writing a case study assignment

In terms of the interview structure, I recommend categorizing the questions in a way that the answers flow into six specific sections that will mirror a successful case study format. Combined, they'll allow you to gather enough information to put together a rich, comprehensive study.

Open with the customer's business.

The goal of this section is to generate a better understanding of the company's current challenges and goals, plus how they fit into the landscape of their industry. Sample questions might include:

• How long have you been in business?
• How many employees do you have?
• What are some of the objectives of your department at this time?

Cite a problem or pain point.

To tell a compelling story, you need context that helps match the customer's needs with your solution. Sample questions might include:

• What challenges and objectives led you to look for a solution?
• What might have happened if you did not identify a solution?
• Did you explore other solutions before this that did not work out? If so, what happened?

Discuss the decision process.

Exploring how the customer decided to work with you helps to guide potential customers through their own decision-making processes.

Sample questions might include:

• How did you hear about our product or service?
• Who was involved in the selection process?
• What was most important to you when evaluating your options?

Explain how a solution was implemented.

The focus here should be placed on the customer's experience during the onboarding process. Sample questions might include:

• How long did it take to get up and running?
• Did that meet your expectations?
• Who was involved in the process?

Explain how the solution works.

The goal of this section is to better understand how the customer is using your product or service. Sample questions might include:

• Is there a particular aspect of the product or service that you rely on most?
• Who is using the product or service?

End with the results.

In this section, you want to uncover impressive measurable outcomes — the more numbers, the better. Sample questions might include:

• How is the product or service helping you save time and increase productivity?
• In what ways does that enhance your competitive advantage?
• How much have you increased metrics X, Y, and Z?

It’s a smart idea to send a copy of your interview questions to your subject ahead of time so they can prepare strong answers and collect the numerical data you need from them.

10. Lay out your case study format.

When it comes time to take all of the information you‘ve collected and actually turn it into something useful, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I always do, but I also know that it works out in the end, so I just jump on in and work it through.

So where should you start? What should you include? What's the best way to structure it?

It‘s important to first understand that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the ways you can present a case study.

They can be very visual, which you’ll see in some of the examples we've included below, and can sometimes be communicated through video or photos with a bit of accompanying text.

Here are the sections I’d suggest, and I'll cover these in more detail after #11 below:

• Title. Keep it short. Develop a succinct but interesting project name you can give the work you did with your subject.
• Subtitle. Use this copy to briefly elaborate on the accomplishment. What was done? The case study itself will explain how you got there.
• Executive Summary . A 2-4 sentence summary of the entire story. You'll want to follow it with 2-3 bullet points that display metrics showcasing success.
• About the Subject. An introduction to the person or company you served, which can be pulled from a LinkedIn Business profile or client website.
• Challenges and Objectives. A 2-3 paragraph description of the customer's challenges, before using your product or service. This section should also include the goals or objectives the customer set out to achieve.
• How Product/Service Helped. A 2-3 paragraph section that describes how your product or service provided a solution to their problem.
• Results. A 2-3 paragraph testimonial that proves how your product or service specifically benefited the person or company and helped achieve its goals. Include numbers to quantify your contributions.
• Supporting Visuals or Quotes. Pick one or two powerful quotes that you would feature at the bottom of the sections above, as well as a visual that supports the story you are telling.
• Future Plans. Everyone likes an epilogue. Comment on what's ahead for your case study subject, whether or not those plans involve you.
• Call-to-Action (CTA). Not every case study needs a CTA, but putting a passive one at the end of your case study can encourage your readers to take an action on your website after learning about the work you've done.

When laying out your case study, focus on conveying the information you've gathered in the most clear and concise way possible.

Make it easy to scan and comprehend, and be sure to provide an attractive call-to-action at the bottom — that should provide readers an opportunity to learn more about your product or service.

11. Publish and promote your case study.

Once you‘ve completed your case study, it’s time to publish and promote it.

Some case study formats have pretty obvious promotional outlets — a video case study can go on YouTube, just as an infographic case study can go on Pinterest.

But there are still other ways to publish and promote your case study. Here are a couple of ideas.

Lead Gen in a Blog Post

As stated earlier, written case studies make terrific lead-generators if you convert them into a downloadable format, like a PDF.

To generate leads from your case study, consider writing a blog post that tells an abbreviated story of your client‘s success and asking readers to fill out a form with their name and email address if they’d like to read the rest in your PDF.

Then, promote this blog post on social media, through a Facebook post or a tweet.

Published as a Page on Your Website

As a growing business, you might need to display your case study out in the open to gain the trust of your target audience.

Rather than gating it behind a landing page, publish your case study to its own page on your website, and direct people to it from your homepage with a “Case Studies” or “Testimonials” button along your homepage's top navigation bar.

The traditional case study format includes the following parts: a title and subtitle, a client profile, a summary of the customer’s challenges and objectives, an account of how your solution helped, and a description of the results. You might also want to include supporting visuals and quotes, future plans, and calls-to-action.

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• What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

What Is a Case Study? | Definition, Examples & Methods

Published on May 8, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on November 20, 2023.

A case study is a detailed study of a specific subject, such as a person, group, place, event, organization, or phenomenon. Case studies are commonly used in social, educational, clinical, and business research.

A case study research design usually involves qualitative methods , but quantitative methods are sometimes also used. Case studies are good for describing , comparing, evaluating and understanding different aspects of a research problem .

Table of contents

When to do a case study, step 1: select a case, step 2: build a theoretical framework, step 3: collect your data, step 4: describe and analyze the case, other interesting articles.

A case study is an appropriate research design when you want to gain concrete, contextual, in-depth knowledge about a specific real-world subject. It allows you to explore the key characteristics, meanings, and implications of the case.

Case studies are often a good choice in a thesis or dissertation . They keep your project focused and manageable when you don’t have the time or resources to do large-scale research.

You might use just one complex case study where you explore a single subject in depth, or conduct multiple case studies to compare and illuminate different aspects of your research problem.

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Once you have developed your problem statement and research questions , you should be ready to choose the specific case that you want to focus on. A good case study should have the potential to:

• Provide new or unexpected insights into the subject
• Challenge or complicate existing assumptions and theories
• Propose practical courses of action to resolve a problem
• Open up new directions for future research

TipIf your research is more practical in nature and aims to simultaneously investigate an issue as you solve it, consider conducting action research instead.

Unlike quantitative or experimental research , a strong case study does not require a random or representative sample. In fact, case studies often deliberately focus on unusual, neglected, or outlying cases which may shed new light on the research problem.

Example of an outlying case studyIn the 1960s the town of Roseto, Pennsylvania was discovered to have extremely low rates of heart disease compared to the US average. It became an important case study for understanding previously neglected causes of heart disease.

However, you can also choose a more common or representative case to exemplify a particular category, experience or phenomenon.

Example of a representative case studyIn the 1920s, two sociologists used Muncie, Indiana as a case study of a typical American city that supposedly exemplified the changing culture of the US at the time.

While case studies focus more on concrete details than general theories, they should usually have some connection with theory in the field. This way the case study is not just an isolated description, but is integrated into existing knowledge about the topic. It might aim to:

• Exemplify a theory by showing how it explains the case under investigation
• Expand on a theory by uncovering new concepts and ideas that need to be incorporated
• Challenge a theory by exploring an outlier case that doesn’t fit with established assumptions

To ensure that your analysis of the case has a solid academic grounding, you should conduct a literature review of sources related to the topic and develop a theoretical framework . This means identifying key concepts and theories to guide your analysis and interpretation.

There are many different research methods you can use to collect data on your subject. Case studies tend to focus on qualitative data using methods such as interviews , observations , and analysis of primary and secondary sources (e.g., newspaper articles, photographs, official records). Sometimes a case study will also collect quantitative data.

Example of a mixed methods case studyFor a case study of a wind farm development in a rural area, you could collect quantitative data on employment rates and business revenue, collect qualitative data on local people’s perceptions and experiences, and analyze local and national media coverage of the development.

The aim is to gain as thorough an understanding as possible of the case and its context.

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In writing up the case study, you need to bring together all the relevant aspects to give as complete a picture as possible of the subject.

How you report your findings depends on the type of research you are doing. Some case studies are structured like a standard scientific paper or thesis , with separate sections or chapters for the methods , results and discussion .

Others are written in a more narrative style, aiming to explore the case from various angles and analyze its meanings and implications (for example, by using textual analysis or discourse analysis ).

In all cases, though, make sure to give contextual details about the case, connect it back to the literature and theory, and discuss how it fits into wider patterns or debates.

If you want to know more about statistics , methodology , or research bias , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

• Normal distribution
• Degrees of freedom
• Null hypothesis
• Discourse analysis
• Control groups
• Mixed methods research
• Non-probability sampling
• Quantitative research
• Ecological validity

Research bias

• Rosenthal effect
• Implicit bias
• Cognitive bias
• Selection bias
• Negativity bias
• Status quo bias

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How to Write a Case Study: A Step-by-Step Guide (+ Examples)

by Todd Brehe

on Jan 3, 2024

If you want to learn how to write a case study that engages prospective clients, demonstrates that you can solve real business problems, and showcases the results you deliver, this guide will help.

We’ll give you a proven template to follow, show you how to conduct an engaging interview, and give you several examples and tips for best practices.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is a Case Study?

A business case study is simply a story about how you successfully delivered a solution to your client.

Case studies start with background information about the customer, describe problems they were facing, present the solutions you developed, and explain how those solutions positively impacted the customer’s business.

Do Marketing Case Studies Really Work?

Absolutely. A well-written case study puts prospective clients into the shoes of your paying clients, encouraging them to engage with you. Plus, they:

• Get shared “behind the lines” with decision makers you may not know;
• Leverage the power of “social proof” to encourage a prospective client to take a chance with your company;
• Build trust and foster likeability;
• Lessen the perceived risk of doing business with you and offer proof that your business can deliver results;
• Help prospects become aware of unrecognized problems;
• Show prospects experiencing similar problems that possible solutions are available (and you can provide said solutions);
• Make it easier for your target audience to find you when using Google and other search engines.

Case studies serve your clients too. For example, they can generate positive publicity and highlight the accomplishments of line staff to the management team. Your company might even throw in a new product/service discount, or a gift as an added bonus.

But don’t just take my word for it. Let’s look at a few statistics and success stories:

5 Winning Case Study Examples to Model

Before we get into the nuts and bolts of how to write a case study, let’s go over a few examples of what an excellent one looks like.

The five case studies listed below are well-written, well-designed, and incorporate a time-tested structure.

1. Lane Terralever and Pinnacle at Promontory

This case study example  from Lane Terralever  incorporates images to support the content and effectively uses subheadings to make the piece scannable.

2. WalkMe Mobile and Hulyo

This case study  from WalkMe Mobile  leads with an engaging headline and the three most important results the client was able to generate.

In the first paragraph, the writer expands the list of accomplishments encouraging readers to learn more.

3. CurationSuite Listening Engine

This is an example of a well-designed printable case study . The client, specific problem, and solution are called out in the left column and summarized succinctly.

4. Brain Traffic and ASAE

This long format case study (6 pages) from Brain Traffic  summarizes the challenges, solutions, and results prominently in the left column. It uses testimonials and headshots of the case study participants very effectively.

5. Adobe and Home Depot

This case study  from Adobe and Home Depot  is a great example of combining video, attention-getting graphics, and long form writing. It also uses testimonials and headshots well.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics and showed a few great case study examples you can use as inspiration, let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work.

A Case Study Structure That Pros Use

Let’s break down the structure of a compelling case study:

Choose Your Case Study Format

In this guide, we focus on written case studies. They’re affordable to create, and they have a proven track record. However, written case studies are just one of four case study formats to consider:

• Infographic

If you have the resources, video (like the Adobe and Home Depot example above) and podcast case studies can be very compelling. Hearing a client discuss in his or her own words how your company helped is an effective content marketing strategy

Infographic case studies are usually one-page images that summarize the challenge, proposed solution, and results. They tend to work well on social media.

Follow a Tried-and-True Case Study Template

The success story structure we’re using incorporates a “narrative” or “story arc” designed to suck readers in and captivate their interest.

Note:  I recommend creating a blog post or landing page on your website that includes the text from your case study, along with a downloadable PDF. Doing so helps people find your content when they perform Google and other web searches.

There are a few simple SEO strategies that you can apply to your blog post that will optimize your chances of being found. I’ll include those tips below.

Craft a Compelling Headline

The headline should capture your audience’s attention quickly. Include the most important result you achieved, the client’s name, and your company’s name. Create several examples, mull them over a bit, then pick the best one. And, yes, this means writing the headline is done at the very end.

SEO  Tip:  Let’s say your firm provided “video editing services” and you want to target this primary keyword. Include it, your company name, and your client’s name in the case study title.

Write the Executive Summary

This is a mini-narrative using an abbreviated version of the Challenge + Solution + Results model (3-4 short paragraphs). Write this after you complete the case study.

SEO  Tip:  Include your primary keyword in the first paragraph of the Executive Summary.

Provide the Client’s Background

Introduce your client to the reader and create context for the story.

List the Customer’s Challenges and Problems

Vividly describe the situation and problems the customer was dealing with, before working with you.

SEO  Tip:  To rank on page one of Google for our target keyword, review the questions listed in the “People also ask” section at the top of Google’s search results. If you can include some of these questions and their answers into your case study, do so. Just make sure they fit with the flow of your narrative.

Detail Your Solutions

Explain the product or service your company provided, and spell out how it alleviated the client’s problems. Recap how the solution was delivered and implemented. Describe any training needed and the customer’s work effort.

Show Your Results

Detail what you accomplished for the customer and the impact your product/service made. Objective, measurable results that resonate with your target audience are best.

List Future Plans

Share how your client might work with your company in the future.

Give a Call-to-Action

Clearly detail what you want the reader to do at the end of your case study.

Talk About You

Include a “press release-like” description of your client’s organization, with a link to their website. For your printable document, add an “About” section with your contact information.

And that’s it. That’s the basic structure of any good case study.

Now, let’s go over how to get the information you’ll use in your case study.

How to Conduct an Engaging Case Study Interview

One of the best parts of creating a case study is talking with your client about the experience. This is a fun and productive way to learn what your company did well, and what it can improve on, directly from your customer’s perspective.

Here are some suggestions for conducting great case study interviews:

When Choosing a Case Study Subject, Pick a Raving Fan

Your sales and marketing team should know which clients are vocal advocates willing to talk about their experiences. Your customer service and technical support teams should be able to contribute suggestions.

Clients who are experts with your product/service make solid case study candidates. If you sponsor an online community, look for product champions who post consistently and help others.

When selecting a candidate, think about customer stories that would appeal to your target audience. For example, let’s say your sales team is consistently bumping into prospects who are excited about your solution, but are slow to pull the trigger and do business with you.

