Steps of Case Anaylsis

Select one of the three case studies that follow and complete a case study analysis for the one you select.

Your written case analysis should be between 4 and 10 pages long, depending on the complexity of the case. Use a 12 point serif font (such as Times New Roman).

Your task, in writing your case analysis, is to combine aspects of the case and key issues with your perceptions and supported opinions. You must then examine alternatives, choose the most viable solution and provide evidence to support your views. You obtain this evidence from discussions you've had, text readings, outside research and your personal experiences.

1. Determine how you want to present your views ans structure your paper. Case study analyses are written as reports with headings, not as essays. This report should clearly identify the relevant sections for the reader. Be consistent with your headings and fonts.

2. Include a title page. Use standard APA format to develop a title page.

3. Introduction. Determine your thesis and clearly state it in the first two paragraphs. Summarize, in one sentence, the principal outcome of your analysis.

4. Background. Take the central problem and place it in a context for the reader, providing background information about the case. Do not reiterate the facts stated in the case. The background section demonstrates to the reader that you have conducted research, either academically or in the field, regarding the types of problems the case study describes. Be sure that your written presentation focuses your diagnosis of the problems on the most important issues.

5. Key problems. This is where you share your thoughts about the problems that exist. It is a very important part of the report. Start with the "who-what-when-where-why-how" typical questions. Ask yourself, "what are the problems at this company?" There is usually more than one.

6. Alternatives.Now that you have conducted research and placed the problem(s) into a context, you will have informed choices about the alternative solutions to the problem(s). You are not expected to analyze all possible alternatives. However, you should have considered several alternatives when you formed your opinion about the case. Discuss these alternatives and why you rejected them in determining your solution to the case. Why are these viable alternatives? What are the constraints (e.g. money, time, personnel, resources) imposed and the reason that you do not recommend the alternative at this time?

7. Proposed Solution. Discuss your proposed solution providing support with solid evidence. Generally, you should only provide on proposed solution. Keep in mind that in the context of the case study, the characters or company can only start on one solution at a time. Which one do you propose and why? Justify why this solution is the best