How to Analyse a Case Study

How to analyse a case study
Case studies offer descriptions and data of situations, from which you have to:
Firstly,
• Identify the key points or issues • Weigh up the situation • Consider the information you do and don’t have
Before you can, • Define the problem/issues to be addressed precisely • Outline the objectives: the desirable outcomes • Identify resources/techniques helpful to opening up the case study • Generate ideas or alternative solutions
Then you can, • Choose a “best fit” solution from the options • Decide on an action plan • Outline how to implement it • Consider what might go wrong and how to monitor the success of the action plan
How to approach the case study
Step 1. Read the material carefully and ask yourself these questions: • What are the main presenting issues? • Why have these arisen? • What would happen if nothing were done? • What hard evidence is there that the situation needs action?
Once you have done this you can write the introduction to the case study analysis, which outlines the situation, the key issues, why these have arisen and require action. In this way you should avoid rewriting large chunks of the case study.
Step 2. Analyse the situation/issues clearly and ask yourself the following questions: • What is the background to the case study? • What research could I use to understand the issues? • What solutions are desirable/possible? • What solutions are suggested/supported by research? • What are the legal and ethical considerations? • What would be my role?
Step 3. Use the grid provided to record your ideas/analysis.
How to write the case study
An effective case study report should • Clearly identify the core problem(s) • Analyse the issues underlying the problem • Discuss and justify alternative solutions using theory / experience • Present feasible recommendations • Be presented in an appropriate format
The report format
Introduction
Overview of the situation and identification of key issues underlying the problems identified in the case study
Main body
Present and analyse the issues. Consider and assess possible solutions in terms of theoretical grounding, strengths and weaknesses and possibly risk factors. Draw from both literature and experience
Conclusion
Summarise main findings. Identify and justify strategy proposed
Recommendations
Recommendations should be in line with your analysis. May be separate or within conclusions
Appendices -A compilation of supplementary and illustrative material.
Do not include items that are not mentioned in the report.
Bibliography - A list of sources consulted or referred to in alphabetical order
Tables, charts, graphs and diagrams - may be included within the report or added in the appendices. Used in the appendix, they avoid cluttering up the main text and do not add to your overall word count.
All illustrations should be clearly labelled and numbered, and referred to in the report.
Pitfalls of case study analysis
Students lose marks when their analysis fails to: • Identify the real problem, focusing on describing the case study situation and missing the underlying issues • Separate the strategic management issues form the operational issues • Identify for whom the issue is a problem • Examine possible alternatives • Present a realistic implementation plan • Address the specific issues • Support their ideas with evidence from research, studies or theories