In this instance, finding a client who felt the same way, but overcame their reluctance and contracted with you anyway, would be a compelling story to capture and share.

Prepping for the Interview

If you’ve ever seen an Oprah interview, you’ve seen a master who can get almost anyone to open up and talk. Part of the reason is that she and her team are disciplined about planning.

Before conducting a case study interview, talk to your own team about the following:

• What’s unique about the client (location, size, industry, etc.) that will resonate with our prospects?
• Why did the customer select us?
• How did we help the client?
• What’s unique about this customer’s experience?
• What problems did we solve?
• Were any measurable, objective results generated?
• What do we want readers to do after reading this case study analysis?

Pro Tip:  Tee up your client. Send them the questions in advance.

Providing questions to clients before the interview helps them prepare, gather input from other colleagues if needed, and feel more comfortable because they know what to expect.

In a moment, I’ll give you an exhaustive list of interview questions. But don’t send them all. Instead, pare the list down to one or two questions in each section and personalize them for your customer.

Nailing the Client Interview

Decide how you’ll conduct the interview. Will you call the client, use Skype or Facetime, or meet in person? Whatever mode you choose, plan the process in advance.

Make sure you record the conversation. It’s tough to lead an interview, listen to your contact’s responses, keep the conversation flowing, write notes, and capture all that the person is saying.

A recording will make it easier to write the client’s story later. It’s also useful for other departments in your company (management, sales, development, etc.) to hear real customer feedback.

Use open-ended questions that spur your contact to talk and share. Here are some real-life examples:

Introduction

• Recap the purpose of the call. Confirm how much time your contact has to talk (30-45 minutes is preferable).
• Confirm the company’s location, number of employees, years in business, industry, etc.
• What’s the contact’s background, title, time with the company, primary responsibilities, and so on?

Initial Challenges

• Describe the situation at your company before engaging with us?
• What were the initial problems you wanted to solve?
• What was the impact of those problems?
• When did you realize you had to take some action?
• What solutions did you try?
• What solutions did you implement?
• What process did you go through to make a purchase?
• How did the implementation go?
• How would you describe the work effort required of your team?
• If training was involved, how did that go?

Results, Improvements, Progress

• When did you start seeing improvements?
• What were the most valuable results?
• What did your team like best about working with us?
• Would you recommend our solution/company? Why?

Future Plans

• How do you see our companies working together in the future?

Honest Feedback

• Our company is very focused on continual improvement. What could we have done differently to make this an even better experience?
• What would you like us to add or change in our product/service?

During the interview, use your contact’s responses to guide the conversation.

Once the interview is complete, it’s time to write your case study.

How to Write a Case Study… Effortlessly

Case study writing is not nearly as difficult as many people make it out to be. And you don’t have to be Stephen King to do professional work. Here are a few tips:

• Use the case study structure that we outlined earlier, but write these sections first: company background, challenges, solutions, and results.
• Write the headline, executive summary, future plans, and call-to-action (CTA) last.
• In each section, include as much content from your interview as you can. Don’t worry about editing at this point
• Tell the story by discussing their trials and tribulations.
• Stay focused on the client and the results they achieved.
• Make their organization and employees shine.
• When including information about your company, frame your efforts in a supporting role.

Also, make sure to do the following:

Add Testimonials, Quotes, and Visuals

The more you can use your contact’s words to describe the engagement, the better. Weave direct quotes throughout your narrative.

Strive to be conversational when you’re writing case studies, as if you’re talking to a peer.

Include images in your case study that visually represent the content and break up the text. Photos of the company, your contact, and other employees are ideal.

If you need to incorporate stock photos, here are three resources:

• Deposit p hotos

And if you need more, check out Smart Blogger’s excellent resource: 17 Sites with High-Quality, Royalty-Free Stock Photos .

Proofread and Tighten Your Writing

Make sure there are no grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. If you need help, consider using a grammar checker tool like Grammarly .

My high school English teacher’s mantra was “tighten your writing.” She taught that impactful writing is concise and free of weak, unnecessary words . This takes effort and discipline, but will make your writing stronger.

Also, keep in mind that we live in an attention-diverted society. Before your audience will dive in and read each paragraph, they’ll first scan your work.  Use subheadings  to summarize information, convey meaning quickly, and pull the reader in.

Be Sure to Use Best Practices

Consider applying the following best practices to your case study:

• Stay laser-focused on your client and the results they were able to achieve.
• Even if your audience is technical, minimize the use of industry jargon . If you use acronyms, explain them.
• Leave out the selling and advertising.
• Don’t write like a Shakespearean wannabe. Write how people speak. Write to be understood.
• Clear and concise writing is not only more understandable, it inspires trust. Don’t ramble.
• Weave your paragraphs together so that each sentence is dependent on the one before and after it.
• Include a specific case study call-to-action (CTA).
• A recommended case study length is 2-4 pages.
• Commit to building a library of case studies.

Get Client Approval

After you have a final draft, send it to the client for review and approval. Incorporate any edits they suggest.

Use or modify the following “Consent to Publish” form to get the client’s written sign-off:

Consent to Publish

Case Study  Title:

I hereby confirm that I have reviewed the case study listed above and on behalf of the [Company Name], I provide full permission for the work to be published, in whole or in part, for the life of the work, in all languages and all formats by [Company publishing the case study].

By signing this form, I affirm that I am authorized to grant full permission.

Company Name:

E-mail Address:

Common Case Study Questions (& Answers)

We’ll wrap things up with a quick Q&A. If you have a question I didn’t answer, be sure to leave it in a blog comment below.

Should I worry about print versions of my case studies?

Absolutely.

As we saw in the CurationSuite  and Brain Traffic  examples earlier, case studies get downloaded, printed, and shared. Prospects can and will judge your book by its cover.

So, make sure your printed case study is eye-catching and professionally designed. Hire a designer  if necessary.

Why are good case studies so effective?

Case studies work because people trust them.

They’re not ads, they’re not press releases, and they’re not about how stellar your company is.

Plus, everyone likes spellbinding stories with a hero [your client], a conflict [challenges], and a riveting resolution [best solution and results].

How do I promote my case study?

After you’ve written your case study and received the client’s approval to use it, you’ll want to get it in front of as many eyes as possible.

Try the following:

• Make sure your case studies can be easily found on your company’s homepage.
• Tweet and share the case study on your various social media accounts.
• Have your sales team use the case study as a reason to call on potential customers. For example: “Hi [prospect], we just published a case study on Company A. They were facing some of the same challenges I believe your firm is dealing with. I’m going to e-mail you a copy. Let me know what you think.”
• Distribute printed copies at trade shows, seminars, or during sales presentations.
• If you’re bidding on a job and have to submit a quote or a Request for Proposal (RFP), include relevant case studies as supporting documents.

Ready to Write a Case Study That Converts?

If you want to stand out and you want to win business, case studies should be an integral part of your sales and marketing efforts.

Hopefully, this guide answered some of your questions and laid out a path that will make it faster and easier for your team to create professional, sales-generating content.

Now it’s time to take action and get started. Gather your staff, select a client, and ask a contact to participate. Plan your interview and lead an engaging conversation. Write up your client’s story, make them shine, and then share it.

Get better at the case study process by doing it more frequently. Challenge yourself to write at least one case study every two months.

As you do, you’ll be building a valuable repository of meaningful, powerful content. These success stories will serve your business in countless ways, and for years to come.

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Written by Todd Brehe

6 thoughts on “how to write a case study: a step-by-step guide (+ examples)”.

Just the guide I needed for case studies! Great job with this one!

Hey Todd, great post here. I liked that you listed some prompting questions. Really demonstrates you know what you’re talking about. There are a bunch of Ultimate Guides out there who list the theories such as interview your customer, talk about results, etc. but really don’t help you much.

Thanks, Todd. I’ve planned a case study and this will really come in handy. Bookmarked.

Very good read. Thanks, Todd. Are there any differences between a case study and a use case, by the way?

Hi Todd, Very well-written article. This is the ultimate guide I have read till date. It has actionable points rather than some high-level gyan. Creating a new case study always works better when (1) you know the structure to follow and (2) you work in a group of 3-4 members rather than individually. Thanks for sharing this guide.

Hi Todd. Very useful guide. I learn step by step. Looking forward to continually learning from you and your team. Thanks

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How to Write a Case Study: Definition, Outline, Steps & Examples

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A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth examination of a particular subject, often a person, group, event, or organization. It's used to explore complex issues in real-world contexts. A case study can provide insights that might not be achieved with other research methods.

Are you struggling with writing a case study and don't know where to begin? You are not alone. Most students involved in the Psychology or Sociology field often find this task challenging. Especially if they are new to this research method. However, with the right structure and preparation, creating a case study paper will be a piece of cake. 

After reading this article, you will be armed with all essential details including:

• Definition 
• Case study types
• Basic structure
• Steps on how to write a case study
• Examples that worked.

Let’s dive right in!

What Is a Case Study: Definition

A case study is a research method that involves examining a specific instance to let researchers learn more about an individual, event, organization or concept. It is like a magnifying glass for studying real-life situations. By looking at a single example, we can learn more about complex issues and understand patterns. 

Case studies are used in the fields like Psychology, Business, Statistics or Nursing. As a rule, students apply this research method when writing a dissertation or thesis . 

Depending on the research question and the data needed to address a problem, case studies can involve various research methods.

Research Methods Applied in Case Studies

Case Study Example

A researcher is interested in studying the effects of a newly implemented teaching method on student performance. To find out, they observe a class of 30 students over one semester. The researcher compares the test scores from before and after the method was used, documenting its effectiveness.  The study results showed that academic performance had improved by 11.5% since the new teaching method was implemented. The researcher concluded that this approach works well and can be generalized to a broader population.

Let's recap the main points. 

What Is the Purpose of a Case Study?

The primary purpose of a case study is to gain insight into the real-world situations through the investigation and analysis of a single instance. This research design is often applied to meet such goals: 

• Develop a better understanding of complex issues or phenomena 
• Identify patterns and relationships
• Test hypotheses and theories in natural settings
• Provide practical solutions
• Illustrate best practices or successful strategies.

Every case study writer can customize their work to fit the needs of a specific discipline, as shown below.

Use of Case Studies 

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Types of Case Studies

There are different types of case studies that scholars or students can bring into play. Each approach has its own focus and is chosen based on research objectives. 

• Descriptive case studies This approach involves a detailed examination of a particular situation or phenomenon to understand it better. Here, researchers see the context, events, and processes that led to a particular outcome, and get a comprehensive picture of the situation.
• Explanatory case studies Explanatory method allows us to understand the "why" and “how” behind a particular event or phenomenon. As the name suggests, this type of case study seeks to test and explain the causal relationship between independent and dependent variables . 
• Exploratory case studies Imagine being a detective and investigating a mystery or problem in its early stages. This is the main idea of an exploratory investigation. It helps to recognize key questions, potential patterns, and areas for further research. It's like peeling back the layers of an onion, revealing new insights and uncovering possible solutions. 
• Intrinsic case studies  Unlike other case study methods, an intrinsic approach is used to explore a unique instance. Here, researchers focus on a particular scenario in its own right, rather than trying to apply the outcomes to a broader population.  
• Instrumental case studies This type of study examines one instance to shed light on a larger group or phenomenon. Instrumental technique is a good choice if you want to develop theoretical frameworks and obtain generalizable findings.
• Cumulative case studies  While conducting cumulative research, students compile and synthesize information from multiple similar instances. Here, you combine the results of multiple studies to draw more generalized conclusions.
• Collective case reports Think of several individual instances being studied together to provide a broader understanding of a specific phenomenon. These instances are often connected by a common theme. This enables researchers to compare and contrast cases and uncover tendencies. 
• Critical case studies Researchers use this method to explore exceptional instances that are particularly interesting or thought-provoking. Critical approach helps to analyze why a specific situation occurred and what could have been done differently.

Case Study Structure: Main Parts

When investigating any phenomenon, it’s important to organize your sections in a logical manner. A structure of a case study usually includes such components:

• Introduction This section is a place to present a case. Provide a brief overview of your instance, introduce your key research objectives and prepare the readers for further analysis.
• Problem identification By laying out a problem, you will be able to show the scope and significance of your topic. Identify the main issue that will be examined and build a clear statement of the problem.
• Background A properly established context sets the stage for research and lays a foundation for case evaluation. Offer relevant background information on the instance. This can be a historical, geographical or cultural context.
• Methodology Describe your  methodology in research  – approach, data collection methods and analysis techniques used in your investigation.
• Solution  Now is the time to determine potential solutions to address the problem, and evaluate the pros and cons of each resolution. Make sure solutions are realistic.
• Results  Once a case study is conducted, you should share your key findings. Mention any data or evidence that was collected and analyzed.
• Discussion This part of a case study is a perfect opportunity for analysis. Discuss the implications of your outcomes and draw conclusions
• Conclusion Summarize your main points, restate a problem and solutions, and offer final recommendations or next steps.

Case Study Outline

Before you create a case study, it’s a good idea to prepare an outline. It serves as a skeleton of your project. A well-structured outline of a case study helps organize your thoughts in a logical manner.

Below you can see an example of a basic template. Feel free to use it for inspiration. 

General Outline  

• Brief subject introduction
• Research purpose and objectives
• Necessary context
• Problem/issue
• Problem significance
• Subject/idea history
• Setting or environment description
• Key challenges, opportunities, or turning points
• Research methods used to gather information
• Data analysis methods
• Possible strategies
• Assessment of solutions
• Recommended solvents
• Major discoveries from the data analysis
• Implications
• Limitations/challenges
• Summary of key points
• Restatement of the problem and solution
• Final suggestions or next steps

Based on the sample template shown above, arrange your key ideas and highlight critical information. You may change the blocks to meet your assignment’s unique requirements.

Before You Start Writing a Case Study

Preparation  is the key to success. To make your case study flawless, you need to establish your goal and plan. This will lay the foundation of the whole process before you begin writing.

Ensure you follow these 3 crucial steps before moving further. 

1. Carefully Read the Instructions 

Your professor may provide you with special requirements, case study rubric or exemplary works. The instructions may include details on preferred format, structure, word count, writing style or analysis techniques. Read given material attentively and make sure you fully understand the guidelines. 

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2. Conduct Research

Researching is the most time-consuming part of writing a case study. Review relevant studies on the research topic to gain a deeper understanding of your subject. You may want to go through different sources and identify their strengths and limitations. Strive to build a bridge between your case study report and existing gaps. 

Make sure to jot down all your ideas, opinions, notes or questions related to your research. This approach will help you build an outline and write a case study accordingly.  

3. Gather Data

Now you are all set for the data collection process. Identify the most relevant type of information pertinent to your research question.

Consider using primary sources such as interviews, surveys or questionnaires. Secondary resources may include books, articles, case studies and public documents. 

Your data must be accurate and reliable so double-check your research results before integrating them into your project.

