Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Assignments

  • Annotated Bibliography
  • Analyzing a Scholarly Journal Article
  • Group Presentations
  • Dealing with Nervousness
  • Using Visual Aids
  • Grading Someone Else's Paper
  • Types of Structured Group Activities
  • Group Project Survival Skills
  • Leading a Class Discussion
  • Multiple Book Review Essay
  • Reviewing Collected Works
  • Writing a Case Analysis Paper
  • Writing a Case Study
  • About Informed Consent
  • Writing Field Notes
  • Writing a Policy Memo
  • Writing a Reflective Paper
  • Writing a Research Proposal
  • Generative AI and Writing
  • Acknowledgments

Definition and Introduction

Case analysis is a problem-based teaching and learning method that involves critically analyzing complex scenarios within an organizational setting for the purpose of placing the student in a “real world” situation and applying reflection and critical thinking skills to contemplate appropriate solutions, decisions, or recommended courses of action. It is considered a more effective teaching technique than in-class role playing or simulation activities. The analytical process is often guided by questions provided by the instructor that ask students to contemplate relationships between the facts and critical incidents described in the case.

Cases generally include both descriptive and statistical elements and rely on students applying abductive reasoning to develop and argue for preferred or best outcomes [i.e., case scenarios rarely have a single correct or perfect answer based on the evidence provided]. Rather than emphasizing theories or concepts, case analysis assignments emphasize building a bridge of relevancy between abstract thinking and practical application and, by so doing, teaches the value of both within a specific area of professional practice.

Given this, the purpose of a case analysis paper is to present a structured and logically organized format for analyzing the case situation. It can be assigned to students individually or as a small group assignment and it may include an in-class presentation component. Case analysis is predominately taught in economics and business-related courses, but it is also a method of teaching and learning found in other applied social sciences disciplines, such as, social work, public relations, education, journalism, and public administration.

Ellet, William. The Case Study Handbook: A Student's Guide . Revised Edition. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Publishing, 2018; Christoph Rasche and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Analysis . Writing Center, Baruch College; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

How to Approach Writing a Case Analysis Paper

The organization and structure of a case analysis paper can vary depending on the organizational setting, the situation, and how your professor wants you to approach the assignment. Nevertheless, preparing to write a case analysis paper involves several important steps. As Hawes notes, a case analysis assignment “...is useful in developing the ability to get to the heart of a problem, analyze it thoroughly, and to indicate the appropriate solution as well as how it should be implemented” [p.48]. This statement encapsulates how you should approach preparing to write a case analysis paper.

Before you begin to write your paper, consider the following analytical procedures:

  • Review the case to get an overview of the situation . A case can be only a few pages in length, however, it is most often very lengthy and contains a significant amount of detailed background information and statistics, with multilayered descriptions of the scenario, the roles and behaviors of various stakeholder groups, and situational events. Therefore, a quick reading of the case will help you gain an overall sense of the situation and illuminate the types of issues and problems that you will need to address in your paper. If your professor has provided questions intended to help frame your analysis, use them to guide your initial reading of the case.
  • Read the case thoroughly . After gaining a general overview of the case, carefully read the content again with the purpose of understanding key circumstances, events, and behaviors among stakeholder groups. Look for information or data that appears contradictory, extraneous, or misleading. At this point, you should be taking notes as you read because this will help you develop a general outline of your paper. The aim is to obtain a complete understanding of the situation so that you can begin contemplating tentative answers to any questions your professor has provided or, if they have not provided, developing answers to your own questions about the case scenario and its connection to the course readings,lectures, and class discussions.
  • Determine key stakeholder groups, issues, and events and the relationships they all have to each other . As you analyze the content, pay particular attention to identifying individuals, groups, or organizations described in the case and identify evidence of any problems or issues of concern that impact the situation in a negative way. Other things to look for include identifying any assumptions being made by or about each stakeholder, potential biased explanations or actions, explicit demands or ultimatums , and the underlying concerns that motivate these behaviors among stakeholders. The goal at this stage is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the situational and behavioral dynamics of the case and the explicit and implicit consequences of each of these actions.
  • Identify the core problems . The next step in most case analysis assignments is to discern what the core [i.e., most damaging, detrimental, injurious] problems are within the organizational setting and to determine their implications. The purpose at this stage of preparing to write your analysis paper is to distinguish between the symptoms of core problems and the core problems themselves and to decide which of these must be addressed immediately and which problems do not appear critical but may escalate over time. Identify evidence from the case to support your decisions by determining what information or data is essential to addressing the core problems and what information is not relevant or is misleading.
  • Explore alternative solutions . As noted, case analysis scenarios rarely have only one correct answer. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that the process of analyzing the case and diagnosing core problems, while based on evidence, is a subjective process open to various avenues of interpretation. This means that you must consider alternative solutions or courses of action by critically examining strengths and weaknesses, risk factors, and the differences between short and long-term solutions. For each possible solution or course of action, consider the consequences they may have related to their implementation and how these recommendations might lead to new problems. Also, consider thinking about your recommended solutions or courses of action in relation to issues of fairness, equity, and inclusion.
  • Decide on a final set of recommendations . The last stage in preparing to write a case analysis paper is to assert an opinion or viewpoint about the recommendations needed to help resolve the core problems as you see them and to make a persuasive argument for supporting this point of view. Prepare a clear rationale for your recommendations based on examining each element of your analysis. Anticipate possible obstacles that could derail their implementation. Consider any counter-arguments that could be made concerning the validity of your recommended actions. Finally, describe a set of criteria and measurable indicators that could be applied to evaluating the effectiveness of your implementation plan.

Use these steps as the framework for writing your paper. Remember that the more detailed you are in taking notes as you critically examine each element of the case, the more information you will have to draw from when you begin to write. This will save you time.

NOTE : If the process of preparing to write a case analysis paper is assigned as a student group project, consider having each member of the group analyze a specific element of the case, including drafting answers to the corresponding questions used by your professor to frame the analysis. This will help make the analytical process more efficient and ensure that the distribution of work is equitable. This can also facilitate who is responsible for drafting each part of the final case analysis paper and, if applicable, the in-class presentation.

Framework for Case Analysis . College of Management. University of Massachusetts; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Rasche, Christoph and Achim Seisreiner. Guidelines for Business Case Analysis . University of Potsdam; Writing a Case Study Analysis . University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center; Van Ness, Raymond K. A Guide to Case Analysis . School of Business. State University of New York, Albany; Writing a Case Analysis . Business School, University of New South Wales.

Structure and Writing Style

A case analysis paper should be detailed, concise, persuasive, clearly written, and professional in tone and in the use of language . As with other forms of college-level academic writing, declarative statements that convey information, provide a fact, or offer an explanation or any recommended courses of action should be based on evidence. If allowed by your professor, any external sources used to support your analysis, such as course readings, should be properly cited under a list of references. The organization and structure of case analysis papers can vary depending on your professor’s preferred format, but its structure generally follows the steps used for analyzing the case.

Introduction

The introduction should provide a succinct but thorough descriptive overview of the main facts, issues, and core problems of the case . The introduction should also include a brief summary of the most relevant details about the situation and organizational setting. This includes defining the theoretical framework or conceptual model on which any questions were used to frame your analysis.

