How To: Analyse a Case Study

- Approaching a case study - Writing a case study - Common problems in case study analysis

How to analyse a case study

Case studies offer descriptions and data of situations, from which you have to:

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How to approach the case study

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
Common problems in case study analysis

Students lose marks when their analysis fails to:

• Identify the real problem, focusing on describing the case