How to Write a Case Study

Case studies can be used in any academic discipline. The purpose of a case study is to provide a more thorough analysis of a situation or "case" which might reveal interesting information about that classification of things. For the business student, a case study could be done on a particular company; for the political science student a case study might concern a particular country or government/administration. Case studies could be written about individuals, such as how kids learn to read, for example, about organizations and their management practices, or the results of applying a computer science program or process to a problem. You might be trying to figure out how to solve the problem of illiteracy or environmental degradation. The sky is the limit. The key is to take your large problem and bring it down to the level of the individual or single unit.

A case study is an analytical piece. It involves heavy research and application of theories, concepts, and knowledge commonly discussed in the field of study. It highlights common problems in the field and will illuminate those problems through the in-depth study of its application to one individual, one company, one government, or one of whatever you are studying. Most case studies are an attempt to solve one of these problems that are known in the field.

Steps to Writing the Case Study

1) Determine what your case study will be about. Think about the problems you have discussed in class or you have come across in your reading in this field. Begin by researching at the library and on the internet in order to hone in on a specific problem. Once you have identified a problem, read as much as you can about it in books, journals, magazines, newspapers, etc. