I. One purpose of a case study analysis is to demonstrate your ability to apply a theoretical principle to a real-world situation.
II. Before you begin writing your analysis you should do the following:
A. Understand the instructor's requirements for format and content.
B. Be sure that you understand the principle that the case illustrates. (For example, understanding cost-minimization or supply and demand)
C. Decide what you think is the problem presented by the case.
D. Once you have fully understood the problem, devise several possible solutions to the problem using the specific principle illustrated by the case.
E. Determine which of your possible solutions is the most appropriate by analyzing and/or quantifying each one.
F. Restrict yourself to the information presented in the case study itself.
III. Your analysis should be in the required format and contain the following elements:
A. A statement of the final solution/decision you have made about the case study problem.
B. A brief statement of the problem as you see it.
C. A discussion of some solutions that could be proposed to solve the problem.
D. An explanation of the criteria you used in selecting a solution. How did you decide on the solution you chose?
E. A brief description of the actual calculations or techniques involved in analyzing each alternative.
IV. Your report may be evaluated on some or all of the following points:
A. Clarity of your presentation of the problem.
B. Insight shown by your solution of the problem.
C. Appropriateness of the techniques you used to arrive at a solution.
D. Your use of the Revision and Editing Checklists in preparing your paper.
V. Pitfalls:
A. Failure to integrate additional material. If you bring in outside material to support your solution, make sure that it logically supports what is already in the case study.
B. Failure to establish a close relationship between your solutions and the data of the case study.
C. Failure to use proper style. Case studies often use APA or ASA style. Call or visit the Metropolitan State University Writing Center for handouts, or visit Online Writing Resources and print the handouts you like best.
