Case study approaches
There are two different approaches to case studies
Type 1: The analytical approach
The case study is examined in order to try and understand what has happened and why. It is not necessary to identify problems or suggest solutions.
Type 2: The problem-oriented method
The case study is analyzed to identify the major problems that exist and to suggest solutions to these problems.
The problem-oriented method
A successful case study analyses a real life situation where existing problems need to be solved. It should:
- Identify the facts
- Identify the problems
- Select the major problems in the case
- Suggest solutions to these major problems
- Recommend the best solution to be implemented
- Detail how this solution should be implemented[unique_solution]
NB: The case is the “real life” situation; the case study is the analysis of this situation
How to write the case study
There are usually eight sections in a case study.
Synopsis/Executive summary
- Outline the purpose of the case study
- Outline the issues and findings of the case study without the specific details
- Here, the reader should be able to get a clear picture of the essential contents of the study.
- Note any assumptions made (you may not have all the information you’d like so some assumptions may be necessary eg: “It has been assumed that…”, “Assuming that it takes half an hour to read one document…”)
Comment [S2]: OUTLINE FOR CASE ANALYSIS
Title Page (APA formatted)
Case Name:
- Major Facts
(State here the major facts as you see them. Make statements clear and concise for your own understanding as well as for the understanding of the other students and the instructor.)
- Major Problem
(State here the major problem as you see it. Emphasize the present major problem. You may wish to phrase your statement in the form of a question. In a few cases, there may be more than one major problem. A good problem statement will be concise, usually only one sentence.)
- Possible Solutions
- (List here the possible solutions to the major problem. Let your imagination come up with alternative ways to solve the problem.
- Do not limit yourself to only one or two possible solutions. These solutions should be distinct from each other.
- However, you may wish to include portions of one solution in another solution, as long as each solution stands alone. Only in this manner will your subsequent choice be definitive.
- Briefly note advantages and disadvantages of each possible solution.)
etc.
- Choice and Rationale
(State here your choice, A or B or ___ and the detailed reasons for your choice. You may also state your reasons for not choosing the other alternative solutions.)
V.Implementation
(Prepare a plan to implement your choice)
Appendix (Answer case study questions)
Reference Page (APA formatted)
Findings
- Identify the facts/problems found in the case. Each analysis of a problem should be supported by facts given in the case together with the relevant course concepts. Here, it is important to search for the underlying problems for example: cross-cultural conflict may be only a symptom of the underlying problem of inadequate policies and practices within the company.
- This section is often divided into sub-sections, one for each problem.
Discussion
- Summarize the major problem/s
- Identify alternative solutions to this/these major problem/s (there is likely to be more than one solution per problem)
- Briefly outline each alternative solution and then evaluate it in terms of its advantages and disadvantages
- No need to refer to theory or coursework here.
Conclusion
- Sum up the main points from the findings and discussion
Recommendations
- Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted
- Briefly justify your choice explaining how it will solve the major problem/s
- This should be written in a forceful style as this section is intended to be persuasive
- Here integration of coursework is appropriate
Implementation
- Explain what should be done, by whom and by when
- If appropriate include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time).
References
- Make sure all references are sited correctly
Appendices (if any)
- Note any original data that relates to the study but which would have interrupted the flow of the main body.