W&SS Quicknotes 1 Case Study Analysis The UNB Writing CentreContact us16/17 C. C. Jones Student Services Centre26 Bailey Drive, Box 4400Fredericton, NB Canada, E3B 5A3Phone:(506) 453-4527(506) 452-6346Email: [email protected] Case Study AnalysisA case study analysis is not merely a descriptive but, as the term itself suggests, acritical exercise, typically an examination of a situation or institution with view towardsmaking recommendations. Case study analyses are included in many courses to givestudents a sense of the constraints involved in decision making. Cases are usually basedon real situations, although for the sake of confidentiality the names of persons andinstitutions may be disguised.Analysis MethodMany methods can be used to analyze case studies. The outline below, although itprovides a step-by-step procedure that can be applied in many situations, is not the onlyfeasible approach. Always consult your instructor for the particular requirements of agiven assignment.1. Read the case study attentively at least two or three times. Become familiar withthe key points of the situation without adopting a position on the case. Read ascarefully and objectively as you can.2. After becoming thoroughly familiar with the case, make notes regarding the mainissues as you see them. Typically, the instructor will provide prompts or questionsto help you focus on these.3. Consider the question(s) assigned by your instructor. Record all information pertinent to these in the form of case notes.4. Decide which principles, theories, or models (usually part of the assignment) bestapply to the observed facts of the case to prepare your answers. Remember thatyour analysis is likely to be founded on a specific theory, and avoid solutions basedmainly upon personal intuition.5. Develop your solution in consideration of the principles, theories, or models thatyou have selected. The assigned questions may require you to consider alternativesolutions. Remember the importance of showing not merely your judgement butthe basis for it.Occasionally, case studies are assigned for analysis without specific questions. Thestudent must then devise a framework that will enable the analytical and/or synthetictreatment of strategic issues. One general approach is as follows:1. Follow steps one and two (above).2. Identify the key problems and their root causes.3. Develop solutions to the identified problems. Wherever possible, specify objectiveor quantitative criteria to assess the solutions (qualitative indicators of successmay be too subjective).W&SS Quicknotes 2 Case Study Analysis4. Follow steps four and five above to identify and apply theoretical concepts. A list ofalternative solutions should emerge from this stage.5. The final selection of a solution from alternatives is based upon how well it meetsthe 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. Present the chosen solution(s) in detail.7. Use an appropriate format for your case study analysis. Use suitable headings andsubheadings. Do not forget the value of graphics; a chart or table can present information more effectively than unsupported text.Tricks and TrapsMost comprehensive case studies contain some information that is of marginalimportance to the main issues—or at least, to the issues you are directed to examine.Remember to consider the implications of your theoretical framework(s):unacknowledged assumptions can limit your thinking and your critique of alternativesolutions. When you begin to prepare your “recommendations” section, stop and reviewthe assignment yet again; many case study analyses fail to address the issues identifiedby the instructor.Sample Format1. Abstract/Executive Summary: single paragraph summary including recommendations2. Problem Statement: Overview of key issues arising from case analysis3. Case Analysis: Theory-driven analysis of case(s) identifying factors underlying keyissues4. Alternative Solutions: Pros and cons of possible solutions to problems5. Recommendations: Detailed description of optimal solution with rationale