How to Write a Case Study in 7 Steps?

Now that you are familiar with the preparation stages, it's time to dive into the writing process. Writing case studies can be challenging. But by following a structured approach, you can produce a clear and engaging work. 

To create a strong project, it's important to carefully plan and execute each step of your flow, from identifying the research question to presenting your conclusions. Below we have prepared detailed guidelines on how to write a case study paper. 

1. Introduce a Case Study

Start your case study introduction by presenting your subject and providing a brief overview of the research objectives. It's important to highlight the significance of your case and explain why it warrants examination. One way to do this is to focus on innovative aspects, such as a novel approach to a problem or a new technology. You can also emphasize the broader implications. 

You should also preview a structure. This will give readers an idea of what to expect. Briefly describe your main points or provide a rough outline. 

Case Study Introduction Example

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that can arise in individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. In this case study, we examine the experiences of a patient who was diagnosed with PTSD following a car accident. Our analysis focuses on the patient's symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors. We also explore the treatments employed to manage these symptoms. By analyzing this case, we aim to provide insights into the challenges of treating PTSD and offer recommendations for improving therapeutic interventions for individuals suffering from this condition.

2. Describe a Problem

Before you get to the problem, provide context that explains the issue at hand. Identify the scope and impact of this problem. One efficient strategy of creating case studies that trigger attention is integrating examples or statistics. This helps to understand how severe this situation is. 

Additionally, you may want to highlight any challenges or obstacles that have prevented a problem from being solved. 

Example of Problem Description in a Case Study

John is a 28-year-old man who was involved in a serious car accident three months ago. Since then, he has been experiencing PTSD symptoms, including recurring nightmares, flashbacks, and feelings of anxiety. These symptoms have affected his work performance and relationships with family and friends. Despite seeking help from his primary care physician and attending therapy sessions, John has not experienced significant improvement. The challenge is to identify effective treatments that can help John manage his PTSD and improve his quality of life.

>> Read more: How to Write a Problem Statement

3. Discuss Research Methods 

Research methods you apply will define how to make a case study. There are multiple ways to collect data. So your primary task here is to figure out what kind of information you want to obtain. 

Your research strategy should align with your objectives. For instance, interviews can help capture detailed information from a small sample of people. On the other hand, surveys involve large groups of individuals. If you are using interviews or surveys, provide a list of questions participants were asked. 

You can also do experiments to test out different theories or conduct document analysis to identify trends. 

>> Learn more: What Is Experimental Design  

Example of How to Describe Research Methods 

In this research, both quantitative and qualitative data were utilized. 10 semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants who had experienced PTSD symptoms following a traumatic event. Additionally, data was collected from a survey of 253 individuals who had not been diagnosed with PTSD. We inquired about their experiences with trauma and the types of coping strategies they used to manage stress. Medical records from John's primary care physician were analyzed to track his progress over time. The combination of quantitative and qualitative data allowed for a comprehensive understanding of John's unique experiences with PTSD.

4. Offer Solutions to the Problem 

The next stage involves coming up with potential solutions. Explain what strategies could be used to address the problem.

For example, if you write a case study on a business-related problem, solutions may involve implementing procedures to improve efficiency. Alternatively, in a healthcare niche, you will offer a new medication or therapy.

Be sure to provide evidence from your research or expert opinions to support your suggestions.

Here’s how to do a case study solutions section. 

Example of Solution

One potential solution for addressing John's PTSD symptoms is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). According to a study by Bisson and colleagues (2013), CBT has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD in individuals who have experienced traumatic events. The therapist can work with John to identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to his traumatic experience and teach him coping skills to manage his anxiety and stress.

5. Present Your Key Results

Most scholars judge case study reports by research outcomes. You need to show that your solution works. Analyze collected data and share your most significant findings in your results section . This can be an increase in profits or a patient's health improvement. 

When you write your case study outcomes, it is important to organize the information in a clear and concise manner. Use tables, graphs and charts to illustrate your data visually. 

Provide a short summary of your results and their implications. But don’t just tell. You need to back up your research with evidence. If you used interviews, be sure to include any statistical analysis done for those results. 

Example of Case Study Research Results

Our analysis showed that participants who received cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) reported a significant decrease in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as compared to those who received no therapy. Specifically, the group who received CBT experienced a 35% reduction in symptoms. Meanwhile, the control group experienced no significant change. These findings suggest that CBT may be an effective treatment option for individuals with PTSD.

6. Conclude with Recommendations

A conclusion of a case study is where you wrap everything up and provide recommendations for further research. Sum up your key points and explain how they could be used to solve similar problems. You can also highlight any unexpected findings or insights that emerged during the study. Don’t forget to discuss any ethical considerations or limitations. 

You need to create a lasting impression. For this, end a case study with a thought-provoking statement or call to action. 

Case Study Conclusion Example

Our research highlighted the significant impact of PTSD on individuals who have experienced a traumatic event. The results suggested that cognitive-behavioral therapy and reprocessing therapy are effective treatments for PTSD. However, more research is needed to determine the long-term effects of these treatments. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking treatment remains a significant barrier to access to care. It is crucial for healthcare professionals and policymakers to address this issue and increase access to mental health services.

7. Proofread Your Case Study

Once you are done with writing a case study, you need to carefully review it. Keep an eye on these things when checking your work: 

• Grammar mistakes Proofread your writing for typos and grammar errors. Feel free to use our  Grammar Checker  to make sure you got everything right.
• Clarity Check whether your work is readable and concise. Avoid long sentences and complex structures.
• Sources accuracy Make sure to check all sources for accuracy. It is also important to ensure that all reported data is up-to-date.
• Citations Ascertain whether all sources are properly cited and the same style is used consistently throughout your paper.

Case Study Format

Besides the content, it is also important to stick to a specific case study paper format. The layout of your paper should follow guidelines of the chosen citation style.

There are different ways to format a case study. Commonly used styles include APA, MLA, Chicago and Harvard. Each format  presents specific requirements for formatting your text and references. 

Check out our detailed guides listed below to learn more about each style. 

>>  How to Write a Paper in APA Format?

>>  How to Do MLA Format?  

>>  How to Write a Chicago Style Paper?

Case Study Examples

Getting actual examples of case studies can be a great way to learn and understand how to write one. To help you out, we have collected several sample case study paper examples for different disciplines. Feel free to use these samples as inspiration when writing your own paper.

Case Study Writing Tips

With the right approach, your effort will reward you with an A+. In this section, we will list some actionable tips on how to write a good case study: 

• Planning your work ahead Planning your work ahead Make sure to create an outline before you start writing and stick to it throughout the entire process.
• Arranging your data logically Break down complex information into chunks and use visual elements (tables, graphs, diagrams) to present it.
• Structuring your writing Use headings and subheadings to organize your content and make key points easy to access.
• Keeping your text simple Write your case study in an easy-to-read language and refrain from complex sentence structures.
• Remaining impartial Be objective in your analysis and avoid personal biases.

Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Case Study

Even a small mistake can undermine your whole work. Here are some common pitfalls students fail to account for in their case studies:

• Focusing too much on the background Provide enough space for analysis of your problem and solution.
• Stuffing with direct quotes Quotes can be used as evidence in your paper. But relying on them too much will make it sound overly repetitive.
• Not referring to all sources Always cite your sources correctly and use only reliable data in your paper.
• Being vague Avoid general statements and be more specific while discussing your results and solutions.
• Failing to mention possible gaps Always consider ethical considerations or limitations.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study

Using a case study approach as your research method has its own pros and cons. On one hand, it is an effective way to explore a particular issue in detail. On the other, there are certain limitations that come with this approach. Below we will cover both strengths and limitations of case studies.

Benefits of Case Study

A case study is like a seed that can grow into a fruitful tree, providing resolutions to intricate problems. Here are the biggest case study benefits you can use to your advantage:

• In-depth analysis Researchers can gather a lot of information on a specific topic or issue.
• Insights into elaborate issues Allows researchers to examine complex issues in a controlled manner.
• Real-life situations You are able to test theories or hypotheses in real-world settings.
• Comprehensive approach Researchers can collect both quantitative and qualitative data.
• Unique revelations This method can enlight on previously unexplored or understudied areas.

Limitations of Case Study

As with any research method, case studies have their fair share of drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at some of the most prevalent issues that can arise when using this approach.

• Limited generalizability Due to the small sample size and unique nature of each case, it can be difficult to generalize findings to a larger population.
• Observer bias Researchers may bring their own biases and perspectives, which can influence their results and interpretations.
• Time-consuming and expensive This approach requires significant time and resources to conduct, making it less feasible for some research questions.
• Lack of control In contrast to experimental research, case studies lack control over extraneous variables. This can make it difficult to establish cause-and-effect relationships.
• Subjectivity Collected data is often subjective and open to interpretation, which can introduce potential errors.

Case Study Paper Writing Checklist

Before you write a case study assignment, make sure to recap all the information you have learnt today. Refer to this checklist to ensure you are on the right track. 

• checkbox I thoroughly researched my topic and gathered relevant information.
• checkbox A problem/issue is clearly defined. 
• checkbox My case study structure is well-organized. 
• checkbox I used appropriate research methods to gather data.
• checkbox My findings are well-supported by analysis and evidence. 
• checkbox I discussed possible limitations and ethical considerations. 
• checkbox The work offers recommendations for further research.
• checkbox My paper adheres to formatting guidelines required by my instructor.

Bottom Line on How to Write a Case Study

Writing a case study can be an incredibly challenging task for any student. However, with the right approach and tips, you can easily turn this daunting task into a pleasant experience. 

We hope this article helped you understand how to write a case study. Remember to focus on the practical part and avoid overgeneralizing or cherry-picking data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is a case study in research.

A case study is a research method that involves an in-depth analysis of a particular subject. This approach most often focuses on a single event, person or group. It provides insight into the context of a problem and can be used to explore solutions to intricate issues.

2. What is the difference between a case study and a research paper?

The main difference between a case study and a research paper is in their scope. A case study explores a limited number of subjects, while research papers investigate multiple variables and/or draw conclusions from larger data sets. While both works contain evidence-based information, the focus and approach taken are quite different. Research papers are more general in nature, while case studies focus on narrow problems.

3. How long should a case study be?

The length of a case study varies depending on the type of assignment. Case studies intended for scholarly articles range from 3,000 to 4,0000 words or more. Meanwhile, if it’s a separate chapter in your MA or PhD dissertation, you will need to keep it between 8,000-15,000 words. Follow specific guidelines provided by your professor or institution. 

4. Why is a case study important?

Case studies are an important research tool, as they provide detailed information on a particular issue. By exploring a single instance from multiple angles, researchers can uncover solutions to complicated problems that may not be immediately apparent. Using this method, scientists also test hypotheses and generate new theories.

5. What makes a good case study?

A good case study should be organized, well-researched, and contain evidence. Some characteristics of a case study include:

• Precise subject overview
• Thorough analysis that goes beyond surface-level information
• Examination of a single scenario from various perspectives
• Fact-based arguments
• Validated findings.

6. How to start a case study?

To start a case study, begin by carefully reading requirements and identifying the main problem to be addressed. Don't jump to conclusions or make assumptions – take it one step at a time. Once you have a clear understanding of your goal, gather relevant data. This includes doing research, interviewing people, and analyzing relevant documents.

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How to Write a Case Study Assignment: All-In-One Guide

But First: What Is a Case Study?

How long should your case study paper be, 5 types of case study assignments, what’s the common case study structure, how is a case study different from a research paper, how to prepare for writing your case study assignment, 7 powerful tips on how to write a case study, how to add a title page & citations to a case study, 3 marketing case study templates to help you out, 3+1 case study examples to inspire you, in conclusion.

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You won’t get through your academic program without at least one case study assignment. That’s because case studies are a powerful tool for gaining a real-world, in-depth understanding of problems – and their solutions.

But as an assignment, they can be confusing and challenging, especially if it’s your first time writing a case study. So, let us share with you everything we know about how to write a case study that’s compelling and fresh – and that’ll get you the top grade.

Before you get to writing a case study, you need to understand what it is to zero in on your goal as the author.

A case study is a piece that examines a particular problem and one or several of its real-world solutions. It can also analyze a certain event, personality, place, or situation in the context of a bigger issue.

And here lies your first piece of advice on how to write a case study assignment. Your goal is to meticulously analyze your case: what problem it tackles, how successful the approach was, etc.

It depends. A case study assignment can be anywhere between 500 and 1,500 words. The precise length depends on how long it needs to be for you to cover every crucial detail of the case and tell your readers the story.

That said, when you get to case study writing, keep in mind these four guidelines:

• Hook your reader within the first 100 words;
• Dedicate the bulk of your text to results and benefits or failing;
• Keep it as concise as you can;
• Use visuals whenever appropriate.

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When you’re asked to write a case study, remember to pinpoint which case study type matches your topic the best:

• Historical case studies examine past events and draw parallels between them and contemporary trends or issues.
• Cumulative case study writing involves aggregating information about a particular subject.
• Problem-oriented case studies aim to find the best solution by analyzing existing ones and their results.
• Illustrative case studies recount a certain event, break down its outcomes, and reach teachable conclusions.
• Critical case studies involve writing a case study report on the causes and effects of their subject.

To write a case study, follow this standard eight-part structure:

• Executive summary combines an overview of the field and your thesis statement.
• The background is the description of your case: its context, course, and key issues.
• Case evaluation is where you isolate the issues or details you’ll focus on and explain why the solution works – or doesn’t.
• Proposed solutions describe how to improve what works or fix what doesn’t. It’s often the toughest part, so don’t hesitate to turn to cheap assignment help if it’s your case.
• The conclusion is a summary of the previous two sections.
• Recommendations are your substantiated opinion on the best way to tackle the issue.
• Implementation describes the practicalities of putting your strategies to work.
• Citations are where you provide all the references.

These two types of assignments, albeit similar, aren’t the same. So, before we dive into how to write a case study essay, let’s list its four differences from a research paper:

• It’s a more detail-oriented, in-depth look at a particular case;
• When you write a case study, you should flex your storytelling muscles to craft a compelling essay;
• A case study is typically shorter than a research paper;
• It focuses on the practical aspects of approaching a certain problem.

Preparation is a crucial part of how to write a case study. It should include rigorous research, multiple source analysis, and, sometimes, interviewing experts or customers.

Here are five steps you should take during this phase:

• Pinpoint the goal of your case study assignment;
• Zero in on the topic, issue, and subject you’ll describe in it;
• Read up on its background information;
• Round up all the credible sources you’ll rely on in writing;
• Identify the multitude of solutions to the central problem.

Now that you know what a case study is and how to prepare for writing one, let’s break down these seven actionable tips that’ll help you in your writing process.

