Case study assignments ask you to analyse a real-world situation using academic theory. The most common mistake students make is spending most of the paper describing the case — what happened, when, and who was involved — rather than analysing it. A case study analysis is 80% analysis and 20% description.
What Is a Case Study Analysis?
A case study analysis applies theory to practice. You're given a real-world scenario (a company, a policy, a historical event, a patient case) and asked to:
- Identify the key issues or problems
- Apply relevant theoretical frameworks to understand them
- Evaluate possible solutions or courses of action
- Make evidence-based recommendations
Standard Structure
Introduction
Brief overview of the case, the key problem or question you'll address, and the theoretical framework(s) you'll apply. Keep this to one or two paragraphs — don't summarise the whole case here.
Situation Analysis
Describe only the aspects of the case relevant to your analysis. This is not a full summary — select the facts that matter for the argument you're building.
Problem Identification
State the core problem(s) clearly. Distinguish between root causes and symptoms. A company's declining sales (symptom) might be caused by poor positioning (root cause).
Theoretical Analysis
Apply your chosen framework(s) to the case. Don't just explain the theory — use it to analyse the specific situation. Show how the framework reveals something non-obvious about the case.
Alternatives and Evaluation
Present at least two or three possible courses of action. Evaluate each against clear criteria (feasibility, cost, ethical implications, etc.) — don't just list pros and cons.
Recommendation
Make a clear recommendation — one course of action, justified by your analysis. Don't hedge. "The organisation should pursue Option B because…" is stronger than "Options A and B both have merit."
Conclusion
Restate the core problem and your recommendation. Note any assumptions or limitations in your analysis. Keep it brief.
Applying Theory Correctly
The most common error in case study analyses is describing a theory and then separately describing the case, without ever connecting them. Applying theory means using it as a lens through which to see the case differently.
How to apply a framework
Take Porter's Five Forces as an example. Don't write:
"Porter's Five Forces is a model for analysing competitive forces. The five forces are: threat of new entry, supplier power, buyer power, threat of substitution, and competitive rivalry."
Write:
"Porter's Five Forces analysis reveals that Kodak's competitive position was critically undermined by a high threat of substitution: digital photography eliminated the need for film, which represented the company's core revenue stream. Simultaneously, buyer power increased as digital cameras became commoditised and price competition intensified."
The second example uses the framework to say something specific and analytical about the case.
Supporting Your Analysis with Evidence
Case study claims should be supported by evidence from three sources:
- The case itself — specific data, quotes, events, or decisions from the case materials
- Academic literature — theory and research that contextualises or supports your analysis
- External sources — industry data, comparable cases, expert commentary that adds context
Writing Stronger Recommendations
Recommendations need to be:
- Specific — not "improve communication" but "implement a weekly cross-departmental brief with a shared action log"
- Justified — connected to your analysis, not added at the end as an afterthought
- Realistic — given the organisation's resources, constraints, and context
- Prioritised — if you have multiple recommendations, indicate which should come first and why
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