Following the rules of most college-level research papers, the introduction should then inform the reader how the paper will be organized. This includes describing the major sections of the paper and the order in which they will be presented. Unless you are told to do so by your professor, you do not need to preview your final recommendations in the introduction. U nlike most college-level research papers , the introduction does not include a statement about the significance of your findings because a case analysis assignment does not involve contributing new knowledge about a research problem.

Background Analysis

Background analysis can vary depending on any guiding questions provided by your professor and the underlying concept or theory that the case is based upon. In general, however, this section of your paper should focus on:

  • Providing an overarching analysis of problems identified from the case scenario, including identifying events that stakeholders find challenging or troublesome,
  • Identifying assumptions made by each stakeholder and any apparent biases they may exhibit,
  • Describing any demands or claims made by or forced upon key stakeholders, and
  • Highlighting any issues of concern or complaints expressed by stakeholders in response to those demands or claims.

These aspects of the case are often in the form of behavioral responses expressed by individuals or groups within the organizational setting. However, note that problems in a case situation can also be reflected in data [or the lack thereof] and in the decision-making, operational, cultural, or institutional structure of the organization. Additionally, demands or claims can be either internal and external to the organization [e.g., a case analysis involving a president considering arms sales to Saudi Arabia could include managing internal demands from White House advisors as well as demands from members of Congress].

Throughout this section, present all relevant evidence from the case that supports your analysis. Do not simply claim there is a problem, an assumption, a demand, or a concern; tell the reader what part of the case informed how you identified these background elements.

Identification of Problems

In most case analysis assignments, there are problems, and then there are problems . Each problem can reflect a multitude of underlying symptoms that are detrimental to the interests of the organization. The purpose of identifying problems is to teach students how to differentiate between problems that vary in severity, impact, and relative importance. Given this, problems can be described in three general forms: those that must be addressed immediately, those that should be addressed but the impact is not severe, and those that do not require immediate attention and can be set aside for the time being.

All of the problems you identify from the case should be identified in this section of your paper, with a description based on evidence explaining the problem variances. If the assignment asks you to conduct research to further support your assessment of the problems, include this in your explanation. Remember to cite those sources in a list of references. Use specific evidence from the case and apply appropriate concepts, theories, and models discussed in class or in relevant course readings to highlight and explain the key problems [or problem] that you believe must be solved immediately and describe the underlying symptoms and why they are so critical.

Alternative Solutions

This section is where you provide specific, realistic, and evidence-based solutions to the problems you have identified and make recommendations about how to alleviate the underlying symptomatic conditions impacting the organizational setting. For each solution, you must explain why it was chosen and provide clear evidence to support your reasoning. This can include, for example, course readings and class discussions as well as research resources, such as, books, journal articles, research reports, or government documents. In some cases, your professor may encourage you to include personal, anecdotal experiences as evidence to support why you chose a particular solution or set of solutions. Using anecdotal evidence helps promote reflective thinking about the process of determining what qualifies as a core problem and relevant solution .

Throughout this part of the paper, keep in mind the entire array of problems that must be addressed and describe in detail the solutions that might be implemented to resolve these problems.

Recommended Courses of Action

In some case analysis assignments, your professor may ask you to combine the alternative solutions section with your recommended courses of action. However, it is important to know the difference between the two. A solution refers to the answer to a problem. A course of action refers to a procedure or deliberate sequence of activities adopted to proactively confront a situation, often in the context of accomplishing a goal. In this context, proposed courses of action are based on your analysis of alternative solutions. Your description and justification for pursuing each course of action should represent the overall plan for implementing your recommendations.

For each course of action, you need to explain the rationale for your recommendation in a way that confronts challenges, explains risks, and anticipates any counter-arguments from stakeholders. Do this by considering the strengths and weaknesses of each course of action framed in relation to how the action is expected to resolve the core problems presented, the possible ways the action may affect remaining problems, and how the recommended action will be perceived by each stakeholder.

In addition, you should describe the criteria needed to measure how well the implementation of these actions is working and explain which individuals or groups are responsible for ensuring your recommendations are successful. In addition, always consider the law of unintended consequences. Outline difficulties that may arise in implementing each course of action and describe how implementing the proposed courses of action [either individually or collectively] may lead to new problems [both large and small].

Throughout this section, you must consider the costs and benefits of recommending your courses of action in relation to uncertainties or missing information and the negative consequences of success.

The conclusion should be brief and introspective. Unlike a research paper, the conclusion in a case analysis paper does not include a summary of key findings and their significance, a statement about how the study contributed to existing knowledge, or indicate opportunities for future research.

Begin by synthesizing the core problems presented in the case and the relevance of your recommended solutions. This can include an explanation of what you have learned about the case in the context of your answers to the questions provided by your professor. The conclusion is also where you link what you learned from analyzing the case with the course readings or class discussions. This can further demonstrate your understanding of the relationships between the practical case situation and the theoretical and abstract content of assigned readings and other course content.

Problems to Avoid

The literature on case analysis assignments often includes examples of difficulties students have with applying methods of critical analysis and effectively reporting the results of their assessment of the situation. A common reason cited by scholars is that the application of this type of teaching and learning method is limited to applied fields of social and behavioral sciences and, as a result, writing a case analysis paper can be unfamiliar to most students entering college.

After you have drafted your paper, proofread the narrative flow and revise any of these common errors:

  • Unnecessary detail in the background section . The background section should highlight the essential elements of the case based on your analysis. Focus on summarizing the facts and highlighting the key factors that become relevant in the other sections of the paper by eliminating any unnecessary information.
  • Analysis relies too much on opinion . Your analysis is interpretive, but the narrative must be connected clearly to evidence from the case and any models and theories discussed in class or in course readings. Any positions or arguments you make should be supported by evidence.
  • Analysis does not focus on the most important elements of the case . Your paper should provide a thorough overview of the case. However, the analysis should focus on providing evidence about what you identify are the key events, stakeholders, issues, and problems. Emphasize what you identify as the most critical aspects of the case to be developed throughout your analysis. Be thorough but succinct.
  • Writing is too descriptive . A paper with too much descriptive information detracts from your analysis of the complexities of the case situation. Questions about what happened, where, when, and by whom should only be included as essential information leading to your examination of questions related to why, how, and for what purpose.
  • Inadequate definition of a core problem and associated symptoms . A common error found in case analysis papers is recommending a solution or course of action without adequately defining or demonstrating that you understand the problem. Make sure you have clearly described the problem and its impact and scope within the organizational setting. Ensure that you have adequately described the root causes w hen describing the symptoms of the problem.
  • Recommendations lack specificity . Identify any use of vague statements and indeterminate terminology, such as, “A particular experience” or “a large increase to the budget.” These statements cannot be measured and, as a result, there is no way to evaluate their successful implementation. Provide specific data and use direct language in describing recommended actions.
  • Unrealistic, exaggerated, or unattainable recommendations . Review your recommendations to ensure that they are based on the situational facts of the case. Your recommended solutions and courses of action must be based on realistic assumptions and fit within the constraints of the situation. Also note that the case scenario has already happened, therefore, any speculation or arguments about what could have occurred if the circumstances were different should be revised or eliminated.

