# Case Study Analysis Engine Automatically analyzes business cases, extracts key insights, and generates strategic frameworks for class discussions and assignments. ## What This Does **What It Does:** Streamlines the analysis of business cases using proven strategic frameworks and generates discussion-ready insights. **How It Works:** 1. Extracts key information from case studies automatically 2. Applies strategic analysis frameworks (Porter's 5 Forces, SWOT, Value Chain) 3. Identifies main business problems and stakeholder perspectives 4. Generates strategic recommendations with supporting analysis 5. Creates discussion questions and class participation points **What You Need:** - Case study PDFs or documents - Strategic framework templates - n8n automation platform - AI analysis tool (OpenAI or Claude work well) --- ## Step-by-Step n8n Setup ### 1. Create Case Analysis Workflow - Start new workflow called "Case Study Analysis Engine" - Add "File Upload" trigger for new case studies ### 2. Extract Case Content - Add "PDF Reader" node to extract text from case studies - Use "Text Splitter" to break into manageable sections - Add "Document Classifier" to identify case type (strategy, finance, operations, marketing) ### 3. Apply Strategic Frameworks - Add "OpenAI" node with framework analysis prompt: ``` Analyze this business case using the following frameworks: 1. SITUATION ANALYSIS: - Company background and current position - Industry context and competitive landscape - Key stakeholders and their interests 2. PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: - Primary business challenge - Root causes and contributing factors - Urgency and impact assessment 3. STRATEGIC OPTIONS: - Alternative strategic approaches - Pros and cons of each option - Resource requirements and feasibility 4. RECOMMENDATION: - Preferred strategic approach - Implementation timeline - Success metrics and risk mitigation ``` ### 4. Generate Financial Analysis - Add "Code" node to extract financial data from case - Calculate key ratios and performance metrics - Compare to industry benchmarks when available - Create trend analysis for multi-year data ### 5. Create Competitive Analysis - Use "Web Search" node to find current information about competitors - Compare market positions and strategic moves - Identify industry trends affecting the case company - Update analysis with recent developments ### 6. Prepare Discussion Materials - Add "Template" node to create structured output: - Executive summary (1 page) - Detailed analysis (3-5 pages) - Class discussion questions - PowerPoint slides for presentations - Include citations and data sources ### 7. Track Learning Progress - Add "Google Sheets" node to log case analyses - Track which frameworks you've practiced - Note feedback from professors and classmates - Build portfolio of strategic analysis examples --- ## Alternative: Make.com Setup ### 1. Create Case Analysis Scenario - Name scenario "Case Study Analysis Engine" - Add "Google Drive > Watch files" for new case uploads ### 2. Case Content Processing - Add "PDF > Extract text" to read case studies - Use "Text parser > Split text" for section analysis - Connect "OpenAI > Create completion" for framework application ### 3. Strategic Framework Analysis - Create multiple OpenAI modules for different frameworks: - SWOT Analysis module - Porter's 5 Forces module - Financial analysis module - Competitive positioning module ### 4. Output Generation - Add "Google Docs > Create document" for analysis reports - Use "Google Slides > Create presentation" for class materials - Create "Summary email" with key insights for quick review ### 5. Progress Tracking - Add "Airtable > Add record" to track completed analyses - Include case type, frameworks used, and key learnings - Link to original case and generated materials --- ## What You Get - 70% faster case analysis with consistent quality - Comprehensive strategic framework application - Professional presentation materials ready for class - Financial analysis and competitive insights - Discussion questions and participation points prepared --- ## Cost Estimates ### Small Business (Individual MBA Student) **Monthly Operating Cost: $30-80** **Breakdown:** - n8n: Free tier (sufficient for personal case analysis) - AI analysis processing: $20-50/month (OpenAI API for case processing) - Business research tools: $10-30/month (industry data and competitor information) - Document generation: Free (Google Docs/Slides) **Assumptions:** - Analyzing 3-5 cases per week during academic year - Using standard strategic frameworks and financial analysis - Personal study and class preparation focus - Individual student implementation ### Medium Business (Study Group/MBA Cohort) **Monthly Operating Cost: $200-500** **Breakdown:** - n8n Pro: $50/month (collaboration features for group analysis) - Advanced AI processing: $100-250/month (comprehensive case analysis for group) - Premium research tools: $50-150/month (advanced industry and competitive data) - Collaboration platform: $50-100/month (shared analysis library and coordination) **Assumptions:** - 10-15 students sharing case analysis workload - Collaborative case library and shared insights - Advanced competitive intelligence and market research - Group presentation preparation and coordination ### Enterprise (Business School Program) **Monthly Operating Cost: $1,500-4,000** **Breakdown:** - Enterprise automation: $500-1,000/month (program-wide deployment) - Advanced business intelligence: $500-1,500/month (comprehensive industry databases) - Academic integration: $300-800/month (LMS integration and grading) - Analytics platform: $200-700/month (learning analytics and performance tracking) **Assumptions:** - Program-wide implementation across multiple MBA cohorts - Integration with academic systems and course management - Advanced analytics for curriculum development and student performance - Comprehensive business intelligence and case study databases --- ## Best Practices ### Academic Integrity - Use automation for analysis structure and framework application - Always include original thinking and personal insights - Cite all sources and data used in analysis - Review and verify all AI-generated content before submission ### Strategic Thinking Development - Practice applying different frameworks to the same case - Compare your analysis with classmates to identify blind spots - Seek feedback from professors on framework application - Build a personal library of successful analysis approaches ### Professional Preparation - Format analyses as if presenting to real executives - Practice defending your recommendations with data - Learn to adapt analysis depth based on audience and time constraints - Develop templates for different types of business problems --- ## Common Questions **Q: Will professors notice if I use AI for case analysis?** A: Use AI for structure and framework application, but include original insights and thinking. Most programs appreciate efficient preparation that leads to better class discussion. **Q: How do I handle cases with incomplete information?** A: This is common in real business situations. Make reasonable assumptions, state them clearly, and explain how additional information would change your analysis. **Q: Can this help with different types of cases (finance, marketing, operations)?** A: Yes, customize framework templates for different business disciplines and case types. **Q: How do I prepare for cold calls in class?** A: Create summary cards with key points from your analysis for quick reference during class discussions. --- ## Success Metrics ### Track These Numbers - Time spent on case preparation (before vs. after automation) - Quality of class participation and discussion contributions - Professor feedback on analysis depth and framework application - Consistency of analysis quality across different case types - Confidence level when presenting recommendations ### Expect These Results - 70% reduction in case preparation time with maintained quality - Consistent application of strategic frameworks across all cases - Improved class participation through better preparation - Professional-quality analysis materials for portfolio development - Higher confidence in strategic thinking and business problem-solving --- ## 🔗 More Automations **Need different solutions?** - **[🏠 All Automation Guides](../../AI%20Automations%20Guide.md)** - Main directory and getting started - **[🎯 Find by Problem](../../Automation%20Workflows%20by%20Problem.md)** - "I'm drowning in emails" or "My finances are a mess" - **[👔 Find by Job Role](../../Automation%20Workflows%20by%20Job%20Role.md)** - Browse by your profession - **[📚 Automation Best Practices](../../Automation%20Best%20Practices.md)** - Learn the fundamentals --- *Last Updated: 2025-08-03*