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WRITING A
CASE-STUDY MEMO How to prepare a case-study memo
1st one due: July 20
Others due: Aug. 3, Aug. 17, Aug. 31 (take-
home part of final exam)
Also the format for in-class part of final
exam
Investigate and write a memo
By Ervins Strauhmanis
Use a logical process Same steps in reporting:
1. Gather facts.
2. Analyze the facts.
3. Judge the facts.
By Cory Doctorow
Use these 4 tools
1. Classic ethical theories
2. Professional standards
3. Critical thinking
4. 10-question template
Use these 4 tools 1. Classic ethical theories
•Ends-based thinking Greatest good for the most people
•Rule-based thinking Follow the rule.
•Golden Rule Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.
•Aristotle’s Golden Mean Avoid extremes. Compromise.
By Flickr user VCalsidyrose
Use these 4 tools
3. Critical thinking:
• Apply logic to available info
• Not just emotion
By Renaud Camus
What’s in the memo? Write a memo of four sections:
1. Background of the case (the facts)
2. The ethical theories and processes you used
(listed to the right)
3. Alternatives with pros and cons
4. Recommended action
2. Ethical theories and processes Which did you use and how did you apply them?
• Ends-based: greatest good for the most people
• Rule-based: Follow the rule.
• Golden Mean: Avoid extremes. Compromise.
• Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have
them do unto you.
• SPJ Code: Seek truth and report it, minimize
harm, act independently, and be accountable and
transparent.
• Myanmar Media Code of Conduct
• 10-question template
Memo
3. What are the alternatives? Publish: Pros Cons The full name Tells the truth May harm agent
Nickname and
surname
Tells the truth
May protect agent a
bit
May still harm the agent
First name only Tells part of the truth Raises credibility
questions; may lead to
more government secrecy
Fake name Protects the agent Raises credibility
questions; may lead to
more government secrecy
No name Protects the agent Raises credibility
questions; may lead to
more government secrecy
4. Recommended action
What tests did you apply
to justify your decision:
front page
Mom
jury
What should the
editors do and why?
How will it be graded?
Scoring criteria: Excellent
: 25 to 20
points
Good:
19-14
points
Fair: 13
to 7
points
Poor: 6
to 0
points
Issue spotting: how many
of the ethical theories did
you use?
Quality of analysis: Does it
have the 4 sections? How
thoughtful is your
analysis?
Quality of
recommendation: Is it clear
and logical? Can you
defend it three ways?
Writing: Is it concise and
correct?
The maximum number of points is 100.