ANSWERING CASE STUDIES (Brijendra Singh)

1. Always keep 3 basic tenets in mind:

i.
Prime concern: Public welfare at large.
ii.
Short-term benefits should be balanced with the Long-term impact of a decision.
iii.
Rights & Responsibilities need to be balanced judiciously.
2. With these in mind, the correct answer should:
i.
Solve or attempt to solve the problem.
ii.
Not involve lying, cheating, deception etc.
iii.
Not convey inaction/inertia.
iv.
Place larger public welfare at first priority.
v.
Be practically possible (even if it is difficult).
3. There are 2 broad types of cases that are being used:
i.
One-sided: Such a case involves a clear distinction between right and wrong. It
usually involves undue favors, abuse of discretion, a lack of moral courage, acts of
omission or commission etc. It requires a sound decision, with due justification for
the same.
ii.
Open-ended: Such a case involves circumstances that involve a choice between
Good V/s Better, Wrong V/s Worse or where complete information is lacking. It
requires presenting a sound course of action, incremental in nature. To add quality,
understand that any option you choose has consequences- show how you will
anticipate and address these.
4. There are two broad dimensions involved in a case- Brainstorming and Writing.

BRAINSTORMING
1. Understand the FACTS of the case.
2. Identify the fundamental OBJECTIVE/ PROBLEM.
3. Identify the principal STAKEHOLDERS.
4. Consider different PARAMETERS & use them to Evaluate/ Generate ALTERNATIVES.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS.

1. Stakeholders: A primary Stakeholder is one who is directly connected to the incident. Others
are secondary- they may not be mentioned but are always available if required. For instance:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

State Legislature/Judiciary/Polity/Admn.
Private Sector Donations/CSR/Consultation
Media- Info sharing
Civil Society Organizations

v.
vi.

International Orgn.- Legitimacy/Pressure

Citizens- volunteers, contributions.
For each stakeholder, identify the inherent:
1. Strength/ Advantage/ Potential/ Utility.
2. Weakness/ Disadvantage/ Problem/ Resistance.

2. Assess the role of these factors in the choice/evaluation of an alternative (Merits & Demerits):
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.

LEGALITY: action should not violate laws/rules.

MORALITY: do not abuse discretion/trust + give due representation.
ECONOMICAL: adequate finances.
SOCIETY: Participation/ Resistance.
TECHNOLOGICAL: use of tech. to aid solution.
ADMINISTRATIVE: presence of authority, resources.

3. When generating alternatives, consider:

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Immediate v/s Ongoing measures.

Short-term v/s Long-term implications.
Situational/ Environmental considerations.
Dimensions of Practicality and Authority.

4. When making a recommendation, consider:

i.
ii.

For a One-sided case: Give decision + justify.

For an Open-ended case :
a. Suggest a Course of action.
b. Each suggestion will have consequences.
c. Anticipate and address these.

While giving recommendations, take into account the desired benefits and/or anticipated problems.

WRITING THE CASE

Three broad sections:
1. Introduction: 30-40 words.
2. Body: 3-4 paras; 50 words each.
3. Conclusion: 20-30 words (if reqd.)
1. INTRODUCTION
i.
Incorporate first two stages of brainstorming, FACTS + OBJECTIVE/PROBLEM.
ii.
State the objective/problem indicated by the case.
iii.
State a few relevant facts to support your interpretation of the case.
iv.
Save time- keep it brief.

2. BODY PARAGRAPHS
This can involve 2 approaches, depending upon whether some Options are already given or if
the Options have to generated.
If the Options are given:
i.
Eliminate poor options- illegal, abuse of discretion, lack of propriety etc.
ii.
SAVE TIME- club similar poor options together; briefly cite objections against
them.
iii.
Generate appropriate option- recommend it + give due justification.
If the Options have to be generated:
i.
Do not waste time on poor options
-mention them briefly and discard them outright.
ii.

Generate appropriate options- recommend them and give due justification.

iii. ADD DEPTH : Anticipate consequences + demonstrate how they can be addressed.
3. CONCLUSION
i.
Review the main points (but do not restate)
ii.
Provide a final perspective on the case
- avoid specifics, unless case is one-sided.
- consider incorporating ongoing measures.
iii.
Again, save time- keep it brief.