Sections in a case study

There are usually eight sections in a case study:

1. 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…”).

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Conclusion

• Sum up the main points from the findings and discussion.

5. 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.

6. Implementation

• Explain what should be done, by whom and by when.
• If appropriate include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time).

7. References

• Make sure all references are cited correctly.

8. Appendices (if any)

• Attach any original data that relates to the study but which would have interrupted the flow of the main body.