According to the counsellor’s choice, the case can be presented thus:
- reading / playing the recording to the entire group;
- if the group is large, it may be divided into teams and each team will receive
a written presentation of the case to get familiar with; - each member of the group receives a sheet with the presentation of the case.
The case is taken in individually.
In this phase the initial contact with the case, data, events, and characters involved. For a
bird’s eye view, it is recommended to read the entire description. The initial feeling is of
being overwhelmed (too much information) or missing details (input shortage). It is
recommended to re-read in order to identify the social, cultural, economic, historical or
political aspects that make up the context, and note down the relevant ones. If there are
already questions about the case, it is best NOT to read them, but reread the case
attentively.
Simply becoming familiar with the case does not automatically lead to finding out the
optimal solution alternatives. Other few stages are necessary in order to finalize the
process and find an efficient final solution.
b. Identifying fundamental questions
In some versions of the method the questions are already given (a sort of guide to case
analysis and decision-making). In general however, the group decides on the relevant
questions. In real life situations, no one will formulate the questions for us to help us have
a successful career.
It is recommended to ask questions like: “How...?”, “What are ...?” “Why...?”
Identifying the relevant questions directs the analysis procedure. Examples of questions
valid in most cases:
- Who are the characters?
- What are their objectives (explicit and implicit)?
- What are the opportunities and risks?
- What are the problems?
- What are the factors we rely on (explicit aspects, deductions), when we make
a decision regarding a certain solution? Are these factors trustworthy /
decisive? - What are the decisions and actions that must be undertaken?
- What are the alternatives?