Bee, Lian Song et al. "Business Students' Perspectives on Case Method Coaching for Problem-Based Learning: Impacts on Student Engagement and Learning Performance in Higher Education." Education & Training 64 (2022): 416-432; The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Georgallis, Panikos and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching using Case-Based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; Hawes, Jon M. "Teaching is Not Telling: The Case Method as a Form of Interactive Learning." Journal for Advancement of Marketing Education 5 (Winter 2004): 47-54; Georgallis, Panikos, and Kayleigh Bruijn. "Sustainability Teaching Using Case-based Debates." Journal of International Education in Business 15 (2022): 147-163; .Dean,  Kathy Lund and Charles J. Fornaciari. "How to Create and Use Experiential Case-Based Exercises in a Management Classroom." Journal of Management Education 26 (October 2002): 586-603; Klebba, Joanne M. and Janet G. Hamilton. "Structured Case Analysis: Developing Critical Thinking Skills in a Marketing Case Course." Journal of Marketing Education 29 (August 2007): 132-137, 139; Klein, Norman. "The Case Discussion Method Revisited: Some Questions about Student Skills." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 30-32; Mukherjee, Arup. "Effective Use of In-Class Mini Case Analysis for Discovery Learning in an Undergraduate MIS Course." The Journal of Computer Information Systems 40 (Spring 2000): 15-23; Pessoa, Silviaet al. "Scaffolding the Case Analysis in an Organizational Behavior Course: Making Analytical Language Explicit." Journal of Management Education 46 (2022): 226-251: Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Schweitzer, Karen. "How to Write and Format a Business Case Study." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-write-and-format-a-business-case-study-466324 (accessed December 5, 2022); Reddy, C. D. "Teaching Research Methodology: Everything's a Case." Electronic Journal of Business Research Methods 18 (December 2020): 178-188; Volpe, Guglielmo. "Case Teaching in Economics: History, Practice and Evidence." Cogent Economics and Finance 3 (December 2015). doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/23322039.2015.1120977.

Writing Tip

Ca se Study and Case Analysis Are Not the Same!

Confusion often exists between what it means to write a paper that uses a case study research design and writing a paper that analyzes a case; they are two different types of approaches to learning in the social and behavioral sciences. Professors as well as educational researchers contribute to this confusion because they often use the term "case study" when describing the subject of analysis for a case analysis paper. But you are not studying a case for the purpose of generating a comprehensive, multi-faceted understanding of a research problem. R ather, you are critically analyzing a specific scenario to argue logically for recommended solutions and courses of action that lead to optimal outcomes applicable to professional practice.

To avoid any confusion, here are twelve characteristics that delineate the differences between writing a paper using the case study research method and writing a case analysis paper:

  • Case study is a method of in-depth research and rigorous inquiry ; case analysis is a reliable method of teaching and learning . A case study is a modality of research that investigates a phenomenon for the purpose of creating new knowledge, solving a problem, or testing a hypothesis using empirical evidence derived from the case being studied. Often, the results are used to generalize about a larger population or within a wider context. The writing adheres to the traditional standards of a scholarly research study. A case analysis is a pedagogical tool used to teach students how to reflect and think critically about a practical, real-life problem in an organizational setting.
  • The researcher is responsible for identifying the case to study; a case analysis is assigned by your professor . As the researcher, you choose the case study to investigate in support of obtaining new knowledge and understanding about the research problem. The case in a case analysis assignment is almost always provided, and sometimes written, by your professor and either given to every student in class to analyze individually or to a small group of students, or students select a case to analyze from a predetermined list.
  • A case study is indeterminate and boundless; a case analysis is predetermined and confined . A case study can be almost anything [see item 9 below] as long as it relates directly to examining the research problem. This relationship is the only limit to what a researcher can choose as the subject of their case study. The content of a case analysis is determined by your professor and its parameters are well-defined and limited to elucidating insights of practical value applied to practice.
  • Case study is fact-based and describes actual events or situations; case analysis can be entirely fictional or adapted from an actual situation . The entire content of a case study must be grounded in reality to be a valid subject of investigation in an empirical research study. A case analysis only needs to set the stage for critically examining a situation in practice and, therefore, can be entirely fictional or adapted, all or in-part, from an actual situation.
  • Research using a case study method must adhere to principles of intellectual honesty and academic integrity; a case analysis scenario can include misleading or false information . A case study paper must report research objectively and factually to ensure that any findings are understood to be logically correct and trustworthy. A case analysis scenario may include misleading or false information intended to deliberately distract from the central issues of the case. The purpose is to teach students how to sort through conflicting or useless information in order to come up with the preferred solution. Any use of misleading or false information in academic research is considered unethical.
  • Case study is linked to a research problem; case analysis is linked to a practical situation or scenario . In the social sciences, the subject of an investigation is most often framed as a problem that must be researched in order to generate new knowledge leading to a solution. Case analysis narratives are grounded in real life scenarios for the purpose of examining the realities of decision-making behavior and processes within organizational settings. A case analysis assignments include a problem or set of problems to be analyzed. However, the goal is centered around the act of identifying and evaluating courses of action leading to best possible outcomes.
  • The purpose of a case study is to create new knowledge through research; the purpose of a case analysis is to teach new understanding . Case studies are a choice of methodological design intended to create new knowledge about resolving a research problem. A case analysis is a mode of teaching and learning intended to create new understanding and an awareness of uncertainty applied to practice through acts of critical thinking and reflection.
  • A case study seeks to identify the best possible solution to a research problem; case analysis can have an indeterminate set of solutions or outcomes . Your role in studying a case is to discover the most logical, evidence-based ways to address a research problem. A case analysis assignment rarely has a single correct answer because one of the goals is to force students to confront the real life dynamics of uncertainly, ambiguity, and missing or conflicting information within professional practice. Under these conditions, a perfect outcome or solution almost never exists.
  • Case study is unbounded and relies on gathering external information; case analysis is a self-contained subject of analysis . The scope of a case study chosen as a method of research is bounded. However, the researcher is free to gather whatever information and data is necessary to investigate its relevance to understanding the research problem. For a case analysis assignment, your professor will often ask you to examine solutions or recommended courses of action based solely on facts and information from the case.
  • Case study can be a person, place, object, issue, event, condition, or phenomenon; a case analysis is a carefully constructed synopsis of events, situations, and behaviors . The research problem dictates the type of case being studied and, therefore, the design can encompass almost anything tangible as long as it fulfills the objective of generating new knowledge and understanding. A case analysis is in the form of a narrative containing descriptions of facts, situations, processes, rules, and behaviors within a particular setting and under a specific set of circumstances.
  • Case study can represent an open-ended subject of inquiry; a case analysis is a narrative about something that has happened in the past . A case study is not restricted by time and can encompass an event or issue with no temporal limit or end. For example, the current war in Ukraine can be used as a case study of how medical personnel help civilians during a large military conflict, even though circumstances around this event are still evolving. A case analysis can be used to elicit critical thinking about current or future situations in practice, but the case itself is a narrative about something finite and that has taken place in the past.
  • Multiple case studies can be used in a research study; case analysis involves examining a single scenario . Case study research can use two or more cases to examine a problem, often for the purpose of conducting a comparative investigation intended to discover hidden relationships, document emerging trends, or determine variations among different examples. A case analysis assignment typically describes a stand-alone, self-contained situation and any comparisons among cases are conducted during in-class discussions and/or student presentations.

