Case Study Analysis and Problem-Solving

Students analyze real-world extreme weather events and develop comprehensive solutions using critical thinking and problem-solving methodologies

Case Study Method

Critical Thinking

Problem Solving

Learning Objectives

Analyze complex real-world extreme weather scenarios

Identify multiple factors contributing to weather-related problems

Develop creative and practical solutions to complex challenges

Evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of proposed solutions

Apply systems thinking to understand interconnected impacts

Activity Details

Duration:4-5 class periods (45 minutes each)

Group Size:4-5 students per case study team

Difficulty:

Subject Integration:Science, Mathematics, Economics, Technology

Case Study Options

Real-world scenarios for in-depth analysis

Case 1: Hurricane Maria in Dominica (2017)

Category 5 hurricane devastation and recovery challenges

• Complete infrastructure destruction
• Economic collapse and recovery
• Climate resilience rebuilding
• International aid coordination

Case 2: Caribbean Drought Crisis (2014-2016)

Multi-year drought affecting multiple islands

• Water scarcity and rationing
• Agricultural losses
• Tourism industry impacts
• Regional cooperation responses

Case 3: Flooding in Trinidad and Tobago (2018)

Urban flooding and infrastructure challenges

• Drainage system failures
• Urban planning issues
• Emergency response coordination
• Community resilience building

Case 4: Heat Wave in Jamaica (2019)

Extreme temperatures and health impacts

• Public health emergencies
• Energy grid strain
• Agricultural stress
• Vulnerable population protection

Case 5: Sargassum Seaweed Crisis (2018-2020)

Massive seaweed influx affecting multiple sectors

• Tourism industry disruption
• Coastal ecosystem impacts
• Cleanup and disposal challenges
• Economic adaptation strategies

Case 6: Volcanic Ash from La Soufrière (2021)

Volcanic eruption impacts across the region

• Air quality and health concerns
• Aviation disruptions
• Agricultural contamination
• Regional coordination responses

Materials Needed

Research Materials:

• Detailed case study packets
• News articles and media reports
• Government and NGO reports
• Scientific data and weather records
• Economic impact assessments

Analysis Tools:

• Problem analysis frameworks
• Solution development templates
• Evaluation criteria matrices
• Presentation materials
• Computers/tablets for research

Activity Procedure

Systematic approach to case study analysis and problem-solving

Phase 1: Case Study Introduction and Team Formation (Day 1)

Method Introduction (15 minutes)

• Explain case study methodology and its importance
• Introduce problem-solving frameworks
• Discuss systems thinking and interconnected impacts
• Set expectations for analysis depth and creativity

Case Assignment and Initial Reading (25 minutes)

• Form teams of 4-5 students
• Assign or allow teams to choose case studies
• Distribute comprehensive case study packets
• Begin initial reading and note-taking

Analysis Framework Introduction (5 minutes)

• Introduce the 5-step analysis process
• Distribute analysis templates and guides

Phase 2: Deep Analysis and Problem Identification (Day 2)

Step 1: Situation Analysis (15 minutes)

• Identify key facts and timeline of events
• Map stakeholders and affected populations
• Analyze geographic and climatic factors
• Document immediate and long-term impacts

Step 2: Problem Identification (15 minutes)

• Identify primary and secondary problems
• Analyze root causes and contributing factors
• Examine interconnections between problems
• Prioritize problems by severity and urgency

Step 3: Stakeholder Impact Analysis (15 minutes)

• Analyze impacts on different groups and sectors
• Consider economic, social, and environmental effects
• Identify vulnerable populations and special needs
• Examine regional and international implications

Phase 3: Solution Development (Day 3)

Step 4: Solution Brainstorming (20 minutes)

• Generate multiple solution options for each problem
• Consider short-term emergency and long-term solutions
• Include prevention, mitigation, and adaptation strategies
• Think creatively about innovative approaches

Solution Evaluation and Selection (20 minutes)

• Evaluate solutions using criteria matrix
• Consider feasibility, cost, effectiveness, and sustainability
• Analyze potential unintended consequences
• Select best combination of solutions

Implementation Planning (5 minutes)

• Develop timeline and resource requirements
• Identify key stakeholders and their roles

Phase 4: Presentation Preparation and Delivery (Days 4-5)

Presentation Development (Day 4 - 35 minutes)

• Create comprehensive presentation of analysis and solutions
• Include visual aids, maps, charts, and graphics
• Prepare to defend solution choices with evidence
• Practice presentation timing and delivery

Case Study Presentations (Day 5 - 35 minutes)

• Each team presents their case analysis (6-7 minutes)
• Include Q&A session for peer questions
• Compare solutions across different case studies
• Identify common themes and best practices

Synthesis and Reflection (Day 5 - 10 minutes)

• Discuss lessons learned across all cases
• Identify transferable solutions and strategies
• Reflect on the case study analysis process

Assessment Criteria

Analysis Quality (30%)

• Thorough understanding of case facts
• Accurate identification of problems and causes
• Comprehensive stakeholder impact analysis

Solution Development (30%)

• Creative and practical solution options
• Logical evaluation and selection process
• Feasible implementation planning

Critical Thinking (20%)

• Systems thinking and interconnection analysis
• Evidence-based reasoning
• Consideration of multiple perspectives

Presentation and Communication (20%)

• Clear and organized presentation
• Effective use of visual aids
• Professional delivery and teamwork

Extension Activities

Advanced Analysis

• Compare solutions across multiple similar cases
• Conduct cost-benefit analysis of proposed solutions
• Research implementation outcomes of real solutions
• Analyze policy implications and recommendations

Simulation and Modeling

• Create disaster response simulations
• Model economic impacts of different scenarios
• Design early warning system prototypes
• Develop community resilience assessments

Real-World Application

• Present findings to local emergency managers
• Develop community preparedness materials
• Create policy briefs for government officials
• Design public awareness campaigns

Problem-Solving Framework

Systematic approach for analyzing complex scenarios

Situation Analysis

Gather facts, identify stakeholders, map impacts

Problem Identification

Define core problems, analyze causes, prioritize issues

Impact Assessment

Evaluate effects on different groups and sectors

Solution Development

Generate options, evaluate alternatives, select best approaches

Implementation Planning

Design action plans, allocate resources, monitor progress

Caribbean Context and Regional Relevance

Regional Challenges and Opportunities

Emphasize Caribbean-specific factors in case analysis:

• Small island developing state vulnerabilities
• Limited resources and infrastructure constraints
• Regional cooperation mechanisms and benefits
• Tourism-dependent economies and resilience needs
• Climate change adaptation imperatives

Success Stories and Best Practices

• Highlight successful regional responses and innovations
• Examine traditional knowledge integration with modern solutions
• Study community-based adaptation strategies
• Analyze effective international cooperation examples

Future-Oriented Thinking

• Consider climate change projections and adaptation needs
• Explore emerging technologies and their applications
• Examine sustainable development goals alignment
• Discuss youth leadership in climate resilience