West Visayas State University

College of Arts and Science

Public Fiscal Adminsitration (MPUG 506)

Fiscal Administration Case Study Paper Format (10-15 pages)

Lecturer: Jasmin L. Vargas, MBM

A case study analysis paper requires students to investigate a fiscal administration problem in their own
institution and examine the alternative solutions and propose the most effective solution using supporting
evidence. It is important that the student should be able to defines the problem or issue at hand, describe
its background and provide a balanced assessment of options that management could pursue to resolve
the problem. The paper should conclude with a recommended course of action for policy makers.

I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY (1 page):

This should be on separate pages between the title page and the beginning of the Case Study
Analysis itself. Summarize the content of the entire brief in one page. The summary should:

1. state the problem or issue;

2. give BRIEF background;
3. identify major alternatives;
4. state preferred alternative with justification;

II. INTRODUCTION and PROBLEM STATEMENT(2-3 pages)

This is the introduction to the Case Study. You are required to do a Current Situation Analysis
and pertinent Background including a synopsis of the relevant information of the case. You are
to Identify with clarity and specificity the key issues/problems of the case that you want to
analyze. ASSEMBLE EVIDENCE (2-3 pages)

III. PROBLEM ANALYSIS (2-3 pages)

To be able to come up with alternative solutions, you must be able to identify the root cause of
the problem. You may use the following tools:

 Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram: identifies many possible causes for an effect or problem
and sorts ideas into useful categories.
 Pareto chart: shows on a bar graph which factors are more significant.
 5 Whys

IV. CONSTRUCT ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS (2-3 pages)

Discuss possible alternative solutions (at least 3). You may examine best practices of other
organizations/institutions. The discussion of each alternative option should reflect the evidence
or data indicating the degree of potential usefulness to the case at hand.

V. DECISION CRITERIA (1-2 pages)

State the criteria that you will use to score the alternatives explicitly. Specific criteria depend on
context of problem, but typically include such issues as mitigating measurable indicators
 associated with problem, cost-efficiency, and equity? Apply the Criteria to each of the alternatives
using the most appropriate methodology. This should be done in a transparent manner, with all
data and results listed explicitly. If possible, score the alternatives. Summarize comparative
assessment using a matrix or similar summary display.

VI. RECOMMENDATION (1-2 pages)

Close the Case Analysis with a recommendation that summarizes the preferred
alternative. Justify why this option is preferred over the others. If the policy options are weighted
and scored, identify the criteria used to score the options, and their order of priority.

Format:

 Use Short Size Bond Paper (8 ½ x 11)

 Font: Arial
 Font Size: 12
 Spacing: Double Spaced
 Margins: 1 inch to all sides
 Use APA style format for annotation and bibliography