Preparing case analyses

Introduction: This handout is a guide only and not a prescription but it is designed to help you
prepare for in class discussion or for exam answers when the focus is on a short case study.
Other units and lengthier cases will require different approaches and you should adapt your
approach according to the advice provided by the relevant lecturers and tutors. Case
analysis is a both a learning tool used in class and an evaluation tool used in exams, as well
as a tool used for progressive assessments in assignments. Your approach needs to reflect
the manner of use of the tool and the differences are highlighted in this handout.

Steps For class For exams
Part 1: Before the class or exam
1. Read the case all the way through
2. Read the case a second time
3. Ask/ make a note of who are the stakeholders/key players
4. Read any questions provided Think what sort of questions might be asked
(Have you been given topic areas?)
5. Make a list of all the issues/problems relevant to this case
6. Are there any assumptions you need to make beware of making assumptions
which are really the focus of the case (** SEE NOTE)
7. Write yourself a statement or summary of the key elements of the story or case
8. Answer each of the questions
provided
Make notes on any other issues you
believe are important

Prepare a set of notes on each of the topic
areas you have identified/been provided
Be prepared to answer questions on any or
all of these as separate essays.
Part 2: In class or exam
9. Be prepared to contribute to
discussion on the issues prepared by
you and by others.

Read the case again.
Read the instructions and questions
Plan your time allocation.

10. Be prepared to offer counter views to
your peers or colleagues.

Make notes as necessary based on the
questions posed in the exam paper.

11. Ask questions of your
peers/colleagues
Answer the questions as separate questions
with stand alone answers, including any
relevant assumptions you have made which
will have influenced your answers.

Part 3: After class or at the end of the exam
12. Note any new learning Before finalising your exam make sure you
have answered the correct number of
questions.

See over for notes on Longer Assignment Case analysis and on ** assumptions

**What are assumptions? Why make a statement of assumptions?
Case studies will always have gaps in the information presented. You can make some assumptions
about missing information as long as you identify these. E.g. It is assumed that John knew
Mary would be on annual leave in January or It is assumed that Joan did not know that Mary
would be on extended sick leave. Write a statement about any assumptions you have made
and use in any statements in your final analysis.
REMEMBER however: You DO NOT have to make any statements of assumption. AND BEWARE of
making too many assumptions. Sometimes the missing information is part of the problem
and is designed to stimulate discussion of alternatives.
What if Im preparing a longer case report/essay/analysis?
If you are writing up a longer case analysis report for an assignment.
You will need to research the topic in depth and keep a record of your research materials.
Gather Information: List the concepts, theories, models and headings that you feel will help you
analyse the problem. E.g. "perceptive shortcuts", "resistance to change", "performance
management" Use the sorts of headings and terms you might use to search a database or
index for material. Undertake a key word search and identify reading material which will
help you to analyse the information presented in the case study. Read these and take notes
being careful to keep a record of all sources of information for use in referencing your
discussion.
Identify Alternatives: Respond to the issues identified earlier. Outline the alternative courses of
action available to solve the problem. Consider the pros and cons of each alternative. In
order to develop a strong answer you will need to support your discussion with research.
Offer a solution: Make predictions as to what would happen if each of your alternatives were to be
adopted. Evaluate these by listing the pros and cons for each. Use the same criteria for
each so that they may be compared. (E.g. cost, resources, time frame). Select your
preferred course of action, identifying immediate, medium and long-term objectives. Note
down you reasons for selecting this particular option or options. List the implications of the
preferred course of action. Consider both negative and positive implications. List any
implementation issues which might arise: e.g. allocation of resources, top management
resistance,
Write it up: Determine who your audience is from your original briefing. Plan your answer using all
the information you have noted, and make an outline to follow. Unless otherwise instructed
use a report format as might be used in the workplace. Develop any new insights,
conclusions, or generalisations you may be able to make from the case. Include these in
your discussion. Check that you have addressed all the issues identified in the case study.
Edit your written product. Make sure that it flows, that the arguments presented are based
on sound reasoning, and may be clearly understood, and that all your recommendations are
derived from your discussion. Proof read, or have someone else proofread your work.
Rarely will you come up with all the answers at the first attempt. You may find that the "obvious"
solution will be totally discounted by someone else. Back up your suggestions with sound
reasoning and suitably referenced evidence from other sources. There are rarely black and white
answers, but you will not gain very good results from a poorly researched or poorly argued case.
Intuition is rarely sufficient to gain a good mark.
Prepared by Megan Paull January 2009