The first impression of case studies may be that it is nothing more than reading a story and answering a set of questions, but it is not. That’s where most students fall, however. They skim over them, they jot down what they think, and they get an answer that just says it. First-class students do it another way. They approach the case rationally, examine the issue at hand thoroughly, and present substantiating evidence for their points. Here’s how to write a case study analysis that’s really going to impress.
Step 1 — Read the Case Study More Than Once
Read it once; don’t write straight away. The first time you read it should be focused solely on the big picture; what’s occurring, who is involved, and what industry or situation you are working with. After you have this overview, read it back through once again, but slowly. This 2nd read is where you select the important facts, numbers, problem(s), and minor details that you may have overlooked the first time. Many students do not do this step, and it is precisely why they fail to pick up on the most important detail in their analysis later on.
Step 2 — Identify the Core Problem
This is where most students fail. They seem to pay too much attention to the superficial issues and not enough to the real issue that the case presents. Don’t write anything before asking yourself — what is really the problem here, aside from the obvious one? Afterwards, clearly and succinctly write that down in one or two sentences. One sentence can serve as the basis on which to build your entire analysis, so it must be accurate.
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Step 3 — Apply the Right Theoretical Framework
Here’s where the theory of your course will actually get you into the game, such as SWOT, PESTLE or Porter’s 5 Forces. Do not simply copy a framework as a result of your lecturer once naming it. Consider which one will really work in the circumstances that presents itself. And a hint — a single framework won’t always suffice, so it’s OK to use multiple frameworks when necessary for the case. The key is always to relate the structure to the facts of the case, rather than simply repeating the points of theory.
Step 4 — Support Every Point With Evidence
Don’t say anything unless you can prove it. All points you develop in your analysis must be supported with a fact, number or detail directly from the case study. Do not assume and do not make inferences that are not explicitly stated in the text. This is one of the most distinguishing factors that make an average submission great. Examiners don’t like opinions — they want to see that your results are supported by the facts they gave you.
Step 5 — Structure Your Analysis Clearly
No matter how good the idea, if it is presented in a messy, confusing manner, it will lose points. Have a logical and clear structure in your answer; begin with the problem, then your analysis, followed by your solution, and conclude with your recommendation. Break up all this material with headings so that everyone understands your thinking. Even if the ideas are good, a well-structured answer is easier to read, easier to follow and easier for an examiner to score well on!
Step 6 — Provide Practical, Justified Recommendations
A vague answer such as “The Company needs to improve their marketing” will not be beneficial to the examiner. Explain what you found during your analysis and how your suggestion makes sense. First-class students always make one logical thread from the start to the end of the problem which they have found, and directly bring the final solution back to the problem itself.
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Conclusion
It’s as simple as that: read the case correctly, identify the actual issue, select the correct theory, provide adequate evidence to support the theory, organise your discussion, and conclude with sensible recommendations. If you consistently follow these 6 steps, your case study analysis will be ahead of 90% of the other students in your class.
