A Case for the Case Analysis

In my Master's Course, Unmanned Aerospace Systems, we had to complete a Case Analysis. In this case analysis, we researched, developed, and presented a case revolving around a significant issue in the world of unmanned systems. My case analysis delved into the problem of traffic management in unmanned systems.

First and foremost, I think a Case Analysis approach to analyzing anything is all about learning by doing. The Case Analysis forces you to examine the case by all angles and perspectives. By the end of the presentation (if you did your case analysis correctly), you are very confident in your position. You could argue your position with legitimacy.

I think perhaps the most beneficial aspect of performing a case analysis is identifying the "Significance of the Issue." In past papers or presentations I have made for a class or professionally, there's a temptation to skim through the significance of the issue. In those past experiences, occasionally I secretly hoped that others would either not see the plot holes in my analysis or that they would be too lazy to investigate them themselves - thereby I was able to maintain a semblance of expertise. However, when you truly examine the significance of an issue or problem you are able to identify all of the problems and holes. In doing so, you are forced to address those problems and can ACTUALLY maintain expertise when those problems are identified by a third-party.

The second point that the case analysis forces you to consider is the advantages and disadvantages of ALL solutions - not just the disadvantages of the solution you don't like and the advantages of the one you do. In other words, in examining all of the pros and cons, you are able to determine if the solution you prefer is actually the best solution. Often, in my case analysis, I found myself convincing myself that a previously harbored idea may not be the best one. As a result, my proposal changed into something different than where I started - but it changed into something better.

In all, though it was a difficult project (the longest paper I've had to complete toward my Master's degree), I am grateful to have taken part in it. Again, it forced learning upon me by forcing action. As a result, my confidence in the issue grew as I realized that my expertise on the issue was increasing as well. I have no doubt that I can and will use lessons I learned from this case analysis in my future courses and my professional life. I will be better capable of identifying the true problem and critiquing the solutions.