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Business Case Analysis

Sean McMinn, Kin Tang, and Delian Gaskell

The Capstone project is the culmination of your journey through the Business English for Non-Native Speakers specialization. It is aimed at applying the written and spoken skills that you have gained to an authentic business situation. You will be able to choose a business case provided by HKUST, or use an example from your own work experience and:

(1) prepare an online video presentation (approx. ½ hour) that analyses the case and provides recommendations, and

(2) prepare a business recommendation report to coincide with the presentation (approx. 2,000 words). The report should include an executive summary, analyses of the case and recommendations.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Week 1 Initial case analysis

Welcome to Week 1! In this module you review relevant materials that will help you with the non-graded assignment that involves producing a 1-page case analysis. The suggested links to previous lectures and readings will help you plan the content and structure of your initial case analysis together with resources that will help you with your language, grammar and structure.

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Develops written and spoken English communication skills that are valuable to non-native speakers for use in business environments

Taught by instructors with experience teaching English communication to non-native learners

Involves the creation of a business recommendation report on a real case study

Aligned with the goals and objectives of business English communication learners

Includes guidance and support for the preparation of an online business presentation

Involves writing an executive summary for the business recommendation report

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Reviews summary

Capstone in business communication skills

According to students, the "Business Case Analysis" capstone course provides a positive and practical application of skills learned in the preceding specialization modules. Learners particularly appreciated the opportunity to work on a comprehensive project, involving both a written report and a video presentation. Many found the process of analyzing a case and developing recommendations to be highly valuable for applying their business English skills in a realistic scenario. While some noted the capstone project is demanding and requires significant effort, the overall consensus suggests it is a rewarding culmination of the specialization.

Requires significant effort and time.

"The capstone project requires a significant time commitment and effort."

"Be prepared for a challenging workload, especially the detailed report and video."

"This course isn't easy; it demands dedication to complete successfully."

Effectively brings together previous modules.

"This capstone effectively ties together all the previous courses in the specialization."

"It feels like a true culmination, where I got to use everything I learned."

"A good wrap-up to the Business English specialization, making the preceding courses feel complete."

Excellent opportunity to use business English.

"I found this capstone really helpful in applying my business English skills in a structured way."

"The course design pushes you to use advanced vocabulary and presentation techniques."

"It was a valuable exercise in structuring arguments and presenting them clearly in English."

Apply skills in a real business scenario.

"The capstone project provides a practical application of the skills learned in the specialization."

"The report and video presentation components allowed me to practice writing and speaking business English in a real case."

"This capstone is a great way to consolidate everything learned... very hands-on and relevant to the business world."

Quality of peer reviews can vary.

"The quality of peer reviews I received was inconsistent, making feedback less helpful at times."

"Some peer feedback was superficial or didn't seem to understand the task requirements."

"Relying solely on peer review for feedback is a drawback for complex assignments like this."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Business Case Analysis with these activities:

Review 'Business Communication for Success' by Scott McLean

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Enhance your business communication skills by reviewing this comprehensive guide, which covers writing emails, reports, presentations, and more.

View Business Communication for Success Version 2.0 on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly, taking notes on key concepts
Apply the techniques and strategies in your own business communication
Complete the exercises and case studies to reinforce your learning

Follow online tutorials on case study analysis techniques

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Supplement your understanding of case study analysis techniques by following online tutorials that provide clear explanations and practical examples.

Browse courses on Business Analysis

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Search for and identify relevant online tutorials
Follow the tutorials step-by-step, taking notes and applying the techniques to sample cases
Complete any exercises or assessments to reinforce your learning

Attend a workshop on effective business case presentations

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Enhance your presentation skills by attending a workshop that provides practical tips and guidance on crafting effective business case presentations.

Browse courses on Business Case Development

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Search for and register for a relevant workshop
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions
Take detailed notes and apply the techniques to your own presentations

Four other activities

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Complete mock business case simulations

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Engage in realistic simulations to hone your ability to analyze business cases, make informed decisions, and develop effective recommendations.

Browse courses on Business Case Analysis

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Find mock business case simulations online or in textbooks
Work through the simulations individually or in groups
Analyze the case, identify key issues, and generate solutions
Present your recommendations and justify your reasoning

Attend industry events and connect with professionals in your field

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Expand your professional network and gain insights from experienced individuals by attending industry events and connecting with professionals.

Browse courses on Networking

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Identify and attend industry conferences, meetups, or networking events
Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your interests
Engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and build connections

Contribute to an open-source business case analysis platform

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Contribute to the development of an open-source platform, providing valuable experience in software development and collaboration.

Browse courses on Open-Source Software

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Identify an open-source business case analysis platform
Review the platform's codebase and documentation
Identify areas where you can contribute your skills
Make code contributions or provide documentation improvements
Engage with the platform's community and participate in discussions

Develop a business case proposal for a problem in your community

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Apply your skills to address a real-world problem in your community, creating a valuable deliverable that showcases your ability to identify opportunities and develop solutions.

