CASE STUDY ANALYSIS

According to Howitt, Leonard, & Giles, a case is "a collection of information that can be shared with the members of a class to stimulate discussion and debate about policy or management principles or about a specific decision that a manager must make."

• Cases provide a targeted mechanism for applying concepts and frameworks to practice.
• Cases illustrate coherent links between theory and practice.
• Cases give students the opportunity to build selected and relevant skills.

Further, a case study analysis is not merely a descriptive but, as the term itself suggests, a critical exercise, typically an examination of a situation or institution with view towards making recommendations. Case study analyses are included in many courses to give students a sense of the constraints involved in decision making. Cases are usually based on real situations, although for the sake of confidentiality the names of persons and institutions may be disguised.

ANALYSIS METHOD

1. Read and examine the case thoroughly: Read the case study attentively at least two or three times. Become familiar with the key points of the situation without adopting a position on the case. Read as carefully and objectively as you can.

2.  Focus your analysis: After becoming thoroughly familiar with the case, make notes regarding the main issues as you see them.

Identify the two to five key problems and their root causes. Why do they exist? How they impact the organization? Who is responsible for them?

3.  Uncover possible solutions: Review course readings, discussions, outside research, your experience. Develop solutions to the identified problems. Wherever possible, specify objective or quantitative criteria to assess the solutions (qualitative indicators of success may be too subjective).

4. Select the best solutions: Decide which principles, theories, or models (usually part of the assignment) best apply to the observed facts of the case to prepare your answers . Remember that your analysis is likely to be founded on a specific principles or theory, and avoid solutions based mainly upon personal intuition.

1. Develop your solution in consideration of the principles, theories, or models that you have selected. The assigned questions may require you to consider alternative solutions. Remember the importance of showing not merely your judgment but the basis for it. The final selection of a solution from alternatives is based upon how well it meets the criteria you have established. In most cases you will select an optimal approach and provide a realistic assessment of your solution' s strengths and weaknesses.

6. Draft the Analysis. Present the chosen solution(s) in detail and according to the outline below:

Use headings and subheadings. Do not forget the value of graphics; a chart or table can present information more effectively than unsupported text.

FORMAT for HW Case Analysis assignments

 I.                  Abstract/Executive Summary/Introduction: single paragraph summary including recommendation s. Identify the key problems and issues in the case study. Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 2-3 sentences.

        Use a problem statement which will be an overview of key issues arising from the       case analysis. Restate the facts of the case in your own words.

II.                Analysis: Analysis of case(s) identifying factors underlying key issues from more than one perspective. Recognize there may be more information that you need to make decisions.

III.            Alternative Solutions Pros and cons of possible solutions to problem s. Outline possible alternatives. No need to outline all of them.  Explain why alternatives  are  rejected. Consider constraints/reasons. Why are alternatives not possible at this time?

IV.             Proposed Solution& Recommendations Provide specific and realistic solutions. Explain why the solutions were chosen, Support solutions with solid evidence. Concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures, outside research and personal experience (anecdotes). What are some negative and positive consequences form the actions suggested? Detailed description of optimal solutions with rationale. Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solutions. If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues. What should be done and who should do it?                                                                          

Adapted from: UN B Fredericton Writing Center, 20 /9 and Ashford University Writing Center