Formal Case Study Analysis Format

How do I write a proper case study analysis?

What is the Case Study Model?The Case Study Model is to prepare

senior students to interpret and analyze real life situations in business.

All case studies are prepared in the form of a formal report.

They must follow the formal format of a case study model presented here:

Part 1: Summary of the Facts

This section should present a brief listing of the key facts with proper MLA citation from the case where appropriate.

It should not exceed one paragraph (which is no more than 6-8 sentences) in length.

Therefore, there is little room for a long-winded presentation of each fact.

Part 2: Statement of the ProblemThis section should present a brief overview of the major problem. It

should include a concise statement of the major problem you identify in the case. This part of your analysis should not exceed one paragraph in length and may even be presented in a few sentences. You will want to be careful about identifying too many problems before you select the most relevant one.

Some questions to ask when formulating your definition of the problemare:

Have I identified the basic problem or am I dealing with the symptoms? If I have identified more than one problem are they separate or related?Am I putting myself in the manager's shoes and looking toward future

actions?

Part 3:Causes of the ProblemThis section should provide a detailed analysis of the

causes of the problem you identified in Section II. A major objective is to illustrate clearly how you are using course concepts to better understand the causes of the problem.

Some questions to ask when writing your causes of the problem section are:

Have I applied the appropriate course material?Do the causes I have identified relate to the problem

stated in Section II?When I draw conclusions or make assumptions do I

support these conclusions or assumptions with a sentence from the case or a quote or paraphrase from the readings or an example from class?

Part 4:Possible SolutionsThis section should outline a variety of possible solutions to

the problem. Make sure that you solution addresses the CAUSE (s) of your problem. It should be specific stating what should be done, by whom, and in what sequence. Outline the pros and cons of each alternative. Point form is fine.

Some questions and concerns to keep in mind when writing your solution and implementation sections are:

Have I been too general? For example, a general solution might state: "The manager needs to realize that they match his style to the situation." A specific solution would indicate what style is most appropriate for the situation and how you will attempt to have the manager "realize" the appropriate style. Note the emphasis on how as well as what.

Part 5:Recommendation/ConclusionThis section of your analysis should, using course concepts

and THEORY, tell why your solution and implementation will work. Provide specifics(step by step). A major objective of this section is to show clearly how you are applying course concepts to arrive at a workable solution and implementation to the problem you have identified. This section is not to exceed one paragraph in length.

Some questions to ask when writing your justification are:

Have I applied the appropriate course material?Do I support my conclusions with appropriately referenced

facts, quotes, explanations from the case, readings, and lecture notes?

Does my justification recognize the pros and cons listed earlier?

Additional InstructionsAll case study essays must have subtitles for each

paragraph as indicted by each section of the breakdown.

All case study essays must by written in MLA format

All case study essays are due at the beginning of class on the indicted due date.

All case studies are marked using a rubric provided and therefore, any missing component will seriously reduce the grade.

Plagiarizing or simply repeating word for word on the case study will result in a mark of ZERO!