1. Make Your Interviews as Easy as Possible

If you’re writing a case study that examines a real business, campaign, or individual, it may involve one or several interviews. And when you ask a person to sit down with you, you essentially ask them to spend their time on you. So, make it as easy for them as possible:

• Straighten out all the interview details in advance (when, where, how long);
• Explain how the case study will be used and where it’ll end up;
• Offer to hold an interview the way they prefer (over the phone, online, via email).

2. Hook Your Readers with a Snapshot

Like any good story, its beginning should hook the reader, i.e., make them want to read further. But don’t rely on the intrigue too much.

Instead, in the introduction, describe not just the case setup but its results, too. Don’t worry about the intrigue: the journey from point A to point B should still pique the reader’s interest.

3. Find an Unconventional Perspective

Writing a case study is easy. But writing a compelling one is not. To keep your readers hooked on your case study until the last word, you’ll have to flex your creative muscles.

Here are three tips for that:

• Tell your story as a protagonist-driven narrative;
• Add a teaser at the beginning to hook your readers;
• Find your unique angle; don’t settle for a conventional perspective.

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4. Make Your Story Relatable

A unique angle shouldn’t render your story too ambiguous or cryptic to your readers. Instead, aim to craft your case study to be relatable to your target audience.

For example, when businesses create their case studies to attract potential customers, they should make sure the reader can identify with the protagonist’s problems. Then, as the business describes how its product solved those problems, it essentially tells the reader, “This product can help you with your problem, too.”

5. Pay Attention to Visual Appeal & Readability

Your case study shouldn’t be just a wall of text (if you can help it). Visuals are more efficient at communicating information.

So, add infographics, charts, tables, and other illustrative visuals whenever possible. They’re easier to comprehend and consume.

Readability is another thing to keep in mind. To make your case study easy to read, make it skimmable by:

• Adding subheadings and lists;
• Highlighting important sentences;
• Keeping the paragraphs and sections as short as possible.

6. Don’t Make the Narrative All About Yourself

Unless you have the experience or background to be at the forefront of a case study, avoid I-statements. Focus on your protagonist and tell the story from their perspective instead. This is key to making it relatable for a particular target audience, too.

Think about it this way. If you’re writing a case study for a company, you’ll want them to come across as a helping hand, not a self-proclaimed hero. So, stay humble and avoid boasting.

7. Let Your Subject Tell the Story

Whenever possible, use that interview material and incorporate interviewees’ quotes directly into your story. This will help your case study come across as more credible – and more relatable, too.

How should you use quotes when you’re writing a case study, exactly? Set up the scene or write the transition – and add the quote. And avoid repetition!

Case Study Title Page

The formatting for your title page and citations will depend on the style you’re required to use. Most likely, it’ll be the APA style. You may sometimes need to follow other style guidelines, like MLA or Chicago.

If you need to follow the APA guidelines, adding a case study title page is obligatory. Here’s what it’ll include (each element should be on a new line):

• Author’s name;
• Author’s affiliation;
• Course number and name;
• Your instructor’s name;
• The paper’s due date.

Need an example? Here’s one for a case study assignment:

Greenwashing: Coca-Cola Sustainability Campaign Case Stud Jane B. Doe Harvard Business School, Harvard University MRK101: Introduction to Marketing Prof. John AdamsMay 12, 2022

Case Study Citations

You’ll also need to know how to cite a case study when you write one. The exact rules differ depending on the style, so here are your formulas for APA and MLA styles with examples.

For an APA citation , use this template:

Author’s last name, initials (Publishing year). Title. Source

Doe, J. B. (2020). Apple and Google: an oligopoly case study. Tech Journal, 10, 13. https://website.org/oligopoly-case-study

For an MLA reference , follow this template:

Author’s last name, first name. “Title of source.” Container, publication date, source location

Doe, J. B. “Apple and Google: an oligopoly case study.” Tech Journal 10, 13, 2020, website.org/oligopoly-case-study. Accessed 4 May. 2022.

Don’t know where to start with your case study? Following a template can be a great way to overcome writer’s block – and save some time in the process.

Here are three resources with case study templates you’ll love:

• Canva has a whole case study category in its templates. Use them to make your case study presentation visually appealing – and outstanding!
• Venngage offers dozens of sleek PDF templates for case studies. You just need to create a free account to use them.
• HubSpot gives away a free pack of three text-only and three designed templates, along with a creation kit.

Need business and marketing how to write a case study examples to give you a push in the right direction? Here are three of them you can learn a great deal from:

• “The Met” by Fantasy. Focused on a website redesign for The Met, this case study posted on Fantasy’s website shows instead of just telling. The text is concise while the website showcase is put front and center.
• "In-Depth Performance Marketing Case Study" by Switch. Presented in PDF format, this case study reads as an in-depth research paper on marketing. The client’s name is never revealed, but that doesn’t get in the way of storytelling. Switch also included a glossary of terms to make it more readable for non-marketers.
• “GoFundMe Increases Repeat and Referral Business 180%” by HubSpot. Just like other HubSpot case studies, this one is well-structured and emphasizes figures as evidence. It covers both the client’s problems and how the product solved them in a quote-driven, engaging way.

If you’re looking for more academic case study writing examples or college assignment help, let us share a sample of Greenwashing: Coca-Cola Sustainability Campaign Case Study with you:

The Coca-Cola Company, a global beverage corporation, has been criticized for its plastic production and waste since the 2000s. To improve its public image, the corporation decided to spotlight its sustainability efforts. However, these campaigns only hurt the company’s brand as it was accused of greenwashing (rightfully so).

Coca-Cola pledged to reduce single-use bottles multiple times. In 2017, Greenpeace already criticized the company for failing to achieve its 2015 goal of sourcing 25% of bottle materials from recycled plastic.

The company’s current goal – “using at least 50% recycled material in our packaging by 2030” – can be tracked via Ellen MacArthur Foundation, although the data is self-reported. According to that data, the recycled content accounts for just 11.5% of its packaging material sourcing as of 2020. But it excludes most of the company’s operations in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Break Free from Plastic’s annual Brand Audit has named Coca-Cola the number one plastic polluter worldwide five years in a row. The Changing Markets Foundation listed it as a top greenwashing company in 2022, too.

All of this undermines Coca-Cola’s marketing campaign messaging and negatively impacts its branding. So, going forward, a genuine overhaul of its operations toward more sustainable ones – and transparent and full reporting on it – are a must for the company.

A case study is a great way to gain fresh, practical insights into a certain problem or event. When done right, it’s also a more compelling and engaging piece than other research papers.

However, that’s exactly what makes case studies so research-demanding and time-consuming. But if you’re not up to the challenge or lack the time required to do an A-worthy job, don’t worry. You can always turn to assignment help online like ours for help!

Any tips on how to start a case study?

Can you give some advice on how to write introduction for case study, where can i find some examples of well-written case studies, what if i don’t know where to start with my case study assignment, do you have any tips on how to present a case study, what is case study research.

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Step-by-Step Guide How to Write a Case Study Assignment

This article offers a comprehensive analysis of the process of writing a case study assignment, providing essential steps and valuable tips to assist students in creating high-quality and well-researched case studies. Whether you are a novice or an experienced writer, this guide will provide valuable insights into how to meet your instructors’ expectations and showcase your understanding of the subject matter.

Understanding the Concept of a Case Study

A case study is a research method that involves conducting an in-depth examination of a specific subject or phenomenon, such as an individual, group, organization, or event. It is commonly employed in various disciplines, including business, marketing, law, healthcare, and social sciences, among others. The primary purpose of a case study is to analyze and comprehend the subject under study, identify any challenges or issues, and provide practical solutions or recommendations based on the findings.

Case studies typically entail collecting and analyzing data from multiple sources, such as interviews, observations, surveys, and documents. The data is then examined to identify patterns, themes, and trends that can be used to draw conclusions and develop recommendations. Case studies can be exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory, depending on the research questions and objectives.

In summary, a case study is a research method that involves a thorough investigation of a specific subject or phenomenon, with the aim of understanding it better and offering practical solutions or recommendations. It serves as a valuable tool for researchers and practitioners across various disciplines, providing insights into real-life situations and informing decision-making processes.

Types of Case Studies

Several types of case studies exist, each with unique characteristics and purposes. The following are some of the most common types:

• Exploratory Case Study: This type is used when researchers aim to gain preliminary insights into a new or complex issue. It involves in-depth exploration of a topic, often with limited prior knowledge or existing research.
• Descriptive Case Study: A descriptive case study aims to provide a detailed description of a situation or phenomenon. It involves collecting data on various aspects of the case and presenting a comprehensive overview.
• Explanatory Case Study: An explanatory case study seeks to explain why a particular phenomenon occurred. It typically involves identifying the causes and effects of the issue and developing hypotheses to explain their relationships. Obtaining assistance with your case studies is possible by Pay for online assignment services for a fee.
• Instrumental Case Study: An instrumental case study focuses on a specific problem or issue, aiming to provide practical solutions or recommendations. It is commonly employed in business and management studies.
• Collective Case Study: This type involves analyzing multiple cases that share similar characteristics or themes. It allows researchers to compare and contrast different cases to identify common patterns and trends.
• Intrinsic Case Study: An intrinsic case study is undertaken to gain a deep understanding of a particular case that is unique or unusual in some way. It is often employed in social science and humanities research.
• Developing Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills: Case studies require students to analyze and evaluate complex situations, identify key issues, and develop practical solutions or recommendations. This process helps in the development of analytical and critical thinking skills, which are essential for success in academic and professional settings.
• Enhancing Research Skills: Case studies necessitate thorough research, data collection, and analysis from various sources. This process helps students improve their research skills and learn how to apply research methodologies to real-world situations or how to write a literature review
• Demonstrating Practical Application of Knowledge: Writing a case study assignment allows students to apply theoretical concepts and knowledge to real-life situations. It helps them demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter and its practical application.
• Improving Communication Skills: Engaging in case study writing necessitates students to proficiently convey their findings, analysis, and recommendations. This undertaking assists in honing their skills in written and verbal communication, which hold paramount importance in academic and professional environments.
• Preparing for Future Careers Case studies find extensive usage in various professional fields, including business, healthcare, law, marketing, and more. Engaging in case study assignments equips students with the essential skills and knowledge required for their prospective careers.
• Determining the Length of a Case Study Assignment The length of a case study assignment is subject to the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the instructor or professor. Typically, a standard case study assignment may range from 500 to 1500 words, although the length may vary for different assignments. It is crucial to adhere to the provided guidelines and instructions to ensure that the assignment meets the expected standards and requirements.
• Steps and Format for Writing a Case Study Assignment Outlined below is an overview of the steps and format to follow when writing a case study assignment:
• Understand the Assignment Requirements Before commencing the case study assignment It is vital to thoroughly comprehend the assignment requirements, including the format, length, and specific instructions provided by the instructor or professor. This understanding will assist in maintaining focus and ensuring that the assignment aligns with the expected standards.
• Select a Relevant Case Study Choose a case study that pertains to the subject matter of your assignment. Option for a case study that is engaging, informative, and exemplifies the key concepts or issues you intend to explore in your assignment.

The choice of case study type depends on the research question, the study’s purpose, and the characteristics of the case being examined.

Importance of Writing a Case Study Assignment Writing a case study assignment offers several benefits for students, including:

Conducting Research

Thoroughly conduct research to gather relevant information and data pertaining to the case study. This process may involve examining academic journals, books, and other credible sources of information. Take meticulous notes and organize your research material to facilitate easy reference while writing your assignment.

Analyzing the Case Study

Engage in a detailed analysis of the case study, identifying key issues, challenges, and opportunities. Consider the contextual factors surrounding the case study, the stakeholders involved, and the potential outcomes and implications of various decisions and actions.

Developing a Thesis Statement Based on your analysis of the case study

Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that distinctly outlines the main argument or focus of your assignment. Ensure that your thesis statement centers around the key issues and concepts you intend to explore.

Writing the Introduction

Compose an introduction that furnishes background information on the case study and establishes the context for your analysis. Provide a brief summary of the case study, present the primary research question or thesis statement, and provide an overview of the key issues and concepts that will be addressed in your assignment. If needed, Professional Assignment Help can assist you in crafting a perfect introduction.

Writing the Body Structure

The body of your assignment into sections that concentrate on different aspects of the case study. Each section should commence with a clear topic sentence that outlines the main point or argument it addresses. Utilize evidence and data derived from your research to substantiate your analysis and arguments.

Write the Conclusion

Compose a conclusion that succinctly summarizes the key findings and arguments presented in your assignment. Restate your thesis statement to reinforce its significance. Additionally, provide recommendations or suggestions for future research or action based on the insights gained from the case study.

Edit and Proofread

Thoroughly review and revise your assignment, paying close attention to spelling and grammar errors, ensuring consistency in formatting and style, and enhancing overall clarity and coherence.

Format A typical case study assignment should follow the following format:

• Title page: Include the assignment’s title, your name, course name and number, and the date.
• Abstract: Offer a concise summary of the case study, highlighting the main findings and conclusions.
• Introduction: Provide background information on the case study and establish the context for your analysis.
• Literature Review: Present an overview of pertinent literature and previous research relevant to the case study.
• Methodology: Explain the research methods and techniques employed in your analysis.
• Results: Conduct a detailed analysis of the case study, delving into key issues, challenges, and opportunities.
• Discussion: Engage in a comprehensive discussion of the primary findings and conclusions, emphasizing their implications.
• Conclusion: Summarize the key findings and arguments, restate the thesis statement, and offer recommendations for future research or action.
• References: Include a list of all sources cited in your assignment, appropriately formatted according to the designated citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
• Appendices (if necessary): Supplement your analysis with additional materials or data, such as charts, graphs, or tables.

By adhering to these steps and following the prescribed format, you can develop a well-structured and informative case study assignment that meets the expectations and requirements set by your instructor or professor.

In conclusion, writing a case study assignment can be a challenging yet rewarding undertaking for students. It affords them an opportunity to apply theoretical concepts to real-life scenarios and cultivate analytical and problem-solving skills. To produce an effective case study assignment, it is crucial to adopt a structured approach, encompassing the identification of the research question, research conduct, data analysis, and the presentation of findings in a clear and concise manner. By following the steps and adhering to the format outlined in this guide, students can create high-quality case study assignments that showcase their comprehension of the subject matter and ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.

Case Study Assignment Help from AcademicExpert.uk 

Case study assignment Help are an integral part of academic coursework across various disciplines. These assignments require students to analyze real-life scenarios, apply theoretical concepts, and provide practical solutions or recommendations based on their findings. However, tackling a case study assignment Help can be a challenging task for many students due to its complexity and the need for in-depth research and critical thinking.

To alleviate the difficulties faced by students, case study assignment help services have emerged as a valuable resource. These services provide professional assistance to students who seek guidance and support in completing their case study assignment Help . By opting for case study assignment help , students can benefit in several ways.

