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Writing a Case Study

The Case Study Method

The case study method has two parts. One part is the case, itself, and other part is the discussion of the case. Case studies are chosen for teaching, based on how rich the narrative is, and whether the people in the study are required to make a decision or solve a problem.

When using case studies, the focus is not on the data or the analysis. The students analyze the case and try to find ways to find solutions and solve problems. This method is most often used in groups, with a focus on classroom discussion.



When students are given a study by a teacher, they should attack each case with the following checklist.

  1. Thoroughly read the case and formulate your own opinions before sharing ideas with others in your group or class. You must be able to identify the problems on your own, as well as be able to offer solutions and alternatives. Before the study is discussed with the group, you must be able to form your own outline and course of action.

  2. Once you have a clear understanding of the case, you can share your ideas with other members of your group.

  3. Open discussion of the case and listen to the input of others in your group and class.

  4. Reflect back on how your original ideas changed as a result of the group discussion.

Teaching the Case Method

Professors have several ways to use case studies in the classroom. The first way is as an adjunct to normal lectures. A lecture might discuss a certain facet of business, and the case study can be used to backup the information learned in the lecture.

This type of teaching doesn't require large case studies, and can get by using excerpts and other extractions. The benefits of this method are that it only needs little preparation, and is a great way to introduce case studies into the classroom.

The second way is to use the case studies to challenge the student's solutions, and help them formulate new strategies. This is the typical case study method. Students work together to formulate solutions and conclusions; this allows students to learn from each other. ]]>