This Case Analysis is part one of your two-part final assignment. You will write and submit a case analysis of the change management issues described in the Case Study Download Case Study. It will include answers to the six questions I pose to you below, but it should be written as a cohesive paper and should not simply list those questions and then answer them.
First, read and examine the case Download read and examine the casethoroughly. Take notes, highlight relevant facts, and underline key problems and potential issues that may need a good internal communications/internal comm planning to help. Understand that not every part of the study may be relevant to your analysis. When you are ready to write your analysis, it should include an introductory paragraph with a thesis statement and a conclusion. Answers to the questions below and the information you bring in that you have learned throughout this class will make up most of the body of the paper. It should follow APA style including references. The paper should be at least 4 pages, but it can be more (12 font double spaced is fine). The reference page at the end does not count as one of your 4 pages. Use as much space as needed to answer the questions posed.
Note, this case study is based on a real merger, but information has been changed to protect private information. If you have questions that come up about the case study content, please pose the question on Canvas to me and all students as they may be interested in the answer as well. Of course, questions about the paper can also be sent to me directly.
This paper is due next Sunday, October 13 by 11:59 pm. This will then allow time for you to create your internal communications plan before the course ends.
These are the 6 questions that should be answered in your analysis. Question 1:
As mentioned in class, a good communicator first starts with the business goal in mind. In this case study, what is/are the business outcome(s) or goal(s) the East Central Division wants to achieve with the merger of the OH and PA Divisions?
Question 2:
Based on the case study you have read, what are some of the internal challenges in trying to achieve these business goal(s)?
Question 3:
What role can internal communication play in helping break down current barriers/alleviate challenges from an employee perspective?
Question 4:
Besides breaking down barriers, what would be two main goal(s) of internal communication during the merger? How would it help positively affect the change taking place in the organization? Reminder: a goal is an achievable outcome that is generally broad and longer term.
Optional question to answer: What are some SMART objectives for these goals? Remember, an objective is shorter term and defines measurable actions to achieve an overall goal.
Question 5
You have been tasked with creating an internal communications plan for the merger described in this case study.
What will your audience segments look like/do you need to segment your audiences? Explain your answer.
What key messages will you create that you believe will resonate with the staff audience segment(s)? Why will you use those specific messages?
Question 6
From an internal communication standpoint, what does success look like for the East Central Division by December 2011? What metrics could you use for success? Would there be benchmarks you need to put into place now for those measures?