Browse courses on Business Case Development

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Identify a pressing problem or opportunity in your community
Research and analyze the problem, gathering data and insights
Develop a business case that outlines the problem, proposed solution, and potential benefits
Create a presentation or report to communicate your proposal clearly and effectively
Present your proposal to stakeholders and community members

Career center

Learners who complete Business Case Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Consultant

A business case analysis course would be incredibly helpful to a consultant as it will provide essential tools and frameworks for analyzing business situations and formulating effective recommendations. The course covers various analytical techniques, data analysis, and presentation skills, all of which are crucial for consultants who need to provide strategic advice and solutions to clients. With a strong foundation in business case analysis, consultants can develop a deeper understanding of business challenges and opportunities, enabling them to deliver impactful recommendations and drive business success.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Business Analyst

Professionals interested in becoming Business Analysts can greatly benefit from taking a business case analysis course. This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the principles and techniques involved in analyzing business cases, which is a fundamental skill for Business Analysts. By understanding how to evaluate business problems, identify potential solutions, and make data-driven recommendations, individuals can enhance their ability to contribute to strategic decision-making within organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Product Manager

A business case analysis course can provide Product Managers with valuable skills and knowledge for their role. The course covers how to analyze market trends, conduct customer research, and evaluate the potential impact of new products or features. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Product Managers can make more informed decisions about product development, prioritize features effectively, and communicate the value of their products to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Financial Analyst

Individuals pursuing a career as Financial Analysts can gain valuable insights from a business case analysis course. The course provides a framework for evaluating investment opportunities, assessing financial performance, and making sound financial recommendations. By developing a strong foundation in business case analysis, Financial Analysts can enhance their ability to analyze financial data, identify potential risks and opportunities, and make informed investment decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Marketing Manager

For those aspiring to become Marketing Managers, a business case analysis course can provide a solid foundation for success. The course covers how to analyze market trends, identify target audiences, and develop effective marketing strategies. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Marketing Managers can make data-driven decisions about marketing campaigns, allocate budgets effectively, and measure the impact of their marketing efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Operations Manager

A business case analysis course may be beneficial for individuals seeking a career as Operations Managers. The course provides a framework for analyzing operational processes, identifying inefficiencies, and developing improvement plans. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Operations Managers can enhance their ability to optimize operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers can benefit from taking a business case analysis course to enhance their ability to evaluate project proposals, assess risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions throughout the project lifecycle. The course covers techniques for analyzing project feasibility, estimating costs and benefits, and developing project plans. With a strong foundation in business case analysis, Project Managers can increase project success rates and deliver value to stakeholders.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Analyst

A business case analysis course can provide Data Analysts with valuable tools and techniques for analyzing data, identifying trends, and making data-driven recommendations. The course covers statistical analysis, data visualization, and data mining techniques, which are essential for Data Analysts to extract meaningful insights from data. With a strong foundation in business case analysis, Data Analysts can contribute more effectively to decision-making processes and drive business growth.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Investment Banker

For those pursuing a career as Investment Bankers, a business case analysis course can provide a solid foundation for success. The course covers how to analyze financial statements, evaluate investment opportunities, and make sound financial recommendations. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Investment Bankers can enhance their ability to advise clients on mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and other financial transactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Banker

Management Consultant

Professionals seeking a career as Management Consultants can benefit from taking a business case analysis course. The course provides a framework for analyzing business challenges, identifying opportunities, and developing strategic recommendations. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Management Consultants can enhance their ability to advise clients on organizational strategy, operational improvement, and change management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Entrepreneur

For aspiring Entrepreneurs, a business case analysis course can provide valuable tools and frameworks for evaluating business ideas, assessing market opportunities, and developing business plans. The course covers techniques for analyzing industry trends, conducting customer research, and estimating financial projections. With a strong foundation in business case analysis, Entrepreneurs can increase their chances of success by making informed decisions and developing a solid foundation for their ventures.

See salaries and explore the career path for Entrepreneur

Market Researcher

A business case analysis course may be helpful for individuals pursuing a career as Market Researchers. The course provides a framework for analyzing market trends, identifying target audiences, and developing marketing strategies. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Market Researchers can enhance their ability to conduct effective market research studies, collect and analyze data, and make data-driven recommendations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Researcher

Business Development Manager

For professionals seeking a career as Business Development Managers, a business case analysis course can provide valuable insights and tools. The course covers techniques for identifying new business opportunities, developing sales strategies, and managing customer relationships. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Business Development Managers can enhance their ability to generate leads, close deals, and build long-term client partnerships.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Development Manager

Sales Manager

A business case analysis course may be beneficial for individuals pursuing a career as Sales Managers. The course provides a framework for analyzing sales performance, identifying sales opportunities, and developing sales strategies. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Sales Managers can enhance their ability to motivate sales teams, optimize sales processes, and achieve sales targets.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Financial Manager

For those interested in a career as Financial Managers, a business case analysis course may provide some useful insights. The course covers techniques for analyzing financial statements, managing financial risks, and making investment decisions. By gaining a deeper understanding of business case analysis, Financial Managers can enhance their ability to oversee financial operations, make sound financial decisions, and contribute to the overall financial health of an organization.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Manager

Reading list

We've selected 34 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Business Case Analysis.

SWOT Analysis

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A comprehensive guide to business case analysis, covering the key concepts, techniques, and tools used by professionals. Provides in-depth coverage of the different types of business cases, the process of developing and evaluating them, and the role of business case analysis in decision-making.

Business Case Analysis

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Capstone in business communication skills

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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