Q Manual8 Case Study Writing8.1 IntroductionThe use of case studies is a widely accepted means of bringing theoretical concepts and practical situations together. It is not possible to take a class into an organisation and observe the subject matter in real life - hence, a written case study outlining a real, or realistic, situation is the best available alternative. When reading and studying a case study it is possible to take two different approaches. The first of these is the `analytical' approach where a case structure is examined to try to understand what has happened and why. In this approach you do not identify problems or attempt to develop solutions. The second approach is the problem-oriented method. In this approach a case is analysed to identify the major problems that exist, the causes of and possible solutions to the problems and finally, a recommendation as to the best solution to implement. In this faculty we mainly utilise a `problem solving' case study method. There is not `one best way' to analyse or write up a case report, everyone develops their own methods of sorting and sifting through the information and presenting their findings. However, a set format used in some courses in the faculty is outlined briefly below. In a case study it is crucial that you integrate relevant theory from the course and evidence from the case. Failure to attempt to integrate theory will lead to severe mark reduction or failure. Referencing of all non-original material is essential. You will lose marks for poor referencing. Check your completed work for internal consistency. For example, make sure that you attempt to solve the key issues you have identified. Don't say `X' is the major problem and then recommend a solution to `Y'. Try not to be overly descriptive. Remember you are trying to identify, analyse and solve the problems of the case using the relevant theories from the course - not just repeating what the text book, or case information, has said.
1. Title page This section should comprise a brief overview of the case, setting the scene and noting any important assumptions made. (You will not have all the information you would like - so you may need to make some assumptions.) In addition, you should give a synopsis of your case report, noting very briefly the major problems identified and the recommended solutions. Approximately one page is required. 5. Problem identification and analysis In this section you should identify all the major problems in the case in behavioural terms, i.e. if you are studying a management subject, in management/organisational behaviour terms. Try to get to underlying causes of problems, not just symptoms. You should link each problem identified to relevant theory and also to actual evidence from the case. Remember you must integrate theory and reference all non-original work. 6. Statement of major problems In most case studies you will identify a number of problems - too many students attempt to actually `solve' the problem in the number of words allowed. It is crucial to make it very clear which are the major two or three problems or key issues, that must be solved first. Therefore, this section should consist of a short concise statement of the problems you are going to solve in the remainder of the case. Approximately half a page is adequate. Having identified the key problems, you can continually check back to ensure that you are actually attempting to solve them, rather than focusing on other minor problems that you may have identified. This section is crucial to a good case report. 7. Generation and evaluation of alternative solutions While most problems will have a very large number of possible solutions it is your task to identify and evaluate a number of the more appropriate ones (at least two to three for each major problem identified). Each alternative solution should be briefly outlined and then evaluated in terms of its advantages and disadvantages (strong and weak points). It is not necessary to make a statement in this section as to which alternative is considered best - this is stated in the next section. Do not integrate or recommend theory in this section. Practical solutions to the problems are required. 8. Recommendation(s) This section should state which of the alternative solutions (either singly or in combination) identified in section six are recommended for implementation. You should briefly justify your choice, explaining how it will solve the major problems identified in section six. Integration of relevant theory is appropriate here. 9. Implementation In this section you should specifically explain how you will implement the recommended solutions. What should be done, by whom, when, in what sequence, what will it cost (rough estimates) and other such issues. Remember, if a recommended solution cannot be realistically implemented, then it is no solution at all.
11. End notes (if any, depending on the referencing system used) 12. Bibliography
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