Case study reports
Case studies are often used to not only illustrate what you have learned and retained in class, but also to provide you with valuable hands-on experience.
What is a case study?
A case study is a description of a real life problem or situation which requires you to analyse the main issues involved. These issues need to be discussed and related to the academic literature and/or research findings on the topic and conclusions then drawn about why the situation occurred and how best to respond to it.
Why do we write case study reports?
A case study is a way to apply the theoretical knowledge gained from the academic literature to real life situations that you may encounter in your work.
Writing a case study reports enables you to:
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analyse the issues in a real life situation
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apply the knowledge gained from your academic reading and research
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draw conclusions about how to respond as a professional to that situation
Case study analysis will put your problem solving skills to the test.
How to write a case study report
Before you start writing, you need to carefully read the case study and make a note of the main issues and problems involved as well as the main stakeholders (persons or groups of persons who have an interest in the case).
Use these steps to structure your ideas and help you write a case study report:
Introduction
Introduce the main purpose of the case study and briefly outline the overall problem to be solved.
Main body
Description
Write a brief description of the case under discussion giving an outline of the main issues involved. Always assume that your reader knows nothing of the assignment task and provide enough information to give a context for your discussion of the issues.
Discussion
Discuss the issues raised one by one, using information gained from your research of the academic literature and your own experience.
Your discussion may include:
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An outline of the issue and its implications for, or relationship to, different stakeholders
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How that issue links to theories or research in the academic literature
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Suggested solutions or ideas
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Evaluation of the solutions or ideas for this particular case
Conclusion and Recommendations
Finally, sum up the conclusions that you have come to and give recommendations to resolve the case. Give reasons for your recommendations.
Checklist for a case study report
Have I:
Attributions
