Sections in a case study
There are usually eight sections in a case study:
- Synopsis/Executive Summary
- Outline the purpose of the case study.
- Describe the field of research.
- Outline the issues and findings of the case study without the specific details.
- Identify the theory that will be used.
- Note any assumptions made (you may not have all the information you’d like so some assumptions may be necessary e.g.: “It has been assumed that…”, “Assuming that it takes half an hour to read one document…”).
- Findings
- Identify the problems found in the case by:
- Analyzing the problem, supporting your findings with facts given in the case, the relevant theory and course concepts.
- Searching for the underlying problems
- This section is often divided into sub sections.
- Discussion
- Summarize the major problem/s.
- Identify alternative solutions to this/these major problem/s.
- Briefly outline each alternative solution and evaluate its advantages and disadvantages.
- There is no need to refer to theory or coursework here.
- Conclusion
- Sum up the main points from the findings and discussion.
- Recommendations
- Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted.
- Briefly justify your choice explaining how it will solve the major problem/s.
- This should be written in a forceful style as this section is intended to be persuasive.
- Here integration of theory and coursework is appropriate.
- Implementation
- Explain what should be done, by whom and by when.
- If appropriate include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time).
- References
- Make sure all references are cited correctly.
- Appendices (if any)
- Attach any original data that relates to the study but which would have interrupted the flow of the main body.