CASE STUDY

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CASE STUDY MANUAL

1. What is a Case Study? A case study is a story about something unique, special, or interestingstories can be about individuals, organizations, processes, programs, neighborhoods, institutions, and even events. The case study gives the story behind the result by capturing what happened to bring it about, and can be a good opportunity to highlight a projects success, or to bring attention to a particular challenge or difficulty in a project. Cases might be selected because they are highly effective, not effective, representative, typical, or of special interest. The Case is the real life situation The Case Study is the analysis of this situation There are two different approaches to case studies: Type 1: The Analytical Approach: The case study is examined in order to try and understand what has happened and why. It is not necessary to identify problems or suggest solutions. Type 2: The Problem-Oriented Method: The case study is analyzed to identify the major problems that exist and to suggest solutions to these problems. 2. When is a Case Study Appropriate? Case studies are appropriate when there is a unique or interesting story to be told. Case studies are often used to provide context to other data (such as outcome data), offering a more complete picture of what happened in the program and why. A successful case study analyses a real life situation where existing problems need to be solved. It should relate the theory to a practical situation; for example, apply the ideas and knowledge discussed in the coursework to the practical situation at hand in the case study. Gain an overview of the case Establish what has happened (specify objectives)

Determine the causes Develop possible solutions Evaluate these solutions Formulate recommendations (write up solutions) 3. How to write the Case Study? There are usually six sections in a case study. i. 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. Here, the reader should be able to get a clear picture of the essential contents of the study. ii. Findings Identify the problems found in the case. Each analysis of a problem should be supported by facts given in the case together with the relevant theory and course concepts. Here, it is important to search for the underlying problems. This section is often divided into sub-sections, one for each problem. iii. Discussion Summarize the major problem/s Identify alternative solutions to this/these major problem/s (there is likely to be more than one solution per problem) Briefly outline each alternative solution and then evaluate it in terms of its advantages and disadvantages No need to refer to theory or coursework here. iv. Conclusion Sum up the main points from the findings and discussion.

v. 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 Explain what should be done, by whom and when. If appropriate include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time). vi. References Make sure all references are sited correctly.