Your report for each case should incorporate your recommendations for solving the case problem. Your recommendations should be justified by explaining how they are based upon sound psychological theory and practice. You will need to support your assertions by citing literature and research, and argue why your approach is a good one, based upon practical as well as theoretical considerations. You must demonstrate that you clearly understand the course content that is relevant for the specific case.

The reports will be graded on

* Quality of content: (i.e. how well it incorporates good principles of I/O psychology)

* Grammar, readability

* Citation of relevant research to justify solution

* Problem description/definition

* Possible solutions

* Justification for solution chosen
 

A. Form:

1. Word processor, maximum of 1500 words including references, not including title page.
2. Please submit to the Gradebook in Webtyco WebTyco webboard login
3. Include your name, the case name and your title for the case.

Include your name, topic, and date

B. Format:

1. Title (create your own). Make it definitive in that it explains what solution you recommend. For example: "Preferential treatment is essential to remedy effects of discrimination." or: "Preferential Treatment: Unfair at any Cost." A good title tells the reader what to expect and also helps to make sure you stick to what you intend to say.

2. Problem statement: Start with the problem statement. This describes the situation and states the problem to be solved. Think of the problem in terms of what adverse effects the current situation is having upon the organization.

For example:

"Because many of the acts employed by Sinsation Sircus Company are falling flat on their faces, the public has become disenchanted with the Circus and do not return. If steps are not taken soon to remedy the situation, the Circus will fold and Mr. Sinsation will no longer have a circus." (This is the problem). Notice that if the public still came to see the acts fall on their faces, this may not be a problem. This may present other problems of course, such as worker's compensation.

Some facts:

The management has experienced difficulty in obtaining qualified new circus acts who are willing to travel by train. Some very good aerial artists are opting to stay in school before they seek a circus job. Unfortunately, they are often too old at this point and have lost the risk taking attitude they once had. It is your job as personnel specialist, to develop effective recruitment, selection, and retention strategies to insure the that SS will be the best circus in town.

3. Solutions/options. State options that you see as viable. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

4. Argument for your solution State your solution and provide justification from the text /lectures for why it will work effectively.

"I recommend developing a content valid test in which each act will conduct a live performance without safety provisions. Having to perform under real-life conditions will insure that the act can succeed. In cases of high-wire performances, acts who do not pass the test will effectively be eliminated. This procedure worked well for several circuses in the past (Barnum and Bailey, 1954, 1955)."

5. Conclusion. Summarize and conclude with a paragraph briefly restating the problem and your solution.

6. References. Cite references (APA style) to justify your position. For example, the articles in the text may be good sources as well as articles from other sources. Do not simply reiterate what some of the authors have said. Your own thinking and problem solving is more important. You will not be graded on the decision, per se, but only on how well you support and defend your position.

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