The Case Analysis . Fred Meijer Center for Writing and Michigan Authors. Grand Valley State University; Mills, Albert J. , Gabrielle Durepos, and Eiden Wiebe, editors. Encyclopedia of Case Study Research . Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, 2010; Ramsey, V. J. and L. D. Dodge. "Case Analysis: A Structured Approach." Exchange: The Organizational Behavior Teaching Journal 6 (November 1981): 27-29; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods . 6th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2017; Crowe, Sarah et al. “The Case Study Approach.” BMC Medical Research Methodology 11 (2011):  doi: 10.1186/1471-2288-11-100; Yin, Robert K. Case Study Research: Design and Methods . 4th edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishing; 1994.

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“For knowledge you will use in the real world - in business, for example, or in engineering or medicine - the "what" [to think] isn't sufficient. You must know how to apply the knowledge to the real world.” William Ellet, The Case Study Handbook

Case study assignments are common in some disciplines. Their main purpose is to show that you can relate theory to real-life situations. You also need to be able to recommend practical solutions to real-life problems.

This page is dedicated to writing case studies for undergraduate assignments, it does not tackle case studies as a research method/approach.

What is a case study?

A case study is an assignment where you analyse a specific case (organisation, group, person, event, issue) and explain how the elements and complexities of that case relate to theory . You will sometimes have to come up with solutions to problems or recommendations for future action.

You may be asked to write a case study as an essay, as part of a longer assignment or as a report.

Examples of cases

icon of building

An organisation.  For example a company, a business, a school, a sports club, a health body.

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A group. For example a class of pupils, an individual team within an organisation, a project group, a sports club.

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An individual.  For example a patient, a client, a specific student/pupil, a manager/leader.

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An event.  For example a sporting occasion, a cultural event, a news story, an historical event.

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An issue.  For example a dilemma, problem, critical event, change of practice.

Analysing a case

What are you being asked to do.

It is important be sure about the purpose of analysing the case before you begin. Refer back to your assignment brief and make sure you are clear about this. It could be:

  • To answer a specific question using examples from the case to support your argument
  • To explore what happened and why (no recommendations needed)
  • To make recommendations or identify solutions
  • To write a plan that takes the issues into consideration

Examining the case

In order to be thoroughly familiar with the case you are going to need to read through* the case several times during the analysis process. Start by simply reading it without asking too many questions in your mind. Get a feel for it as a whole. After that, you will need to read through it several times to identify the following:

  • What are the facts? List information you are sure about.
  • What happened/is happening? List definite actions that occurred/are occurring.
  • Who was/is involved? List people by job role and what their involvement was/is.

You will now need to read additional material to help you analyse. In business, for example, you will perhaps want to read the financial statements for the company you are investigating; in nursing, the background of the treatment for the disorder from which “your” patient is suffering.

* Sometimes cases are presented to you as videos to watch. In which case you are going to have to watch it many times!

Theoretical approaches

You may have to ask yourself which theoretical approaches that you have covered in your course are relevant to the particular case you have before you. In some instances this may be obvious but in others it may be less so. A theoretical approach is useful as it can give you  specific questions to answer ; specific things to look for. For example, in business, this may take the form of a SWOT analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or you may look at the Porter's Five Forces model. There are similar models in other disciplines which you may have been introduced to already - or the brief may tell you which to use.

No obvious theoretical approach?

If you have not been provided with a theoretical approach don't worry. You can still ask questions. For example: 

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What is this case study about in general? What is the big picture - the main issue that this case study is an example of?

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What specific issues are associated with it? What makes this case interesting?

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What do I already know about these issues?

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How do they link with the theories we have studied? (See below.)

icon showing alternative paths

What alternative approaches to dealing with the issues would be appropriate?

icon showing drop and ripplies

If an alternative approach were used, what impact might it have?

Linking to theory

The most crucial element about a case study is your ability to link the real world example to theory. This gives you more insight into both because

  • The real life example will mean you can see how theory works in practice .
  • Theory can help you see why things happened as they did and help you come up with alternative approaches and find solutions/make recommendations.

Real life is complex and messy. Do not expect it to nicely fit into theories which are by their very nature best guesses (albeit well researched) and generalisations. However, you will have been given the case specifically because it does relate to some theories you have learned or need to be aware of.

So you need to:

  • Look back through your lecture notes and reading lists to see if anything seems to fit with the case.
  • Search for research that relates to the issues you identified during your analysis. Note these will not necessarily be labelled as 'theories'. Claims made in research papers can all be described as theories. 

Now consider some or all of the questions below:

  • Do the facts and issues raised in the case support any theories?
  • Do the fact and issues raised in the case invalidate or undermine any theories?
  • Can any of the theories explain why issues arose?
  • Can any of the theories back up the actions taken?
  • Can any of the theories suggest alternative courses of action?
  • Do you think any of these alternatives would work best in your case? Why?

Armed with the answers to many of these questions, you are ready to start writing up your case study.

Writing up your case study

The most common ways to write up a case study are as essays or reports . The main differences between the two will be how you structure your work.

Structuring a case study essay

Case study essays usually have to answer a specific question using examples from your case study. They are written in continuous prose (a series of paragraphs with no subheadings). They should be structured much like any other essay with an introduction, main body and conclusion. 

Introduction

This needs to have three things:

  • An introduction to your case (you don't need to rewrite it, just summarise it giving the important parts for your essay).
  • A position statement (your answer to the overall question).
  • An indication of how the rest of the essay is structured.

These do not have to be in that particular order but they do all need to be included.

Generally you will organise this thematically . Each paragraph needs to make a point and then use information from your case to illustrate and back up that point . You will also bring in theory (other reading) to strengthen your argument. It is acceptable to start with the example from your case and then show how this links to theory and the conclusion this leads you to; however, it is best if you first let your reader know the point you are making, as then they are not having to second guess this until the end of the paragraph. 

Each point in your main body should be leading back to the position statement you made in the introduction.

What are the main lessons you learned from the case study? How well did the theory fit with the real world example? Have you been asked to provide solutions or recommendations? If so, give them here.

Reference list

Include all the sources you have cited in your essay.

Structuring a case study report

These can vary between disciplines so check your assignment guidance. A typical case study would include:

Table of contents

See our MS Word pages  or our MS Office Software SkillsGuide for instructions on how to create these automatically.

Executive summary - optional, check if required

Give an overview of your whole report including main approaches, findings and recommendations. This is a bit like the abstract of a journal article.

  • Context (Background)
  • Purpose - what is the case study trying to achieve? 
  • Approach - are you using any particular theoretical tools or research approaches?

Discussion/Analysis

  • Identification of issues and problems
  • Links to theories that help you explain the case
  • Explanation of causes or implications of the issues identified
  • Possible solutions (if required, check your instructions)

These depends on what you were asked to do but could include:

  • Main lessons learned
  • Best solutions and reasons why
  • Recommendations (may have their own section)
  • Action plan (may have its own section)
  • Include all the sources you have cited in the report.

Appendices if required

Recommended books and ebooks from our collection, related books and ebooks from our collection.

