ASCI 638, Assignment 9.7, Case Analysis Effectiveness

     The case analysis tool is a useful resource to present a solution for a problem.  The organization of the completed project provides a readable narrative flowing from background information to a recommendation.  Specific sections of the completed project may vary, with some being easier to follow than others.

     This academic term’s project was organized to provide the reader with an informative background to the issue, identification and severity of the problem, alternate actions, and a recommended solution.  This analysis process is logical and follows a reasonable sequence.  A process not much different is used in my workplace.  The majority of course of action (COA) briefings follow a similar process.  This is especially true when the senior leader selecting the COA may not be the subject matter expert on the specific issue.  Sufficient background information must be provided to be informative without being overwhelming.  Proposed COAs must have sound reasoning.  Software model test cases also use a similar process.  Requirements and reasoning are provided for context.  Problems identified through failed trials in test cases and their severity should be thoroughly documented.  Workarounds and suggested solutions by the testers can assist with debugging.  In each case, an important component of problem solving is a good understanding of the problem from the beginning of the process (Rusbult, 1989).

     The parts of the case analysis tool has differed from class to class.  Some classes have required sections discussing design overview and decisions.  These two sections can overlap and present a challenge in separating the discussions.  Another section often required is logic design.  This section can prove a challenge for cases in which software development or modification is not a significant factor in the proposed solution.  Solutions that make use of “off-the-shelf” software will not have much discussion for this part.  Problem solving requires flexibility to handle the challenges in developing a solution (Rusbult, 1989).  This applies to the case analysis tool as well.  The format and parts in the project should be customized for a particular problem.  The right approach to address one problem may not be right for another.

Referenecs:

Rusbult, C.  (1989).  Strategies for Problem Solving.  The American Scientific Affiliation.  Retrieved from http://www.asa3.org/ASA/education/think/202.htm