How to Do Case Studies

H O W    T O    A N A L Y Z E    A N D    P R E P A R E    C A S E    S T U D I E S

        There is no best way to study and prepare a case, nor is there a standard form in which to present your report.  The manner of presentation depends upon the following:

        (1) the nature of the case,

        (2) the need for detail and supporting evidence, and

        (3) the purpose for which your analysis is being made.  

        Unless you are instructed to the contrary, the governing principle is one of brevity and conciseness.  It is well to remember that the difficulties of inducing a reader to study your report in detail increases at a rate greater than the increase in the number of pages of the report.

        Conciseness does not mean eliminating important areas of discussion, but rather by economy of writing and clarity of style.  Both depth and breadth are essential elements of your analysis; a comprehensive analysis will not be superficial, nor will it omit consideration of all important ideas bearing upon the thesis or exposition.

        The following suggestions will help you study and prepare a case analysis, whether oral or written:

1.  Read the case thoroughly and completely.  If possible put the case aside for a time.  Then carefully reread the case once or twice.  Try to get an accurate picture in your mind as to what is really going on in that particular situation.

2.  If the case is long, you may wish to make notes or summarize pertinent information before proceeding with your analysis.  Lawyers call it “briefing” a case.  This procedure may be unnecessary in preparing management cases if the information has been thoroughly assimilated.  A principal difficulty at this stage is to sort out important information from data of little significance.

3.  Formulate in writing a precise statement of the problem.  This is an analytical step, not a descriptive one.  It does not help much to write down a rehearsed version of problem-type statements lifted from the case data.  Try to state the problem in such a way as to show

                (1) which individual or individuals must take some action, and

                (2) why some kind of action must be taken at this particular time.

4.  Note the key alternative decisions or courses of action which can be taken.  This is hypothesis-testing by marshaling evidence available in the case material.

5.  Concerning the various hypotheses, raise the questions that demand an answer.  These are crucial questions which constitute the heart of your analysis.

6.  Tentatively, weigh the evidence and select the hypothesis which can be supported.

7.  Organize the evidence so as to substantiate your case.  Be sure to state your conclusion clearly.  Point out further actions which, if made, would improve the situation or prevent a recurrence.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE WRITTEN REPORT

        Putting your analysis into writing requires that the following points be considered:

1.  Clarity and simplicity of written statements are essential.  Use short sentences.  Be sparing in the use of descriptive adjectives.  Avoid using passive voice.

2.   Be sure to tell who is doing what, pin down those who have to take responsibility for certain actions, who made mistakes, who failed, who is weak and so on.