Cover Art

Recommended external resources

  • Writing a case study From Monash University
  • Writing a case study analysis From The University of Arizona
  • Case studies From the University of South Australia - includes useful sample case studies
  • Writing a case study PDF to download from the University of Bedfordshire
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How Do You Write A University Case Study?

Writing a university case study requires a meticulous approach, as it demands in-depth research and analysis of a specific subject or problem. This article explores the essential steps and guidelines to help you effectively compose a comprehensive and impactful case study. By following these suggestions, you will gain a deeper understanding of the process involved in crafting a university case study, equipping you with the necessary tools to produce a well-structured and informative piece of academic writing.

How Do You Write A University Case Study?

Table of Contents

Choosing a relevant topic

Understanding the assignment requirements.

Before starting a university case study, it is crucial to thoroughly understand the assignment requirements. This includes reading the instructions carefully and identifying any specific guidelines or constraints provided by the professor. Understanding the assignment requirements will help you choose a relevant topic that aligns with the objectives of the case study and meets the desired learning outcomes.

Identifying a specific research question

Once you have a clear understanding of the assignment requirements, the next step is to identify a specific research question for your case study. A research question should be focused, concise, and address a particular issue or problem within the chosen field of study. This question will serve as the foundation for your research and guide your investigation throughout the case study process.

Selecting a suitable case for study

After formulating a research question, it is essential to select a suitable case for study. The case can be an individual, group, organization, or any other entity that is relevant to the research question. The selected case should provide sufficient data and information to support your analysis and help answer the research question effectively. It is advisable to choose a case that is both interesting and significant in the context of the research topic to engage the readers and provide a meaningful contribution to the field.

Conducting thorough research

Gathering relevant data and information.

Conducting thorough research is a critical step in writing a university case study. It involves gathering relevant data and information related to the chosen topic and research question. Both qualitative and quantitative data may be required depending on the nature of the case study. Sources for data collection can include interviews, observations, surveys, documents, and existing literature. Gathering comprehensive and diverse data will ensure a well-rounded analysis and presentation of findings in the case study.

Using a combination of primary and secondary sources

To ensure a comprehensive research approach, it is important to utilize a combination of primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include original data collected specifically for the case study, such as interviews or surveys. Secondary sources, on the other hand, encompass existing information and literature relevant to the research question. By using a combination of both types of sources, you can gather a wide range of perspectives and evidence to support your analysis.

Ensuring credibility and accuracy of sources

When conducting research for a university case study, it is crucial to ensure the credibility and accuracy of the sources used. This can be done by critically evaluating the reliability of each source and cross-referencing information from multiple sources to verify its accuracy. Using reputable academic journals, books, and credible websites can help ensure that the data and information used in the case study are reliable and trustworthy.

Structuring the case study

Introduction.

The introduction of a university case study serves as the starting point of the research and provides an overview of the case study’s objectives, research question, and significance. It should capture the reader’s attention, introduce the chosen case, and clearly state the purpose and scope of the study.

Background information

After the introduction, it is important to provide background information about the case. This includes relevant contextual details, such as the history, industry, or any other factors that are essential for understanding the case study. Providing sufficient background information will help the readers grasp the necessary knowledge and context required to comprehend the analysis and findings presented later in the case study.

Presentation of findings

The presentation of findings is a crucial section in the case study where you present the data, information, and analysis that you have gathered. This section should be structured logically and clearly, presenting the findings in a manner that is easy to understand and follow. The presentation of findings can include tables, charts, graphs, and textual explanations to effectively convey the information.

Analysis and interpretation

Following the presentation of findings, the next step is to analyze and interpret the data. In this section, you should critically analyze the findings and draw meaningful conclusions from the data presented. This analysis should answer the research question identified earlier and provide insights into the case under study. It is important to use critical thinking skills and apply relevant theories or frameworks to support your analysis and interpretation.

The conclusion of a university case study is where you summarize the key findings and insights drawn from the analysis. It should restate the research question, highlight the main conclusions, and discuss the implications and significance of the study. The conclusion should leave the reader with a clear understanding of the case study’s contributions and provide closure to the research.

Writing the case study

Writing in a clear and concise manner.

When writing a university case study, it is important to communicate your ideas in a clear and concise manner. Avoid unnecessary jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader. Use simple and straightforward language to convey your thoughts effectively.

Using appropriate language and tone

The language and tone used in a university case study should be academic and professional. Use a formal tone throughout the paper and maintain consistency in the style of writing. Avoid using informal language, slang, or colloquial expressions.

Including relevant evidence and examples

To support your analysis and strengthen the validity of your arguments, it is essential to include relevant evidence and examples in your case study. This evidence can come from primary or secondary sources and should be cited appropriately. Using real-world examples or case studies from similar contexts can enhance the relevance and applicability of your findings.

How Do You Write A University Case Study?

Including visuals and illustrations

Using graphs, charts, and tables.

Incorporating visuals such as graphs, charts, and tables can greatly enhance the understanding of data and concepts presented in a university case study. These visual representations make complex information more accessible and help readers grasp key trends or patterns. Ensure that the visuals used are clear, well-labeled, and directly support the analysis and findings discussed in the case study.

Incorporating relevant images and diagrams

In addition to graphs, charts, and tables, including relevant images and diagrams can further enhance the presentation of a university case study. Images or diagrams can illustrate processes, structures, or other visual elements that are important for understanding the case or the analysis being presented. Use high-quality images and include clear captions to explain their relevance to the case study.

Enhancing the understanding of data and concepts

The inclusion of visuals and illustrations in a university case study is aimed at enhancing the understanding of data and concepts. By presenting information in a visual format, readers can quickly grasp complex information and gain a deeper understanding of the case study’s content. Visuals also make the case study more visually appealing and engaging for the reader.

Citing and referencing sources

Following a specific citation style (apa, mla, etc.).

To ensure proper academic integrity and avoid plagiarism, it is important to follow a specific citation style when citing and referencing sources in a university case study. Common citation styles include APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), and Chicago style. Consult the specific guidelines provided by your university or professor to ensure accurate citation and referencing.

Creating a bibliography or reference list

To provide a comprehensive list of all the sources used in the case study, a bibliography or reference list should be included. This list should be formatted according to the chosen citation style and include all the necessary details for each source, such as the author’s name, publication date, title, and source. Ensuring accuracy and consistency in the bibliography or reference list is essential for academic integrity.

Avoiding plagiarism through proper citation

Proper citation and referencing are essential to avoid plagiarism in a university case study. Whenever you use information or ideas from a source, whether it is a direct quote or paraphrased content, it should be properly cited and referenced. Plagiarism can have severe consequences in academic settings, so it is important to give credit to the original authors and sources that have influenced your work.

Proofreading and editing

Checking for grammar and spelling errors.

Once the initial draft of the university case study is complete, it is essential to thoroughly proofread and edit the document. Check for grammar and spelling errors to ensure that the writing is clear, concise, and error-free. Use spelling and grammar checkers as a starting point but also manually review the content to identify any errors that automated tools may have missed.

Improving overall organization and structure

During the proofreading and editing process, it is important to focus on improving the overall organization and structure of the case study. Ensure that the information flows logically and that each section connects seamlessly with the next. Remove any redundant or irrelevant information and restructure the content to enhance clarity and coherence.

