Task 2: Position (thesis) statement
Read Part 1 of the Position & Problem Statement PPT (the concept of thesis statement and position statement as well as four criteria of an effective thesis statement: makes an assertion, specific, focused, and original).
Note: In a case-based essay, the thesis statement is called "position statement" - a statement where a writer states a position and expresses an intention about the organization of the essay (Ellet, 2007, p.10). While a thesis statement of an essay is typically one or two sentences, a position statement in a case-based essay could be longer. However, the basic principles for an effective position statement and thesis statement are similar.
Task 3: Problem statement
Although Ellet (2007) does not mention "problem statement" as an essential part of a case-based essay, several professors seem to treat it as an important part of case analysis assignment. How explicit and detailed the problem statement is (or where it is stated) can vary depending on the assignments. In Biopure and GE case-based sample essays, for example, the problem is not stated explicitly at the beginning although there is an explanation about why it is important to solve the problem after stating the recommended decision.
Although Ellet (2007) does not mention "problem statement" as an essential part of a case-based essay, several professors seem to treat it as an important part of case analysis assignment. How explicit and detailed the problem statement is (or where it is stated) can vary depending on the assignments. In Biopure and GE case-based sample essays, for example, the problem is not stated explicitly at the beginning although there is an explanation about why it is important to solve the problem after stating the recommended decision.
Read Part 2 of the Position & Problem Statement PPT to learn similarities and differences between thesis/position statement and problem statement. While both are similar in that they both have a claim that structures and directs the purpose of a writing, there are some differences. For instance, a thesis can be an arguable/exploratory claim while, a problem statement defines/describes the main issue in order to potentially solve it. While a thesis statement comes at the end of the introduction paragraph, a problem statement tends to be part of the background information that comes before the thesis statement in order to provide a brief justification/contexualization for the thesis/position statement.
Helpful Resource: Read "How to write a problem statement for business" for more details (note that this source is about writing a problem statement for a general business writing, not particularly for case-based essays).
Task 4: Workshop: Identifying and Critiquing Position & Problem Statement
Have the students go back to the four sample case analyses and identify where the position statement and problem statement are. Then, have them discuss the following questions:
- Does the problem statement provide clear and concise background information on the case to be analyzed? If not, what seems to be the problem?
- Does it present a clear position statement (Recommended decision)?
- Is the thesis specific and focused, including purpose and the outline (direction) of the essay?