Firstly, expert writers with subject-specific knowledge and expertise in conducting case study research are assigned to assist students. These writers possess a deep understanding of the subject matter and are skilled in analyzing complex scenarios.

Secondly, case study assignment help services offer customized solutions tailored to meet the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the students’ instructors or professors. This ensures that the assignments are well-aligned with the expected standards and expectations.

Additionally, these services save students’ time and effort by conducting thorough research, analyzing data, and structuring the assignment in a coherent and logical manner. This allows students to focus on other important academic commitments or engage in extracurricular activities.

Furthermore, case study assignment help services often provide timely delivery of assignments, enabling students to meet their submission deadlines without compromising on quality.

In conclusion, case study assignment help services play a crucial role in supporting students with their academic workload. By availing these services, students can receive expert guidance, improve their understanding of the subject matter, and submit high-quality assignments that demonstrate their analytical and problem-solving skills.

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Writing the Case Study

How should i approach it.

Investigating and writing up a report will require the completion of specific stages. You will need to timetable sufficient time to complete each stage, but also be aware that some stages are revisited while you are analysing the case and writing the report. Thinking and writing becomes a cyclical process.

Stages essential for analysing and writing a case study report may include:

1. Define the task

Your first step is to read the case and all the instructions for the assignment.

Use the checklist as a guide. You can print out this checklist to record your definition of the task. You may find it helpful to compare and discuss your understanding of the task with other students or colleagues. Try to visualise all the elements of the problem by using mind-maps to chart the main issues on a large piece of paper.

Checklist for defining the task

2. Consider which theories and analysis tools may apply to the situation

Your course notes, text books and readings should indicate the appropriate methodology for your case study analysis

Identify the problems

In your initial analysis you should identify the problems (issues/risks etc.) inherent in the case. Read to uncover the organisation's history of success and failure in relation to the case, the communication processes that are occurring, and relevant current strengths and weaknesses of the organisation or its activities that relate to the case.

A useful technique here is to create a mind-map of the situation, the processes and problems or issues. Use the mind-map to separate the problem elements and to note the most important and their relationships.

In your notes, document the causes and consequences of the problems highlighted in the case and also your preliminary ideas for solutions. Be prepared to discover more problems and solutions as you continue your analysis of the case!

Apply analysis tools

There are many tools available for analysis in the management and engineering fields but you need to evaluate which tools would best apply to your assessment of the issues/problems / risks etc. If you are unsure about which tool to use, read the rationale and purpose of each tool and discuss the options with your colleagues and course facilitator.

Document your results and ideas

It is important to create a complete set of notes that will be useful to refer to when writing up the case study report. For this reason record your findings and your own thoughts on the case. Also clearly document any testing, calculations or specifications that relate to your investigation of solutions as well.

3. Make recommendations and form conclusions

Make recommendations.

Recommendations are a clear statement (in text and/or table format) of what action should be taken to minimise, solve or remove the problems being investigated. Recommendations usually require a detailed action plan for implementation of a solution or a range of solutions depending on future events/scenarios.

According to Jarvis (2002), "for each part of your solution ask: 

• Will it work - why - what could possibly go wrong?
• Who will do it, are they capable, who else might be, who might be block?
• When- timing-sequence?
• How and how much –cost it out- where are the pay offs/savings?"

Form conclusions

Conclusions are drawn from your analysis and assessment of the situation. You usually consider must and desirable objectives. Also consider the limitations of your recommendations based on your testing of solutions and original assumptions that had to be made in the case.

4. Write the report

This section provides some advice on the process of writing up your report.

Plan the report 

Before you begin to write the report, it is essential to have a plan of its structure. You can begin to plan the report while you are investigating the case.

Fist, prepare an outline (in list or mind-map format) of the main headings and subheadings you will have in the report. Then add notes and ideas to the outline which remind you of what you want to achieve in each section and subsection. Use the outline to help you consider what information to include, where it should go and in what sequence. Be prepared to change your outline as your ideas develop. Finally, the outline headings and subheadings can be converted into the contents page of your report. 

Schedule your writing time

Prepare a schedule for writing and editing the sections of the report. Allow some extra time just in case you find some sections difficult to write. Begin by writing the sections you feel most confident about. Preliminary sections (executive summary, introduction) and supplementary sections (conclusions, reference list and appendices) are usually prepared last. Some writers like to begin with their conclusions (where the writer's thoughts are at that moment) or the methodology (it's easier to write about your own work). 

Analyse your audience 

In writing a case study report in your course, the report is often intended for an imaginary person so you need to make sure that your language and style suites that person. For example, a report for senior management will be different in content and style and language to a technical report. A report to a community group would also be different again in content, style and language. Audience definition helps you decide what to include in the report based on what readers need to know to perform their jobs better or what the readers need to know to increase their knowledge about your subject. These notes on audience analysis are adapted from Huckin and Olsen (p1991)

*After: Huckin & Olsen ,1991.1.

• Who will read the report? Think about all the uses of the report and where and when it would be read. Reports written within an organisation may be read by different people and different departments; for example, technical and design specialists, supervisors, senior managers, lawyers, marketing and finance specialists.
• What are the readers' needs and goals? Each department or unit in an organisation has its own needs and goals. Understanding the different perspectives can help you decide how to communicate persuasively to these groups. For example while design engineers may prefer to develop new or alternative design to show progress in their field, the marketing specialist may prefer that the organisation imitate a known successful design to save time.
• How do I make communication clear for managers? Communication must be accessible and useful to busy managers as they will primarily seek important generalisations. This has implications for the report's structure, the amount of orientation or background information provided and the level of technical language used. An executive summary, introductions to new sections and concluding summaries for major sections should be included in the report.
• What might be the readers' preferences or objections to the report? You may need to address the significance and benefits/limitations of your recommendations from a number of readers' perspectives in the report. You may also need to consider compromises as a way to acknowledge potential conflicts or criticisms of your recommendations or solutions.

Prepare a draft report 

Writers rarely produce a perfect piece of text in their first attempt so a number of drafts are usually produced. Careful planning and editing will ensure a consistent professional standard in the report. You will need to do the following:

• Revise the task often 

Do this by keeping both the reader's needs and the report's objectives in mind as you gather information, take notes and write sections of the report.

• Be selective 

Do this by taking clear notes, which include the information gathered and your thoughts about the usefulness and the implications of this information. Review your notes to decide what is essential information to include in the report.

• Create a logical structure 

Use your contents page outline to decide where information will go. Within each section, plan the subheadings and then decide on the sequence of information within these.

Check that your writing flows and that your ideas are supported and plausible. If you are not sure what to look for, here are links to advice and activities on report organisation, cohesion and evidence.

Ensure that all your figures and tables communicate a clear message. Show a colleague your visuals to check how they will be interpreted or 'read'.

• Edit, edit, edit

For first drafts, a word processor's spell checker and grammar checker can be useful however, do not rely solely on these tools in your final edit as they are not perfect. Errors will be overlooked or even created by these programs! The best ways to edit are to read a printed copy and where possible get a colleague to read and give feedback.

Here is a report checklist that you can print out: CHECKLIST

5. Prepare the reference list

The reference list is a list of all the sources you refer to in the report. If you do not reference sources of information, your assignment could be failed. As you read and take notes remember to collect the following information so that you can easily and quickly assemble your reference list.

 Further advice on the conventions for formatting reference lists and 'in text' references can be found in the Academic Skills toolkit .

6. Prepare cover/title page

Check your course requirements on the content and layout of the title page. As a general rule include the following:

• Institution the authors are affiliated with: eg UNSW School of Safety Science
• Title of the report

Eg "BHP Billiton Risk Assessment: Strategic Political Risks to BHP's Operations In Angola". 

• Author/s names (+ student numbers)
• Course name and code
• Date document was submitted

7. Final edit

At this stage it is best if you can leave the report for a day or so before conducting a final proof-read. This assists you to approach your report as a 'reader' rather than as the 'writer' so you will more easily see errors. You should expect to spend a couple of hours on this task.

• Reread the assignment guidelines so the task is fresh in your mind. Read the whole report to check that there is a logical structure to the whole report.
• Check each section of the report (including your executive summary, introduction and conclusion) for content and structure. Note changes to make in the sequence of sections.
• Note (highlight) changes you wish to make within sections (delete, simplify, expand, reorganise). In particular look closely at transition sections, figures and tables, sentences, referencing conventions and document formatting.
• Read through the report and make changes as required.

Here are some editing activities for you to try!

How is a case study organised?

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Case Study Analysis: Examples + How-to Guide & Writing Tips

A case study analysis is a typical assignment in business management courses. The task aims to show high school and college students how to analyze a current situation, determine what problems exist, and develop the best possible strategy to achieve the desired outcome.

Many students feel anxious about writing case analyses because being told to analyze a case study and provide a solution can seem like a big task. That is especially so when working with real-life scenarios. However, you can rest assured writing a case analysis paper is easier than you think. Just keep reading this article and you will find case study examples for students and the advice provided by Custom-writing experts!

• 👣 Main Steps
• 🕵 Preparing the Case

🔬 Analyzing the Case

• 📑 Format & Structure
• 🙅 Things to Avoid
• 🏁 Conclusion

🔗 References

👣 writing a case study analysis: main steps.

Business management is built on case analysis. Every single economic result shows that the methods and instruments employed were either well-timed and expedient, in the event of success, or not, in case of failure. These two options indicate whether the strategy is efficient (and should be followed) or requires corrections (or complete change). Such an approach to the case study will make your writing piece more proficient and valuable for the reader. The following steps will direct your plan for writing a case study analysis.

Step 1: Preliminary work

• Make notes and highlight the numbers and ideas that could be quoted.
• Single out as many problems as you can, and briefly mark their underlying issues. Then make a note of those responsible. In the report, you will use two to five of the problems, so you will have a selection to choose from.
• Outline a possible solution to each of the problems you found. Course readings and outside research shall be used here. Highlight your best and worst solution for further reference.

Step 2: Drafting the Case

• Provide a general description of the situation and its history.
• Name all the problems you are going to discuss.
• Specify the theory used for the analysis.
• Present the assumptions that emerged during the analysis, if any.
• Describe the detected problems in more detail.
• Indicate their link to, and effect on, the general situation.
• Explain why the problems emerged and persist.
• List realistic and feasible solutions to the problems you outlined, in the order of importance.
• Specify your predicted results of such changes.
• Support your choice with reliable evidence (i.e., textbook readings, the experience of famous companies, and other external research).
• Define the strategies required to fulfill your proposed solution.
• Indicate the responsible people and the realistic terms for its implementation.
• Recommend the issues for further analysis and supervision.

Step 3: Finalizing the Case

Like any other piece of writing, a case analysis requires post-editing. Carefully read it through, looking for inconsistencies and gaps in meaning. Your purpose is to make it look complete, precise, and convincing.

🕵 Preparing a Case for Analysis

Your professor might give you various case study examples from which to choose, or they may just assign you a particular case study. To conduct a thorough data analysis, you must first read the case study. This might appear to be obvious. However, you’d be surprised at how many students don’t take adequate time to complete this part.

Read the case study very thoroughly, preferably several times. Highlight, underline, flag key information, and make notes to refer to later when you are writing your analysis report.

If you don’t have a complete knowledge of the case study your professor has assigned, you won’t conduct a proper analysis of it. Even if you make use of a business case study template or refer to a sample analysis, it won’t help if you aren’t intimately familiar with your case study.

You will also have to conduct research. When it comes to research, you will need to do the following:

• Gather hard, quantitative data (e.g. 67% of the staff participated in the meeting).
• Design research tools , such as questionnaires and surveys (this will aid in gathering data).
• Determine and suggest the best specific, workable solutions.

It would be best if you also learned how to analyze a case study. Once you have read through the case study, you need to determine the focus of your analysis. You can do this by doing the following:

Compare your chosen solutions to the solutions offered by the experts who analyzed the case study you were given or to online assignments for students who were dealing with a similar task. The experts’ solutions will probably be more advanced than yours simply because these people are more experienced. However, don’t let this discourage you; the whole point of doing this analysis is to learn. Use the opportunity to learn from others’ valuable experience, and your results will be better next time.

If you are still in doubt, the University of South Carolina offers a great guide on forming a case study analysis.

📑 Case Analysis Format & Structure

When you are learning how to write a case study analysis, it is important to get the format of your analysis right. Understanding the case study format is vital for both the professor and the student. The person planning and handing out such an assignment should ensure that the student doesn’t have to use any external sources .

In turn, students have to remember that a well-written case analysis provides all the data, making it unnecessary for the reader to go elsewhere for information.

Regardless of whether you use a case study template, you will need to follow a clear and concise format when writing your analysis report. There are some possible case study frameworks available. Still, a case study should contain eight sections laid out in the following format:

• Describe the purpose of the current case study;
• Provide a summary of the company;
• Briefly introduce the problems and issues found in the case study
• Discuss the theory you will be using in the analysis;
• Present the key points of the study and present any assumptions made during the analysis.
• Present each problem you have singled out;
• Justify your inclusion of each problem by providing supporting evidence from the case study and by discussing relevant theory and what you have learned from your course content;
• Divide the section (and following sections) into subsections, one for each of your selected problems.
• Present a summary of each problem you have identified;
• Present plausible solutions for each of the problems, keeping in mind that each problem will likely have more than one possible solution;
• Provide the pros and cons of each solution in a way that is practical.
• Conclusion . This is a summary of your findings and discussion.
• Decide which solution best fits each of the issues you identified;
• Explain why you chose this solution and how it will effectively solve the problem;
• Be persuasive when you write this section so that you can drive your point home;
• Be sure to bring together theory and what you have learned throughout your course to support your recommendations.
• Provide an explanation of what must be done, who should take action, and when the solution should be carried out;
• Where relevant, you should provide an estimate of the cost in implementing the solution, including both the financial investment and the cost in terms of time.
• References. While you generally do not need to refer to many external sources when writing a case study analysis, you might use a few. When you do, you will need to properly reference these sources, which is most often done in one of the main citation styles, including APA, MLA, or Harvard. There is plenty of help when citing references, and you can follow these APA guidelines , these MLA guidelines , or these Harvard guidelines .
• Appendices. This is the section you include after your case study analysis if you used any original data in the report. These data, presented as charts, graphs, and tables, are included here because to present them in the main body of the analysis would be disruptive to the reader. The University of Southern California provides a great description of appendices and when to make use of them.

When you’ve finished your first draft, be sure to proofread it. Look not only for potential grammar and spelling errors but also for discrepancies or holes in your argument.

You should also know what you need to avoid when writing your analysis.

🙅 Things to Avoid in Case Analysis

Whenever you deal with a case study, remember that there are some pitfalls to avoid! Beware of the following mistakes:

• Excessive use of colloquial language . Even though it is a study of an actual case, it should sound formal.
• Lack of statistical data . Give all the important data, both in percentages and in numbers.
• Excessive details. State only the most significant facts, rather than drowning the reader in every fact you find.
• Inconsistency in the methods you have used . In a case study, theory plays a relatively small part, so you must develop a specific case study research methodology.
• Trivial means of research . It is critical that you design your own case study research method in whatever form best suits your analysis, such as questionnaires and surveys.