Ensuring coherence and consistency

Coherence and consistency are key aspects of a well-written university case study. Ensure that the language, style, and tone remain consistent throughout the document. Check that the paragraphs and sentences are logically connected, and that the ideas flow smoothly from one section to another. Pay attention to transitions and make adjustments where necessary to ensure coherence and consistency in your writing.

Seeking feedback and revisions

Sharing the case study draft with peers or professors.

To further improve the quality of the university case study, it is beneficial to share the draft with peers or professors. Their feedback and constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and perspectives that you may have missed. Take their comments into consideration and make revisions accordingly.

Incorporating constructive feedback for improvement

When receiving feedback on the case study draft, it is important to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to make necessary revisions. Take note of any constructive feedback received and carefully consider how it can improve the overall quality and clarity of your case study. Incorporate these suggestions into your revised version, making sure to address any concerns or areas of improvement highlighted.

Revising and refining the content

Based on the feedback received and your own analysis, revise and refine the content of the university case study. This includes making revisions to the structure, adding clarity to your arguments, and addressing any gaps or ambiguities in the analysis. Pay attention to the language used and ensure that the revised content aligns with the overall objectives and research question of the case study.

Analyzing and discussing the case study

Identifying key insights and observations.

In the analysis and discussion section of the university case study, it is crucial to identify and highlight key insights and observations derived from the research and data presented. These insights should directly address the research question and contribute to a deeper understanding of the case under study. Use critical thinking skills to analyze the implications and significance of the findings.

Discussing implications and potential solutions

Once the key insights and observations have been identified, it is important to discuss the implications and potential solutions arising from the case study. This section should explore the broader impact of the findings and propose actionable recommendations or suggestions. Engage in critical thinking and analysis to discuss the potential implications for the field or industry being studied.

Engaging in critical thinking and analysis

Critical thinking and analysis play a crucial role in the discussion section of a university case study. It is important to evaluate the findings in a comprehensive and objective manner, considering different perspectives and potential limitations. Engage in critical thinking by challenging assumptions, comparing different viewpoints, and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the case study’s conclusions and recommendations.

Summarizing key findings and learnings

In the conclusion of a university case study, it is crucial to summarize the key findings and learnings derived from the research and analysis presented. This section should provide a concise overview of the main conclusions, emphasizing their significance and contribution to the field. Summarize the main insights, observations, and recommendations to leave the reader with a clear understanding of the case study’s outcomes.

Reflecting on the overall process of writing the case study

In addition to summarizing the key findings, take a moment to reflect on the overall process of writing the case study. Discuss any challenges faced, lessons learned, or unexpected discoveries made during the research and writing process. Reflecting on the experience allows for self-improvement and growth as a writer and researcher.

Highlighting the significance and contribution of the study

Lastly, in the conclusion of a university case study, it is important to highlight the significance and contribution of the study to the field of research. Discuss how the case study fills a gap in the existing literature or offers new insights and perspectives. Emphasize the potential impact of the findings and recommendations, and suggest avenues for further research on the topic. By highlighting the significance of the study, you ensure that your case study makes a valuable contribution to the field.

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university case study assignment

Step-by-Step Guide How to Write a Case Study Assignment

Step-by-Step Guide How to Write a Case Study Assignment

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the process of writing a case study assignment, providing essential steps and valuable tips to assist students in creating high-quality and well-researched case studies. Whether you are a novice or an experienced writer, this guide will provide valuable insights into how to meet your instructors’ expectations and showcase your understanding of the subject matter.

Understanding the Concept of a Case Study

A case study is a research method that involves conducting an in-depth examination of a specific subject or phenomenon, such as an individual, group, organization, or event. It is commonly employed in various disciplines, including business, marketing, law, healthcare, and social sciences, among others. The primary purpose of a case study is to analyze and comprehend the subject under study, identify any challenges or issues, and provide practical solutions or recommendations based on the findings.

Case studies typically entail collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, surveys, and documents. The data is then examined to identify patterns, themes, and trends that can be used to draw conclusions and develop recommendations. Case studies can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory, depending on the research questions and objectives.

In summary, a case study is a research method that involves a thorough investigation of a specific subject or phenomenon, with the aim of understanding it better and offering practical solutions or recommendations. It serves as a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners across various disciplines, providing insights into real-life situations and informing decision-making processes.

Types of Case Studies

Several types of case studies exist, each with unique characteristics and purposes. The following are some of the most common types:

  • Exploratory Case Study: This type is used when researchers aim to gain preliminary insights into a new or complex issue. It involves in-depth exploration of a topic, often with limited prior knowledge or existing research.
  • Descriptive Case Study: A descriptive case study aims to provide a detailed description of a situation or phenomenon. It involves collecting data on various aspects of the case and presenting a comprehensive overview.
  • Explanatory Case Study: An explanatory case study seeks to explain why a particular phenomenon occurred. It typically involves identifying the causes and effects of the issue and developing hypotheses to explain their relationships. Obtaining assistance with your case studies is possible by Pay for online assignment services for a fee.
  • Instrumental Case Study: An instrumental case study focuses on a specific problem or issue, aiming to provide practical solutions or recommendations. It is commonly employed in business and management studies.
  • Collective Case Study: This type involves analyzing multiple cases that share similar characteristics or themes. It allows researchers to compare and contrast different cases to identify common patterns and trends.
  • Intrinsic Case Study: An intrinsic case study is undertaken to gain a deep understanding of a particular case that is unique or unusual in some way. It is often employed in social science and humanities research.
  • Developing Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Case studies require students to analyze and evaluate complex situations, identify key issues, and develop practical solutions or recommendations. This process helps in the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in academic and professional settings.
  • Enhancing Research Skills: Case studies necessitate thorough research, data collection, and analysis from various sources. This process helps students improve their research skills and learn how to apply research methodologies to real-world situations or how to write a literature review
  • Demonstrating Practical Application of Knowledge: Writing a case study assignment allows students to apply theoretical concepts and knowledge to real-life situations. It helps them demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter and its practical application.
  • Improving Communication Skills: Engaging in case study writing necessitates students to proficiently convey their findings, analysis, and recommendations. This undertaking assists in honing their skills in written and verbal communication, which hold paramount importance in academic and professional environments.
  • Preparing for Future Careers Case studies find extensive usage in various professional fields, including business, healthcare, law, marketing, and more. Engaging in case study assignments equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for their prospective careers.
  • Determining the Length of a Case Study Assignment The length of a case study assignment is subject to the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the instructor or professor. Typically, a standard case study assignment may range from 500 to 1500 words, although the length may vary for different assignments. It is crucial to adhere to the provided guidelines and instructions to ensure that the assignment meets the expected standards and requirements.
  • Steps and Format for Writing a Case Study Assignment Outlined below is an overview of the steps and format to follow when writing a case study assignment:
  • Understand the Assignment Requirements Before commencing the case study assignment It is vital to thoroughly comprehend the assignment requirements, including the format, length, and specific instructions provided by the instructor or professor. This understanding will assist in maintaining focus and ensuring that the assignment aligns with the expected standards.
  • Select a Relevant Case Study Choose a case study that pertains to the subject matter of your assignment. Option for a case study that is engaging, informative, and exemplifies the key concepts or issues you intend to explore in your assignment.

