Hi, today I encountered a case (Darden 2018 casebook) that I don't know how to structure. In the casebooks, is it possible that the structure is "unstructured", which means that the case design is not so ideal and information is scattered around, making it hard to drill down different issue trees? I'm not sure whether it is because the case is not well designed so that I find it hard to structure the case. I find the sample structure also a bit odd because it does not "drill down" root causes, and was directly thinking of many possible solutions. Would really appreciate some feedback!
Here's the case prompt: Your client is National Logistics; a large transportation and logistics company that delivers freight to all areas of North America. Over the last five years, the company has experienced rising costs due to increases in wages resulting from a shortage of truckers. The client is now looking to reduce operational costs in the business. How would you advise the client? (One information only given when asked is: National express is looking to boost profitability by any means.)
The sample structure provided:
1. Profitability (revenue): increase price / improve delivery mix / use double trailer per delivery
2. Profitability (cost): hedge fuel / reduce staff / contract labor
3. Investments (buy new fuel-efficient truck/purchase low-cost leader transportation company)
4. Innovate: explore autonomous trucks / develop drone delivery capabilities
(edited)