It is useful to see a few examples of case analysis papers. After all, a sample case study report can provide you with some context so you can see how to approach each aspect of your paper.

👀 Case Study Examples for Students

It might be easier to understand how a case study analysis works if you have an example to look at. Fortunately, examples of case studies are easy to come by. Take a look at this video for a sample case study analysis for the Coca-Cola Company.

If you want another example, then take a look at the one below!

Business Case Analysis: Example

CRM’s primary focus is customers and customer perception of the brand or the company. The focus may shift depending on customers’ needs. The main points that Center Parcs should consider are an increase in customer satisfaction and its market share. Both of these points will enhance customer perception of the product as a product of value. Increased customer satisfaction will indicate that the company provides quality services, and increased market share can reduce the number of switching (or leaving) customers, thus fostering customer loyalty.

Case Study Topics

• Equifax case study: the importance of cybersecurity measures. 
• Study a case illustrating ethical issues of medical research.
• Examine the case describing the complications connected with nursing and residential care.
• Analyze the competitive strategy of Delta Airlines .
• Present a case study of an ethical dilemma showing the conflict between the spirit and the letter of the law.  
• Explore the aspects of Starbucks’ marketing strategyin a case study.  
• Research a case of community-based clinic organization and development.
• Customer service of United Airlines: a case study .
• Analyze a specific schizophrenia case and provide your recommendations.
• Provide a case study of a patient with hyperglycemia.
• Examine the growth strategy of United Healthcare.
• Present a case study demonstrating ethical issues in business.
• Study a case of the 5% shareholding rule application and its impact on the company.
• Case study of post-traumatic stress disorder .
• Analyze a case examining the issues of cross-cultural management .
• Write a case study exploring the ethical issues the finance manager of a long-term care facility can face and the possible reaction to them.
• Write a case study analyzing the aspects of a new president of a firm election.
• Discuss the specifics of supply chain management in the case of Tehindo company.
• Study a case of a life crisis in a family and the ways to cope with it.
• Case study of Tea Leaves and More: supply chain issues.   
• Explore the case of ketogenic diet implementation among sportspeople.  
• Analyze the case of Webster Jewelry shop and suggest some changes.  
• Examine the unique aspects of Tea and More brand management.  
• Adidas case study: an ethical dilemma .
• Research the challenges of Brazos Valley Food Bank and suggest possible solutions.  
• Describe the case of dark web monitoring for business.  
• Study a case of permissive parenting style .
• Case study of Starbucks employees.
• Analyze a case of workplace discrimination and suggest a strategy to avoid it.
• Examine a case of the consumer decision-making process and define the factors that influence it.
• Present a case study of Netflix illustrating the crucial role of management innovation for company development.  
• Discuss a case describing a workplace ethical issue and propose ways to resolve it.
• Case study of the 2008 financial crisis: Graham’s value investing principles in the modern economic climate.
• Write a case study analyzing the harmful consequences of communication issues in a virtual team.
• Analyze a case that highlights the importance of a proper functional currency choice. 
• Examine the case of Hitachi Power Systems management.  
• Present a case study of medication research in a healthcare facility.
• Study the case of Fiji Water and the challenges the brand faces.  
• Research a social problem case and suggest a solution.
• Analyze a case that reveals the connection between alcohol use and borderline personality disorder.
• Transglobal Airline case study: break-even analysis.
• Examine the case of Chiquita Brands International from the moral and business ethics points of view.
• Present a case study of applying for Social Security benefits. 
• Study the case of a mass hacker attack on Microsoft clients and suggest possible ways to prevent future attacks.
• Case study of leadership effectiveness. 
• Analyze a case presenting a clinical moral dilemma and propose ways to resolve it. 
• Describe the case of Cowbell Brewing Company and discuss the strategy that made them successful.
• Write a case study of WeWork company and analyze the strengths and weaknesses of its strategy.
• Case study of medical ethical decision-making.
• Study the case of The Georges hotel and suggest ways to overcome its managerial issues.

🏁 Concluding Remarks

Writing a case study analysis can seem incredibly overwhelming, especially if you have never done it before. Just remember, you can do it provided you follow a plan, keep to the format described here, and study at least one case analysis example.

If you still need help analyzing a case study, your professor is always available to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. You can also get help with any aspect of the project from a custom writing company. Just tackle the research and hand over the writing, write a rough draft and have it checked by a professional, or completely hand the project off to an expert writer.

Regardless of the path you choose, you will turn in something of which you can be proud!

✏️ Case Study Analysis FAQ

Students (especially those who study business) often need to write a case study analysis. It is a kind of report that describes a business case. It includes multiple aspects, for example, the problems that exist, possible solutions, forecasts, etc.

There should be 3 main points covered in a case study analysis:

• The challenge(s) description,
• Possible solutions,
• Outcomes (real and/or foreseen).

Firstly, study some examples available online and in the library. Case study analysis should be a well-structured paper with all the integral components in place. Thus, you might want to use a template and/or an outline to start correctly.

A case study analysis is a popular task for business students. They typically hand it in the format of a paper with several integral components:

• Description of the problem
• Possible ways out
• Results and/or forecasts

Students sometimes tell about the outcome of their research within an oral presentation.

• Case Study: Academia
• Windows of vulnerability: a case study analysis (IEEE)
• A (Very) Brief Refresher on the Case Study Method: SAGE
• The case study approach: Medical Research Methodology
• Strengths and Limitations of Case Studies: Stanford University
• A Sample APA Paper: Radford University
• How to Write a Case Study APA Style: Seattle PI
• The Case Analysis: GVSU
• How to Outline: Purdue OWL
• Incorporating Interview Data: UW-Madison Writing Center
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How To Write Case Study Assignment – 7 Easy Steps

Students want to know, “how to write case study assignment easily. One of the most important qualities you’ll need in college is the ability to write a case study analysis. When you are given the task of writing a case study report, you may feel overwhelmed because it necessitates critical thinking skills.

You must analyze a business dilemma, explore possible solutions, and suggest the most appropriate approach using supporting data in a case study report. Writing a case study assignment is similar to writing a thesis paper .

When you have to write a case report, there are a few things you can keep in mind. You’re supposed to solve a dilemma that may not be easy.

A case study is a situation in a specific professional sense that students must analyze and react to.

Influenced by basic questions raised about the situation In certain situations, the situation or case study includes a variety of concerns or problems that must be addressed in the workplace.

You can also get Case study assignment help online from our professional experts. They will provide you A+ quality assignment solution at an affordable price.

What is a case study?

Table of Contents

A case study is a detailed examination of a particular individual, group, organization, or event. It is a research method that involves analyzing a specific example in depth and detail to understand its unique characteristics and to draw conclusions about broader phenomena.

Case studies can be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods in nature, and they can involve a variety of data collection techniques, such as interviews, surveys, observations, and document analysis.

Case studies are commonly used in academic research, business, and other fields to gain insights into complex phenomena that cannot be fully understood through statistical analyses or experiments. They are often used to illustrate a particular theory or concept, to provide a detailed description of a particular situation or event, or to identify best practices in a particular field or industry.

What are the different types of case studies?

The aim of a case study is to provide comprehensive reports on an incident, an organization, a location, an individual, or much more.

Certain kinds of case studies are typical, but the type of case depends on the subject. The most popular fields for case studies are as follows.

• Analysis of the illustrative case
• Case studies from the past
• Case studies that address a specific issue
• Case Study for Investigative Purposes
• Case Study in Context
• Case Study of a Critical Situation

What is the difference between a research paper And A case study?

Although research papers address a certain issue to the reader, case studies go even deeper. Guidelines on case studies recommend that students pay attention to specifics and examine topics in detail, using various analysis techniques. Case studies often investigate specific events for an individual or a group of individuals and include many narrations.

There are a variety of case study subjects to choose from

The first challenge when writing a case study is deciding on the right case study subjects.

In most cases, students are given the option of choosing their subject.

Instructors allow students to express their understanding of the subject as well as the whole course in this way. If you’re having trouble coming up with case study solutions, start with this list of classic topics:

• An individual
• A group of people
• It’s an occasion
• Organization

Some Other Case Study Subject

• What are some of the ways that people are abusing drugs at work?
• In difficult times, how can workers stay engaged?
• Images vs. real humans
• What is the best way to manage your promotional budget?
• How can social media advertising assist in attracting customers?
• Is it necessary for a small company to have a website?
• How should small consumers be considered for higher profits?
• The lost experience of retirement workers.
• Social media’s effect on today’s market.

Best Ways To Writing An Answer Of A Case Study Assignment

Before giving steps to answer a case study assignment, check below, quick guidance may seem too simplistic, but most students seem to disregard it, which is a huge mistake.

• Be realistic about the case study’s objectives
• Choose an engaging angle for your case study
• Make Your Case Study Relevant to ALL Potential Clients
• In your case study, stick to the traditional narrative arc
• In your case study, use data to illustrate key points
• portray your company as a supporting character
• Allow your customers to tell their own stories

How To Write Case Study Assignment – Easy Ways

Let’s know How To Write Case Study Assignment with a step-by-step guide.

Step 1:- Take the time to read through the Case Study and the Questions

• Read the situation and the issues that go with it carefully.
• Highlight the case’s key points and any problems you can recognize.
• Describe the case study’s intent.
• Define your study area.
• Without going through specifics, summarise the case study’s problems and results.
• Read the questions carefully and consider what they require of you.
• Reread the case, this time connecting the details that are important to some of the questions you’ve been asking.

Step 2:- Determine the Case Study’s Problems

Case studies identify a condition in a specific particular area. They also entail a large group of people in a difficult situation.

They will also characterize a scenario that is difficult to contend with, either because of how it is handled or because of its difficulty.

Analyzing the situation and identifying the challenges described in the case that may be troublesome is a vital part of the response.

Step 3:- Connect the dots between theory and application

To sum up the key difficulties. Identify alternatives to the big challenges. Briefly identify and assess the benefits and drawbacks of any possible option.

Determine what was done correctly and what was not using the knowledge of current codes of conduct, hypotheses, and other technical documentation and behaviors.

Step 4:- Make a strategy for responding.

At the end of the day, the score is all that counts. Determine the case study format that is necessary and follow it diligently. It’s a good idea to use the questions you’ve been given as headings and answer each part in turn, so you don’t miss any of the set questions.

Step 5:- Begin composing your answer to the case study

1. write an introduction for a case study assignment.

Your intro must always make it clear to your viewer what subject and method you would use to address it in your assignment.

You must provide the context when writing a case study introduction. Begin by posing a question or using a quote from someone you spoke with.

Not only should you describe the research issue and its importance in your presentation, but you should also explain why it is important.

However, you can also talk about why this case is being written and how it applies to the issue.

2. Paragraphs of the Body

This is where you start talking about the case study. Provide one viable approach to the problem, clarify the rationale for the suggested solution, back it up with evidence, and provide important theoretical principles in addition to the research findings.

You must determine the number of paragraphs needed for each question based on how many you have been given and how much debate is involved in addressing each one.

3. Final Remarks

To summarise, a case study is one of the better ways to understand what happened to an individual, a community, or a circumstance in reality.

It gives you an in-depth look at real-world issues that corporations, healthcare, and criminal justice can face.

This perspective allows one to see those circumstances in a new way.

This is due to the fact that we see scenarios that we would not normally see if we were not there.

Step 6:- Proofread and edit

When you’ve completed writing your case report, you’ll need to proofread and edit it.

Check that you’ve answered all of the questions and that your answers are supported by applicable literature.

Correct some grammatical or spelling errors, as well as punctuation errors.

Keep a close watch on how the thoughts flow and transition.

Step 7:- Submit your work

Can you’re paper show why you would do so if you were an expert in this situation?

Be sure that all of the sources are properly referenced.

Examine the proof and see if it is valid, useful, and trustworthy. Recheck the formatting. If that’s the case, it’s good to go.

case study example

This is a great example of a case study.

How to cite a case study?

Citing a case study can depend on the citation style you are using. In general, the following information should be included:

• Author(s) of the case study
• Title of the case study
• Title of the book or journal the case study is published in
• Date of publication
• Page numbers (if applicable)
• URL (if the case study is available online)

Here are some examples of how to cite a case study in different citation styles:

Author(s) Last name, First initial. (Year). Title of case study. In Editor(s) First initial. Last name (Ed.), Title of book (pp. page numbers). Publisher.

Smith, J. D. (2015). A case study of marketing strategies for a new product. In K. Jones (Ed.), Marketing in the 21st Century (pp. 50-60). ABC Publishing.

Author(s) Last name, First name. “Title of Case Study.” Title of Book or Journal, edited by Editor(s) First name Last name, Publisher, Year, pp. page numbers.

Jones, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media on Small Business: A Case Study.” Journal of Small Business Management, vol. 30, no. 2, Wiley-Blackwell, 2017, pp. 34-45.

Case study assignment writing service

Many students feel stuck while writing their case study assignments. A case study seems to be very complicated as it includes the study of a particular scenario that holds various perceptions.

Hence, it is tough for them to figure out “how to write a case study assignment.” Well, the answer to that question lies in this article. Still, many students struggle to do the work. In that case, they seek case study assignment help. But many organizations provide case study assignment writing services to needy students.

You need to analyze and examine all the service providers. Students can get help from the best case study assignment writers and get good grades.

Click to Ask Expert 

Writing a case study necessitates a thorough investigation and enough time for analysis. If you’re having trouble writing a good case report, you can next contact an online writing service.

Calltutors.com’s Cheap Assignment Help expert writers will assist you in finishing your case study project on time and according to your specifications.

What are the 3 methods of the case study?

There are three main types of case studies. These methods are such as; intrinsic, instrumental and collective.

How many pages should a case study be?

The length of a case study typically depends on the purpose of the study and the guidelines provided by the organization or instructor requesting the study. However, a typical case study can range from 2-5 pages for shorter assignments to 10-20 pages for more comprehensive case studies.

Are case studies hard to write?

The difficulty of writing a case study can vary depending on the complexity of the subject matter, the amount of research required, and the skill level of the writer.

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How to Write a Case Study Analysis

Step-By-Step Instructions

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When writing a business case study analysis , you must first have a good understanding of the case study . Before you begin the steps below, read the business case carefully, taking notes all the while. It may be necessary to read the case several times to get all of the details and fully grasp the issues facing the group, company, or industry.

As you are reading, do your best to identify key issues, key players, and the most pertinent facts. After you are comfortable with the information, use the following step-by-step instructions (geared toward a single-company analysis) to write your report. To write about an industry, just adapt the steps listed here to discuss the segment as a whole.