The choice of case study type depends on the research question, the study’s purpose, and the characteristics of the case being examined.

Importance of Writing a Case Study Assignment Writing a case study assignment offers several benefits for students, including:

Conducting Research

Thoroughly conduct research to gather relevant information and data pertaining to the case study. This process may involve examining academic journals, books, and other credible sources of information. Take meticulous notes and organize your research material to facilitate easy reference while writing your assignment.

Analyzing the Case Study

Engage in a detailed analysis of the case study, identifying key issues, challenges, and opportunities. Consider the contextual factors surrounding the case study, the stakeholders involved, and the potential outcomes and implications of various decisions and actions.

Developing a Thesis Statement Based on your analysis of the case study

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that distinctly outlines the main argument or focus of your assignment. Ensure that your thesis statement centers around the key issues and concepts you intend to explore.

Writing the Introduction

Compose an introduction that furnishes background information on the case study and establishes the context for your analysis. Provide a brief summary of the case study, present the primary research question or thesis statement, and provide an overview of the key issues and concepts that will be addressed in your assignment. If needed, Professional Assignment Help can assist you in crafting a perfect introduction.

Writing the Body Structure

The body of your assignment into sections that concentrate on different aspects of the case study. Each section should commence with a clear topic sentence that outlines the main point or argument it addresses. Utilize evidence and data derived from your research to substantiate your analysis and arguments.

Write the Conclusion

Compose a conclusion that succinctly summarizes the key findings and arguments presented in your assignment. Restate your thesis statement to reinforce its significance. Additionally, provide recommendations or suggestions for future research or action based on the insights gained from the case study.

Edit and Proofread

Thoroughly review and revise your assignment, paying close attention to spelling and grammar errors, ensuring consistency in formatting and style, and enhancing overall clarity and coherence.

Format A typical case study assignment should follow the following format:

  • Title page: Include the assignment’s title, your name, course name and number, and the date.
  • Abstract: Offer a concise summary of the case study, highlighting the main findings and conclusions.
  • Introduction: Provide background information on the case study and establish the context for your analysis.
  • Literature Review: Present an overview of pertinent literature and previous research relevant to the case study.
  • Methodology: Explain the research methods and techniques employed in your analysis.
  • Results: Conduct a detailed analysis of the case study, delving into key issues, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Discussion: Engage in a comprehensive discussion of the primary findings and conclusions, emphasizing their implications.
  • Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and arguments, restate the thesis statement, and offer recommendations for future research or action.
  • References: Include a list of all sources cited in your assignment, appropriately formatted according to the designated citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
  • Appendices (if necessary): Supplement your analysis with additional materials or data, such as charts, graphs, or tables.

By adhering to these steps and following the prescribed format, you can develop a well-structured and informative case study assignment that meets the expectations and requirements set by your instructor or professor.

In conclusion, writing a case study assignment can be a challenging yet rewarding undertaking for students. It affords them an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios and cultivate analytical and problem-solving skills. To produce an effective case study assignment, it is crucial to adopt a structured approach, encompassing the identification of the research question, research conduct, data analysis, and the presentation of findings in a clear and concise manner. By following the steps and adhering to the format outlined in this guide, students can create high-quality case study assignments that showcase their comprehension of the subject matter and ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.

Case Study Assignment Help from AcademicExpert.uk 

Case study assignment Help are an integral part of academic coursework across various disciplines. These assignments require students to analyze real-life scenarios, apply theoretical concepts, and provide practical solutions or recommendations based on their findings. However, tackling a case study assignment Help can be a challenging task for many students due to its complexity and the need for in-depth research and critical thinking.

To alleviate the difficulties faced by students, case study assignment help services have emerged as a valuable resource. These services provide professional assistance to students who seek guidance and support in completing their case study assignment Help . By opting for case study assignment help , students can benefit in several ways.

Firstly, expert writers with subject-specific knowledge and expertise in conducting case study research are assigned to assist students. These writers possess a deep understanding of the subject matter and are skilled in analyzing complex scenarios.

Secondly, case study assignment help services offer customized solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the students’ instructors or professors. This ensures that the assignments are well-aligned with the expected standards and expectations.

Additionally, these services save students’ time and effort by conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and structuring the assignment in a coherent and logical manner. This allows students to focus on other important academic commitments or engage in extracurricular activities.

Furthermore, case study assignment help services often provide timely delivery of assignments, enabling students to meet their submission deadlines without compromising on quality.

In conclusion, case study assignment help services play a crucial role in supporting students with their academic workload. By availing these services, students can receive expert guidance, improve their understanding of the subject matter, and submit high-quality assignments that demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills.

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Writing the Case Study

How should i approach it.

Investigating and writing up a report will require the completion of specific stages. You will need to timetable sufficient time to complete each stage, but also be aware that some stages are revisited while you are analysing the case and writing the report. Thinking and writing becomes a cyclical process.

Stages essential for analysing and writing a case study report may include:

1. Define the task

Your first step is to read the case and all the instructions for the assignment.

Use the checklist as a guide. You can print out this checklist to record your definition of the task. You may find it helpful to compare and discuss your understanding of the task with other students or colleagues. Try to visualise all the elements of the problem by using mind-maps to chart the main issues on a large piece of paper.

Checklist for defining the task

2. consider which theories and analysis tools may apply to the situation.

Your course notes, text books and readings should indicate the appropriate methodology for your case study analysis

Identify the problems

In your initial analysis you should identify the problems (issues/risks etc.) inherent in the case. Read to uncover the organisation's history of success and failure in relation to the case, the communication processes that are occurring, and relevant current strengths and weaknesses of the organisation or its activities that relate to the case.

A useful technique here is to create a mind-map of the situation, the processes and problems or issues. Use the mind-map to separate the problem elements and to note the most important and their relationships.

In your notes, document the causes and consequences of the problems highlighted in the case and also your preliminary ideas for solutions. Be prepared to discover more problems and solutions as you continue your analysis of the case!

Apply analysis tools

There are many tools available for analysis in the management and engineering fields but you need to evaluate which tools would best apply to your assessment of the issues/problems / risks etc. If you are unsure about which tool to use, read the rationale and purpose of each tool and discuss the options with your colleagues and course facilitator.

Document your results and ideas

It is important to create a complete set of notes that will be useful to refer to when writing up the case study report. For this reason record your findings and your own thoughts on the case. Also clearly document any testing, calculations or specifications that relate to your investigation of solutions as well.

3. Make recommendations and form conclusions

Make recommendations.

Recommendations are a clear statement (in text and/or table format) of what action should be taken to minimise, solve or remove the problems being investigated. Recommendations usually require a detailed action plan for implementation of a solution or a range of solutions depending on future events/scenarios.

According to Jarvis (2002), "for each part of your solution ask: 

  • Will it work - why - what could possibly go wrong?
  • Who will do it, are they capable, who else might be, who might be block?
  • When- timing-sequence?
  • How and how much –cost it out- where are the pay offs/savings?"

Form conclusions

Conclusions are drawn from your analysis and assessment of the situation. You usually consider must and desirable objectives. Also consider the limitations of your recommendations based on your testing of solutions and original assumptions that had to be made in the case.

