An analyst by trade (risk analysis consulting) and by interest (chose to be a Systems Engineer…I know, crazy), I have a habit of approaching the toughest and most challenging problems as mini “case studies.” Viewing issues as a case study provides me a structure by which I can more logically and comprehensively define, analyze and recommend solutions to a given problem. Thus, as I look to sports and try to comprehend and evaluate some the most challenges issues, I thought it would only make sense to set up these analyses like mini “case studies.”

Each month, I will be putting out a three-part series entitled “Sport: A Case by Case Basis.” As you might guess from aptly-named title, this series will be condensed case study analysis that will be broken into the following three parts (forgive me for the baseball puns, but I couldn’t help myself):

PART I: “The Look In” – Each case study begins with the introduction and definition of the issue at hand. This part will be less analysis, more “what’s the problem here?” discussion.

PART II: “The Sign” – Once I’ve clearly defined the issue for analysis, my first step will be a deeper analysis of the current landscape of problem. Assessing the current state is one of the most critical and yet often over-looked stages of analysis. It is not quite as “sexy” as recommending solutions, but the insights gained from understanding how and why a problem currently persists can help lead you to solutions that are more applicable, feasible and (ultimately) more impactful.

PART III: “The Pitch” – I will then close each series with a set of possible solutions to the issue. These solutions will NOT be cure-all, “silver bullet” answers, but realistic options for potentially remedying some or all of the problem.

Now, I do not at all claim that these case studies will absolutely cover all angles of an issue or always end up with the “right” answer. However, I do want them to be critical, logical, thought-provoking and maybe even inspiring (for us to take action). And, as with any other article here on The Drive, I highly encourage your feedback and input as the collective ideas of readers only further expands and enriches the analysis of the issue. Thanks in advance for reading!

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Dan Reaves
Writer/Co-Founder of “The Drive”
Follow me on Twitter: @danreaves7