Step 1: Investigate the Company’s History and Growth

A company’s past can greatly affect the present and future state of the organization. To begin, investigate the company’s founding, critical incidents, structure, and growth. Create a timeline of events, issues, and achievements. This timeline will come in handy for the next step. 

Step 2: Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

Using the information you gathered in step one, continue by examining and making a list of the value creation functions of the company. For example, the company may be weak in product development but strong in marketing. Make a list of problems that have occurred and note the effects they have had on the company. You should also list areas where the company has excelled. Note the effects of these incidents as well.

You're essentially conducting a partial SWOT analysis to get a better understanding of the company's strengths and weaknesses. A SWOT analysis involves documenting things like internal strengths (S) and weaknesses (W) and external opportunities (O) and threats (T). 

Step 3: Examine the External Environment

The third step involves identifying opportunities and threats within the company’s external environment. This is where the second part of the SWOT analysis (the O and the T) comes into play. Special items to note include competition within the industry, bargaining powers, and the threat of substitute products. Some examples of opportunities include expansion into new markets or new technology. Some examples of threats include increasing competition and higher interest rates.

Step 4: Analyze Your Findings

Using the information in steps 2 and 3, create an evaluation for this portion of your case study analysis. Compare the strengths and weaknesses within the company to the external threats and opportunities. Determine if the company is in a strong competitive position, and decide if it can continue at its current pace successfully.

Step 5: Identify Corporate-Level Strategy

To identify a company’s corporate-level strategy, identify and evaluate the company’s mission , goals, and actions toward those goals. Analyze the company’s line of business and its subsidiaries and acquisitions. You also want to debate the pros and cons of the company strategy to determine whether or not a change might benefit the company in the short or long term.​

Step 6: Identify Business-Level Strategy

Thus far, your case study analysis has identified the company’s corporate-level strategy. To perform a complete analysis, you will need to identify the company’s business-level strategy. (Note: If it is a single business, without multiple companies under one umbrella, and not an industry-wide review, the corporate strategy and the business-level strategy are the same.) For this part, you should identify and analyze each company’s competitive strategy, marketing strategy, costs, and general focus.

Step 7: Analyze Implementations

This portion requires that you identify and analyze the structure and control systems that the company is using to implement its business strategies. Evaluate organizational change, levels of hierarchy, employee rewards, conflicts, and other issues that are important to the company you are analyzing.

Step 8: Make Recommendations

The final part of your case study analysis should include your recommendations for the company. Every recommendation you make should be based on and supported by the context of your analysis. Never share hunches or make a baseless recommendation.

You also want to make sure that your suggested solutions are actually realistic. If the solutions cannot be implemented due to some sort of restraint, they are not realistic enough to make the final cut.

Finally, consider some of the alternative solutions that you considered and rejected. Write down the reasons why these solutions were rejected. 

Step 9: Review

Look over your analysis when you have finished writing. Critique your work to make sure every step has been covered. Look for grammatical errors , poor sentence structure, or other things that can be improved. It should be clear, accurate, and professional.

Business Case Study Analysis Tips

Keep these strategic tips in mind:

• Know the case study ​backward and forward before you begin your case study analysis.
• Give yourself enough time to write the case study analysis. You don't want to rush through it.
• Be honest in your evaluations. Don't let personal issues and opinions cloud your judgment.
• Be analytical, not descriptive.
• Proofread your work, and even let a test reader give it a once-over for dropped words or typos that you no longer can see.
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How to Write a Case Study Assignment?

How to write a case study assignment was a major question when I was a student. Writing a case study assignment can be a crucial and difficult task for students, but it is an essential skill to develop. Case studies are a common method used in many fields to analyze and solve problems. It requires students to apply critical thinking skills, research, and analysis to real-world scenarios. 

To write a case study assignment, students need to identify the problem, gather relevant information, analyze the data, and propose a solution. It is important to present the information in a clear and concise manner, using appropriate language and avoiding passive voice. By mastering the art of writing case studies, students can enhance their problem-solving skills, develop and improve their research abilities, and improve their communication skills. In this article, we will discuss how to write a case study assignment for any problem, providing tips and strategies to help students succeed.

Table of Contents

Benefits Of Case Study Assignments

Case study assignments work as a test of checking the student’s level of understanding. These assignments offer a lot of practical benefits that help you learn by diving right into real-life situations. Here are some of the benefits of case study assignments:

• Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Case study assignments require students to analyze and solve real-world problems, which enables them to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students learn to identify the cause of a problem, evaluate various solutions, and make informed decisions.

• Enhance Research And Information Analysis Skills

Students need to gather relevant information, data, and resources to support their case study analysis. This process helps them learn how to conduct thorough research, evaluate the credibility of sources, and analyze complex data.

• Improve Communication And Presentation Skills

Case study assignments often require students to present their findings and propose solutions to their peers or instructors. This helps them develop effective communication and presentation skills, which are important for both academic and professional settings.

• Understand Real-World Challenges

Case studies provide students with an opportunity to engage with real-world problems and understand the problems faced by personnels in various fields. This exposure helps them develop an in depth understanding of the practical applications of their theoretical knowledge and prepares them for the challenges they will face in their future careers.

• Stimulate Creativity And Innovation

As students work on case study assignments, they are encouraged to think creatively and innovatively to find the best solutions to the problems at hand. This increases a culture of creativity and innovation, which is essential for driving progress in any field.

How To Write A Case Study Assignment?

Case studies are a treasure of learningNow it is the time when we will be discussing how to write a case study assignment. In this section we will be listing 10 steps for writing a good and effective case study assignment. They are as:

Step 1: Choosing A Compelling Topic

By picking a topic that captivates your interest, aligns with your field, is specific yet impactful, and has accessible information, you set the stage for an engaging and enriching case study. Selecting an interesting topic is key when starting a case study. Here’s how to pick a compelling one:

1. Explore Your Interests : Think about what excites you or what problems intrigue you. Choose a topic that genuinely captures your curiosity.

2. Relevance Matters : Look for topics that are relevant to your field of study or something happening in the world around you. It makes your case study more meaningful.

3. Narrow it Down : Don’t aim too broadly. Focus on a particular aspect or issue within your chosen topic. This makes your study more manageable and detailed.

4. Real-life Impact : Consider topics that have real-world implications or can offer practical solutions. It adds depth and significance to your study.

5. Availability of Information : Ensure there’s enough information available on your chosen topic. You’ll need data and resources to support your case study.

Step 2: Research Thoroughly

Thorough research lays the foundation for a strong case study. It helps you understand the topic inside out and gives your study the depth and credibility it needs. Researching thoroughly is super important when starting a case study. Here’s how to do it:

1. Dive into Resources : Hit the books, search online, and check out credible sources. Look for articles, books, and data that relate to your case study.

2. Talk to People : Interviews can be gold. Reach out to experts, professionals, or anyone connected to your topic. Their insights can add depth to your study.

3. Take Detailed Notes : Write down everything. Facts, quotes, stats it all helps. Organize your notes so you can easily find what you need later.

4. Verify Sources : Make sure the info you gather is reliable. Double-check sources and cross-reference information from different places.

5. Keep an Open Mind : Stay open to new ideas or perspectives. Sometimes, unexpected info can make your case study even more interesting.

Step 3: Introduce The Case

Remember, your introduction sets the stage for your case study. Make it engaging, clear, and intriguing to motivate your readers to dive deeper into your findings. Introducing your case study is like saying “Hello” to your readers. Here’s how to do it:

1. Set the Scene : Start by giving a sneak peek into what your case study is about. Briefly explain the situation or issue you’re tackling.

2. Grab Attention : Hook your readers from the get-go. Use an interesting fact, a thought-provoking question, or a compelling story related to your case.

3. Define the Problem : Clearly state the problem or challenge your case study addresses. Make it crystal clear right from the start.

4. Keep it Concise : Your introduction shouldn’t spill all the details. Keep it brief, giving enough info to pique curiosity but leaving room for exploration.

5. Preview What’s Ahead : Give a glimpse of how your case study will unfold. Mention what readers can expect in the upcoming sections.

Step 4: Detail the Background

By providing a detailed background, you paint a clear picture for your audience, helping them grasp the context and significance of the case study. Detailing the background of your case study is like setting the stage for your story. Here’s how to do it:

1. Context Introduction : Start by introducing the situation or scenario. Explain what’s happening and why it’s important.

2. Key Players : Introduce the main characters or entities involved in the case. Describe who they are and their roles in the scenario.

3. Historical Context : Share any relevant history or events that led up to the current situation. This helps readers understand how things got to this point.

4. Relevant Details : Highlight any crucial information that impacts the case. It could be data, statistics, or specific facts that add depth to your study.

5. Problem Identification : Clearly state the problem or issue that your case study will address. Make it crystal clear why this problem matters and needs attention.

Step 5: Present Findings

By organizing your findings clearly, presenting factual information, using examples, incorporating visuals, and staying focused, you make your case study a compelling and informative read. Presenting your findings is where the detective work shines through. Here’s how to do it:

1. Organize Information : Lay out your findings in a clear and organized manner. Use headings, bullet points, or charts to make it easy to follow.

2. Stick to Facts : Share the data, facts, and evidence you’ve gathered. Be specific and precise, avoiding vague statements.

3. Use Examples : Illustrate your findings with examples or real-life situations. This helps in better understanding and adds depth to your study.

4. Be Visual : Consider using visuals like graphs, tables, or images if they can enhance understanding. Visual aids can make complex data more digestible.

5. Stay Focused : Stick to the main points. Don’t overwhelm your readers with excessive details. Highlight what’s most relevant to your case.

Step 6: Analyze The Data

Analyzing data is about digging into the details, finding connections, and interpreting what it all means for your case study. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle to reveal the bigger picture. Analyzing data in a case study is like solving a puzzle. Here’s how to do it:

1. Sort and Organize : Arrange all the facts, interviews, and info you’ve gathered. Group them based on similarities or relevance to understand them better.

2. Look for Patterns : Spot similarities, trends, or recurring themes among your data. This helps in understanding the core issues or connections.

3. Connect the Dots : Link the data to the problem you’re exploring. Explain how each piece of information relates to your case.

4. Consider Different Angles : Look at your data from various viewpoints. This widens your perspective and helps in drawing comprehensive conclusions.

5. Be Critical : Question the data. Verify its reliability and relevance. Don’t take things at face value; delve deeper to understand the underlying meanings.

Step 7: Propose Solutions

By suggesting practical solutions backed by your analysis, you’re not just identifying problems but paving the way for potential fixes in your case study. This section is where your creativity and critical thinking shine. Proposing solutions in your case study is like offering keys to solve a puzzle. Here’s how to do it:

1. Analyze Findings : Based on your research and analysis, identify potential solutions to address the problem you’ve highlighted.

2. Be Practical : Offer solutions that are realistic and feasible. They should align with the information you’ve gathered.

3. Explain the ‘Why’ : Clearly state why these solutions are suitable. Support your suggestions with evidence or reasoning from your case study.

4. Present Alternatives : If possible, provide multiple solutions or approaches. Show the pros and cons of each option.

5. Consider Implications : Discuss the potential outcomes of implementing these solutions. Highlight the positive impact they might have.

Step 8: Summarize With Conclusion

In your conclusion, emphasis on the main points, emphasize the solutions, and leave your audience with a clear understanding of the problem and the potential ways to address it. Keep it concise yet impactful. Concluding your case study is like wrapping up a story. Here’s how to do it:

1. Recap the Key Points : Summarize the main findings and crucial details discussed in your case study.

2. Restate the Problem : Remind readers about the core problem or issue you investigated.

3. Address Solutions : Highlight the solutions or recommendations you proposed earlier in the case study.

4. Emphasize Impact : Discuss the significance of your findings and how they relate to solving the problem.

5. End on a Strong Note : Finish with an effective statement that leaves a lasting impression. Reinforce the importance of your study or suggest further steps.

Step 9: Edit And Proofread

Remember, editing and proofreading tighten up your case study, making it more professional and polished. It’s the final touch that makes your hard work shine. Editing and proofreading are like giving your case study a final polish before presenting it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Check for Clarity : Read through your case study and ensure your ideas are clear and easy to follow. Make sure everything makes sense.

2. Look for Errors : Hunt down typos, spelling mistakes, and grammar errors. They can sneak in, but they’re easy to fix. To quickly and accurately get the proofreading job done, utilize a grammar checker . It will not only highlight mistakes in your assignment but will also provide appropriate suggestions to correct them.

3. Structure Check : Ensure your case study flows smoothly from one point to another. Check if your paragraphs connect well.

4. Fact-Check Time : Double-check all the facts and figures. Make sure they’re accurate and properly cited if needed.

5. Fresh Eyes Help : Ask a friend or family member to read it too. They might catch things you missed.

6. Read Aloud : Yup, reading aloud helps catch awkward sentences or places where the flow feels off.

Step 10: Format And Citations

Formatting and citing properly not only make your case study look organized but also show that you’ve done thorough research and credited the sources you’ve used. It’s like giving credit where credit is due. Formatting and citing your sources are like giving your case study a polished look. Here’s what to do:

1. Follow Guidelines : Check your assignment guidelines or ask your instructor about formatting requirements. This includes font, spacing, margins, etc.

2. Structure Matters : Ensure your case study has a clear structure with headings for different sections like introduction, findings, analysis, etc.

3. Cite Your Sources : Whenever you mention facts, quotes, or data from other sources, give credit by citing them. 

4. Be Consistent : Stick to one citation style throughout your case study. This keeps it neat and professional.

5. Double-check : Before submitting, review your formatting and citations to make sure they align with the guidelines and are error-free.

And that’s a wrap, case study champions! You’ve seen how to write a case study assignment. Remember, your case study is your canvas to showcase your extraordinary observation skills.

By now, you’ve made your way through the problem, gathered clues, and presented a story that’s as interesting as a bestseller. Appreciate yourself on the back for your thorough investigation and compelling storytelling.

But hey, the journey doesn’t end here. Keep exploring, keep asking questions, and keep sharpening those problem-solving skills. Whether it’s about a business, a scientific mystery, or a social issue, the case study approach is your secret weapon.

So, go ahead, share your insights, and inspire others with your detective skills. Keep practicing, stay curious, and keep cracking those cases wide open. You’re on your way to becoming a true case study superstar! Cheers to your success.

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How to Write a Case Study Assignment: New Student Guide

Table of Contents

❓ What is a case study assignment and how to write one?

👉 types of case study, 👣 how to start case study paper, 📝 how to format a case study assignment properly.

• Where Can I Find Case Study Assignment Examples?

💁‍♀️ To Sum It All Up

Unsure of how to do a case study assignment ? Read on, to help you get started! A case study assignment is based on a professional scenario that raises workplace issues or problems. Case study assignments ask specific questions about the situation to help the student or professional identify and analyse the problems or issues in the given scenario and provide appropriate responses, preventative measures or solutions to the issues or problems. The student or professional should also incorporate knowledge of theories and professional policies to solve the given issue.

