Ultimate Office Products

Adapted from The Learning Centres document on “Analyzing Case Studies” at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (kpu.ca/learningcentres)

A case study is a detailed story about a real work situation that is used to help you apply the theories you are studying. It gives you an opportunity to analyze and evaluate information. This will let you develop a greater understanding of complex situations.

A case will contain enough information for you to think in depth about the situation and to make good decisions. A case will not provide any clear answers or have a single ‘right’ solution. Instead it gives you practice in the role of problem solver and consultant.

To Start

First, read the case study and case questions. As you are reading, identify which theories and principles that you have been studying are embedded in the case. There may be more than one, so read carefully!

Whether analyzing the case individually or as a team, do not make decisions until you have identified all possible ideas. Once you have a list, consider what you have recently been learning in class to help you focus on “What is the purpose of this case study?”.

Organize the Evidence

Think about the situation in the case study as it relates to the theories and principles you have been studying. Who are the main players? What are the challenges, constraints, resources, and opportunities?

Each case usually has a range of information that you need to identify, including:

· What is known?

· What is unknown?

· What pressures exist?

· What is the context?

· What assumptions are being made?

· What problems are evident?

· What needs to be done, decided, or resolved?

· What biases are evident?

Recognize Multiple Perspectives

Most case studies will have multiple perspectives. Each case must be considered from all of the available points of view, recognizing the various impacts on the people and situation.

· What outcomes are expected?

· What resources are available?

· What decisions need to be made?

· Within what time frame?

· How do you understand and interpret the data?

· What assumptions and inferences do you see?

Analyze the Issues

Each issue you identify should be supported by: (a) the information found in the case, and (b) linked to the relevant theory and course concepts.

Remember to search for the underlying issues. A cross-cultural conflict may be only a symptom of an underlying problem of inadequate policies and practices within the company.

Discuss the Case

As you (and your team members) discuss the points offered in the case, it is important to detail what you know and what you think you know. Presenting your opinions to others, and listening to their understanding of the situation, expands everyone’s thinking.

The point of the exercise is to consider a variety of approaches, develop critical and analytical thinking, and to propose plausible suggestions. This leads to the ability to make recommendations that can be acted on.

Develop Recommendations

When the above steps have been completed, prepare detail recommendations and identify who on your team will complete them and by when.

Consider Implications

The next step is to consider how your recommendations would work when implemented. Think about the impact they might have on the situation and on the employees involved in the case. Are your recommendations realistic? Explain why and how.

Conclusions

Ensure that your analysis is based on solid theory, observations, and recommendations. It should read as a compelling story that continues the story of the original case study. Finally, summarize the main points from the findings and discussions to wrap up your analysis.

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