview of identified challenges, the argumentation provided under each heading, as well as conclusive thoughts).
2. in the Body of Report (under Headings that students create) (up to 650 words) – analyse and evaluate the task at hand. Tip: think carefully about the headings because they define the structure of your argumentation; Students have freedom in how they organise their analysis. Headings could be based around challenges, or stakeholders, or solutions, or anything else that students find useful to succeed in identifying the real problem(s) behind teamwork failure and the subsequent solutions.
3. in the Conclusion (up to 100 words) – summarise the key points identified in the report. Tip: conclusion contains no new information. It summarises student insights/recommendations and investigations performed in the body of the report.
4. in the Reference List (is not included in the word count) – accurately and consistently cite all references mentioned within the text and make sure that citations in the Reference List are cited in the text of the Report.

 

Reflection on Teamwork (300 words)

The “Reflective” statement is a half a page document attached to the end of the report.

This means that it is inserted after the reference list. The aim of this statement is to showcase your understanding of teamwork as it applies to your experience. No references are required in your reflection.

NB: Word count for structural parts of the Report are suggestive and can vary as long as the word limit of 1000 words (+/-10%) is met. However, your “Reflection” on teamwork should not exceed 300 words.