The most common types of case study assignments are:

• Illustrative case studies where a familiar case is examined to help others to understand. This type of case study is mainly descriptive and is commonly used in research methodology.
• Exploratory case studies are primary projects carried out before a large investigation. Exploratory case studies are often used in social sciences and often focus on real-life cases.
• Cumulative case studies are common in qualitative research to collect information from various sources at various times. These case studies are a form of data analysis to avoid unnecessary new investigations.
• Critical instance case studies help determine causes and consequences of events. They are used to investigate sources with unique interest, no general interest, or to question a universal belief.

Assignment writing can prove difficult when you don’t know where to start but when writing a case study analysis, follow the four simple steps below to get you started!

• Identify the Problem: Jot down briefly in your own words what the case study problem or problems are. For example, a business assignment case study assignment problem may be about how a business can appeal to eastern markets, or a nursing case study assignment may relate to the problem of child obesity.
• Ponder the Root Source: What are the main causes of the problem? E.g., child obesity is mainly caused by inactivity and poor diet.
• Create an Outline: Decide upon 3-4 relevant main points that you want to make e.g., child obesity is increasing globally (point one), child inactivity is increasing due to technological advancements and the recent pandemic (point two) children favour junk food over home cooked meals and fruit and vegetables (point three). Each of these points will be developed into a paragraph or two when the case study assignment is written in full with supporting evidence (facts, statistics, quotes).
• increased physical education lessons in schools, in residential children’s homes, and on children’s wards
• free physical activities for children in communities
• free community healthy eating programmes for parents and children
• fruit and vegetable subsidies
• menu changes in schools, children’s hospital wards, and children’s residential homes.

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Once you have identified your outline (as described above), you can begin writing. Remember, you do not have to write the sections in the order they will be presented. It is often best to begin with the main body (first the background, then the solutions followed by the main answer/solution), then write the recommendations/conclusion and finally write the introduction. The order you write your case study assignment in can make it easier as the conclusion provides a summary of the assignment and the introduction maps out the assignment, they are both easier to write after the main sections are complete.

• Introduction: Write a clear and precise thesis statement in only 1 or 2 sentences, then explain the significance of the problem, why this case is being written and how the assignment relates to alleviating the problem.
• Background: Describe relevant issues and facts through extensive problem research using reliable sources of information e.g., academic journals, scholarly articles, research papers, etc.
• Solutions: Provide solutions to the problem by outlining feasible solutions. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each solution.
• Main Answer: Explain which you believe to be the best solution and justify this choice with supporting evidence. You can also incorporate ideas from class discussions, lectures, texts, and perhaps your own opinions to back your proposed solution.
• Recommendations/conclusion: Explain why your proposed solution should be applied and how it will solve or relieve the issue or problem with supporting theories.

Bear in mind, educational establishment requirements can vary immensely, and the recommended format above is a general guide. Always play close attention to the case study assignment brief from your instructor.

Where Can I Find Case Study Assignment Examples? Looking at an example of a case study assignment can sometimes be more beneficial than simply reading about how to write them. Fortunately, the internet is abundant with case study assignment examples for every subject area, and you can also ask your educational instructor for examples from their past students.

A case study assignment is usually one of four types: illustrative; exploratory; cumulative; or critical. Be sure you know which type you have been requested to write before you begin, as requirements can vary. Getting started is often the most difficult part so focus on the main problem or issues and possible solutions. Then, you can begin writing the main body before tackling the recommendations/conclusion and introduction. Remember to include theory and supporting reliable sources of evidence and you’re done! Hopefully, you now know how to write a case study assignment!

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Other assessments: Case studies

• Scientific writing style
• Case studies
• Journal critique
• Research proposals
• Dissertations
• Literature reviews
• Assessed discussion
• Video assignments

On this page:

“For knowledge you will use in the real world - in business, for example, or in engineering or medicine - the "what" [to think] isn't sufficient. You must know how to apply the knowledge to the real world.” William Ellet, The Case Study Handbook

Case study assignments are common in some disciplines. Their main purpose is to show that you can relate theory to real-life situations. You also need to be able to recommend practical solutions to real-life problems.

This page is dedicated to writing case studies for undergraduate assignments, it does not tackle case studies as a research method/approach.

What is a case study?

A case study is an assignment where you analyse a specific case (organisation, group, person, event, issue) and explain how the elements and complexities of that case relate to theory . You will sometimes have to come up with solutions to problems or recommendations for future action.

You may be asked to write a case study as an essay, as part of a longer assignment or as a report.

Examples of cases

An organisation.  For example a company, a business, a school, a sports club, a health body.

A group. For example a class of pupils, an individual team within an organisation, a project group, a sports club.

An individual.  For example a patient, a client, a specific student/pupil, a manager/leader.

An event.  For example a sporting occasion, a cultural event, a news story, an historical event.

An issue.  For example a dilemma, problem, critical event, change of practice.

Analysing a case

What are you being asked to do.

It is important be sure about the purpose of analysing the case before you begin. Refer back to your assignment brief and make sure you are clear about this. It could be:

• To answer a specific question using examples from the case to support your argument
• To explore what happened and why (no recommendations needed)
• To make recommendations or identify solutions
• To write a plan that takes the issues into consideration

Examining the case

In order to be thoroughly familiar with the case you are going to need to read through* the case several times during the analysis process. Start by simply reading it without asking too many questions in your mind. Get a feel for it as a whole. After that, you will need to read through it several times to identify the following:

• What are the facts? List information you are sure about.
• What happened/is happening? List definite actions that occurred/are occurring.
• Who was/is involved? List people by job role and what their involvement was/is.

You will now need to read additional material to help you analyse. In business, for example, you will perhaps want to read the financial statements for the company you are investigating; in nursing, the background of the treatment for the disorder from which “your” patient is suffering.

* Sometimes cases are presented to you as videos to watch. In which case you are going to have to watch it many times!

Theoretical approaches

You may have to ask yourself which theoretical approaches that you have covered in your course are relevant to the particular case you have before you. In some instances this may be obvious but in others it may be less so. A theoretical approach is useful as it can give you  specific questions to answer ; specific things to look for. For example, in business, this may take the form of a SWOT analysis - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) or you may look at the Porter's Five Forces model. There are similar models in other disciplines which you may have been introduced to already - or the brief may tell you which to use.

No obvious theoretical approach?

If you have not been provided with a theoretical approach don't worry. You can still ask questions. For example: 

What is this case study about in general? What is the big picture - the main issue that this case study is an example of?

What specific issues are associated with it? What makes this case interesting?

What do I already know about these issues?

How do they link with the theories we have studied? (See below.)

What alternative approaches to dealing with the issues would be appropriate?

If an alternative approach were used, what impact might it have?

Linking to theory

The most crucial element about a case study is your ability to link the real world example to theory. This gives you more insight into both because

• The real life example will mean you can see how theory works in practice .
• Theory can help you see why things happened as they did and help you come up with alternative approaches and find solutions/make recommendations.

Real life is complex and messy. Do not expect it to nicely fit into theories which are by their very nature best guesses (albeit well researched) and generalisations. However, you will have been given the case specifically because it does relate to some theories you have learned or need to be aware of.

So you need to:

• Look back through your lecture notes and reading lists to see if anything seems to fit with the case.
• Search for research that relates to the issues you identified during your analysis. Note these will not necessarily be labelled as 'theories'. Claims made in research papers can all be described as theories. 

Now consider some or all of the questions below:

• Do the facts and issues raised in the case support any theories?
• Do the fact and issues raised in the case invalidate or undermine any theories?
• Can any of the theories explain why issues arose?
• Can any of the theories back up the actions taken?
• Can any of the theories suggest alternative courses of action?
• Do you think any of these alternatives would work best in your case? Why?

Armed with the answers to many of these questions, you are ready to start writing up your case study.

Writing up your case study

The most common ways to write up a case study are as essays or reports . The main differences between the two will be how you structure your work.

Structuring a case study essay

Case study essays usually have to answer a specific question using examples from your case study. They are written in continuous prose (a series of paragraphs with no subheadings). They should be structured much like any other essay with an introduction, main body and conclusion. 

Introduction

This needs to have three things:

• An introduction to your case (you don't need to rewrite it, just summarise it giving the important parts for your essay).
• A position statement (your answer to the overall question).
• An indication of how the rest of the essay is structured.

These do not have to be in that particular order but they do all need to be included.

Generally you will organise this thematically . Each paragraph needs to make a point and then use information from your case to illustrate and back up that point . You will also bring in theory (other reading) to strengthen your argument. It is acceptable to start with the example from your case and then show how this links to theory and the conclusion this leads you to; however, it is best if you first let your reader know the point you are making, as then they are not having to second guess this until the end of the paragraph. 

Each point in your main body should be leading back to the position statement you made in the introduction.

What are the main lessons you learned from the case study? How well did the theory fit with the real world example? Have you been asked to provide solutions or recommendations? If so, give them here.

Reference list

Include all the sources you have cited in your essay.

Structuring a case study report

These can vary between disciplines so check your assignment guidance. A typical case study would include:

Table of contents

See our MS Word pages  or our MS Office Software SkillsGuide for instructions on how to create these automatically.

Executive summary - optional, check if required

Give an overview of your whole report including main approaches, findings and recommendations. This is a bit like the abstract of a journal article.

• Context (Background)
• Purpose - what is the case study trying to achieve? 
• Approach - are you using any particular theoretical tools or research approaches?

Discussion/Analysis

• Identification of issues and problems
• Links to theories that help you explain the case
• Explanation of causes or implications of the issues identified
• Possible solutions (if required, check your instructions)

These depends on what you were asked to do but could include:

• Main lessons learned
• Best solutions and reasons why
• Recommendations (may have their own section)
• Action plan (may have its own section)
• Include all the sources you have cited in the report.

Appendices if required

Recommended books and ebooks from our collection, related books and ebooks from our collection.

Recommended external resources

• Writing a case study From Monash University
• Writing a case study analysis From The University of Arizona
• Case studies From the University of South Australia - includes useful sample case studies
• Writing a case study PDF to download from the University of Bedfordshire
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Writing as a College Student

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Writing at the college level involves new expectations that may require new strategies. While specific genres of writing have distinct purposes, college writing helps you develop skills such as thinking critically, communicating professionally, and articulating yourself well. Although common writing expectations and strategies are listed below, always follow assignment guidelines and write with your audience in mind.

General College Writing Expectations

Writing as a college student can seem daunting, but drawing on your previous writing experience and relying on instructors and campus resources can help to ease the transition. Although writing assignments may differ, many have similar expectations to those listed below.

• Understand what the assignment is asking . Assignment guidelines can be confusing or lengthy, and reading carefully and slowly can help to make sense of them.
• Refer to assignment guidelines , rubrics, and class policies for questions about the assignment
• Learn the conventions of your discipline , including genre, audience, citation style, and AI policies. Notice the writing style used in your field, then practice using it in your assignments.
• Ask questions of instructors, writing center tutors, and librarians.
• Present clear, coherent ideas . Consider if a reader would understand what you intend to say.
• Maintain a professional tone appropriate for your audience and their needs.
• Improve writing mechanics , such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Writing mechanics can be complicated, but your skills can improve with practice.
• Read feedback on your assignments, and incorporate those suggestions into your future work.

Refining Your Writing Skills

Using effective strategies when approaching writing assignments can help you mitigate worries, strengthen writing skills, increase confidence, and improve writing efficiency.

• Start assignments early to ensure you have ample time to pace your work.
• Break projects into smaller, manageable tasks ; set reasonable and achievable goals.
• Organize your work by using consistent note-taking techniques, such as highlighting, color-coding, or annotating. Experiment with different ways to accomplish your writing assignments, and keep track of any requirements, deadlines, and rubrics.
• Join a study group to encourage accountability, collaborate with others, and receive support.
• Regulate your time and energy for writing. One part of an assignment may require more effort than another part. Allocate your energy mindfully to help make writing sessions more productive
• Set aside time for both writing and self-care . Scheduling time to work and take breaks can improve your writing capacity and save you time in the long run.
• Create an environment for your writing needs. Consider different times, locations, and comforts that work for you (e.g., morning, evening; library, bedroom; snacks, lighting).
• Approach writing assignments with a positive and confident attitude . Remember that college work is centered on continual learning, and the writing process will have ups and downs.
• Use campus resources and opportunities . Consult with peers, talk with instructors or advisors, explore library services (in-person and online), and attend university workshops.

Developing Your Writing Process

College writing assignments can be complex, and assignments can build on each other within a course. It may also involve in-depth academic research. Create and maintain a personal writing process to organize your writing, research, and personal time.

• Prewriting : Understand the assignment requirements and identify your audience and tone. Brainstorm potential topics to expand on when writing later.
• Outlining : Determine your main point for the writing assignment. Create sections with brief notes and develop your thoughts from prewriting.
• Drafting : Elaborate on your outline and form sentences or paragraphs. Write about your thoughts and arguments in detail. If needed, add sources by using quotations, paraphrases, and summaries.
• Revising : Read your draft and adjust it to clarify points and strengthen the argument.
• Editing : Check for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Change the format according to a style guide, example, or template.
• Writing processes are cyclical and take time . The first draft is not your final draft. Steps such as drafting and revising often occur more than once.
• Read the assignment guidelines carefully, and ask your professor about research requirements such as the number and type of sources required (e.g., primary, popular, peer-reviewed, etc.).
• Adjust your research topic to fit the requirements of the assignment. Narrow or broaden your topic by considering timeframes, locations, demographics, and contemporary issues.
• Identify your audience and adapt to their level of familiarity with your topic. Determine whether terms and concepts need to be explained. Your audience determine your tone or style.
• Identify patterns of feedback you receive from instructors, peers, or writing consultants. Use that feedback (both positive and negative) to inform your future writing.
• Avoid plagiarism by tracking and citing sources using your assigned citation style.
• Contribute to a larger academic conversation by connecting your ideas to sources through summary, analysis, and synthesis.
• Use library resources such as the physical library, online academic databases, and library research tutorials to become familiar with your field of study and help you identify relevant, credible sources to incorporate in your writing.
• Chat with a research librarian or meet with a writing center consultant for help finding, reading, and writing with sources.
• Learn how AI can facilitate or frustrate your writing and learning processes . Understand AI policies and expectations as outlined by your instructor, department, and university. AI policies and expectations may vary by instructor or program.
• Know that strengthening your digital literacy , information literacy , and academic reading skills will help you develop as a college-level writer.

As a college writer, you will continually grow and improve. College is a learning environment. Getting support from others can ease anxiety and build your confidence as a writer. If you feel overwhelmed, remember that you are in college to learn, and faculty, peers and the Writing Center are here to help.

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