4. Write the report

This section provides some advice on the process of writing up your report.

Plan the report 

Before you begin to write the report, it is essential to have a plan of its structure. You can begin to plan the report while you are investigating the case.

Fist, prepare an outline (in list or mind-map format) of the main headings and subheadings you will have in the report. Then add notes and ideas to the outline which remind you of what you want to achieve in each section and subsection. Use the outline to help you consider what information to include, where it should go and in what sequence. Be prepared to change your outline as your ideas develop. Finally, the outline headings and subheadings can be converted into the contents page of your report. 

Schedule your writing time

Prepare a schedule for writing and editing the sections of the report. Allow some extra time just in case you find some sections difficult to write. Begin by writing the sections you feel most confident about. Preliminary sections (executive summary, introduction) and supplementary sections (conclusions, reference list and appendices) are usually prepared last. Some writers like to begin with their conclusions (where the writer's thoughts are at that moment) or the methodology (it's easier to write about your own work). 

Analyse your audience 

In writing a case study report in your course, the report is often intended for an imaginary person so you need to make sure that your language and style suites that person. For example, a report for senior management will be different in content and style and language to a technical report. A report to a community group would also be different again in content, style and language. Audience definition helps you decide what to include in the report based on what readers need to know to perform their jobs better or what the readers need to know to increase their knowledge about your subject. These notes on audience analysis are adapted from Huckin and Olsen (p1991)

*After: Huckin & Olsen ,1991.1.

  • Who will read the report? Think about all the uses of the report and where and when it would be read. Reports written within an organisation may be read by different people and different departments; for example, technical and design specialists, supervisors, senior managers, lawyers, marketing and finance specialists.
  • What are the readers' needs and goals? Each department or unit in an organisation has its own needs and goals. Understanding the different perspectives can help you decide how to communicate persuasively to these groups. For example while design engineers may prefer to develop new or alternative design to show progress in their field, the marketing specialist may prefer that the organisation imitate a known successful design to save time.
  • How do I make communication clear for managers? Communication must be accessible and useful to busy managers as they will primarily seek important generalisations. This has implications for the report's structure, the amount of orientation or background information provided and the level of technical language used. An executive summary, introductions to new sections and concluding summaries for major sections should be included in the report.
  • What might be the readers' preferences or objections to the report? You may need to address the significance and benefits/limitations of your recommendations from a number of readers' perspectives in the report. You may also need to consider compromises as a way to acknowledge potential conflicts or criticisms of your recommendations or solutions.

Prepare a draft report 

Writers rarely produce a perfect piece of text in their first attempt so a number of drafts are usually produced. Careful planning and editing will ensure a consistent professional standard in the report. You will need to do the following:

  • Revise the task often 

Do this by keeping both the reader's needs and the report's objectives in mind as you gather information, take notes and write sections of the report.

  • Be selective 

Do this by taking clear notes, which include the information gathered and your thoughts about the usefulness and the implications of this information. Review your notes to decide what is essential information to include in the report.

  • Create a logical structure 

Use your contents page outline to decide where information will go. Within each section, plan the subheadings and then decide on the sequence of information within these.

Check that your writing flows and that your ideas are supported and plausible. If you are not sure what to look for, here are links to advice and activities on report organisation, cohesion and evidence.

Ensure that all your figures and tables communicate a clear message. Show a colleague your visuals to check how they will be interpreted or 'read'.

  • Edit, edit, edit

For first drafts, a word processor's spell checker and grammar checker can be useful however, do not rely solely on these tools in your final edit as they are not perfect. Errors will be overlooked or even created by these programs! The best ways to edit are to read a printed copy and where possible get a colleague to read and give feedback.

Here is a report checklist that you can print out: CHECKLIST

5. Prepare the reference list

The reference list is a list of all the sources you refer to in the report. If you do not reference sources of information, your assignment could be failed. As you read and take notes remember to collect the following information so that you can easily and quickly assemble your reference list.

 Further advice on the conventions for formatting reference lists and 'in text' references can be found in the Academic Skills toolkit .

6. Prepare cover/title page

Check your course requirements on the content and layout of the title page. As a general rule include the following:

  • Institution the authors are affiliated with: eg UNSW School of Safety Science
  • Title of the report

Eg "BHP Billiton Risk Assessment: Strategic Political Risks to BHP's Operations In Angola". 

  • Author/s names (+ student numbers)
  • Course name and code
  • Date document was submitted

7. Final edit

At this stage it is best if you can leave the report for a day or so before conducting a final proof-read. This assists you to approach your report as a 'reader' rather than as the 'writer' so you will more easily see errors. You should expect to spend a couple of hours on this task.

  • Reread the assignment guidelines so the task is fresh in your mind. Read the whole report to check that there is a logical structure to the whole report.
  • Check each section of the report (including your executive summary, introduction and conclusion) for content and structure. Note changes to make in the sequence of sections.
  • Note (highlight) changes you wish to make within sections (delete, simplify, expand, reorganise). In particular look closely at transition sections, figures and tables, sentences, referencing conventions and document formatting.
  • Read through the report and make changes as required.

Here are some editing activities for you to try!

How is a case study organised?

Engineering & science

  • Report writing
  • Technical writing
  • Writing lab reports
  • Honours thesis writing
  • Editing Activities
  • Report Writing Checklist
  • How a case study is organised
  • What is the marker looking for?
  • How can I improve my writing?
  • ^ More support

Study Hacks Workshops | All the hacks you need! 10 Sep – 7 Nov 2024

COMMENTS

  1. Writing a Case Study - Research Guides at University of ...

    A case study encompasses a problem contextualized around the application of in-depth analysis, interpretation, and discussion, often resulting in specific recommendations for action or for improving existing conditions.

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    Rather than emphasizing theories or concepts, case analysis assignments emphasize building a bridge of relevancy between abstract thinking and practical application and, by so doing, teaches the value of both within a specific area of professional practice.

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    A case study is an assignment where you analyse a specific case (organisation, group, person, event, issue) and explain how the elements and complexities of that case relate to theory. You will sometimes have to come up with solutions to problems or recommendations for future action.

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    Writing a university case study requires a meticulous approach, as it demands in-depth research and analysis of a specific subject or problem. This article explores the essential steps and guidelines to help you effectively compose a comprehensive and impactful case study.

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  6. Case study example - Student Academic Success - Monash University

    This resource has demonstrated the main steps in producing a case study assignment. These steps will help you to identify what has happened in a case situation, why it happened, and apply relevant theory.

  7. Step-by-Step Guide How to Write a Case Study Assignment

    Step-by-Step Guide How to Write a Case Study Assignment. This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the process of writing a case study assignment, providing essential steps and valuable tips to assist students in creating high-quality and well-researched case studies.

  8. Writing a Case Study Analysis | UAGC Writing Center

    Identify the key problems and issues in the case study. Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.

  9. What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods - Scribbr

    A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

  10. Writing the Case Study - UNSW Current Students

    Stages essential for analysing and writing a case study report may include: 1. Define the task. Your first step is to read the case and all the instructions for the assignment. Use the checklist as a guide. You can print out this checklist to record your definition of the task.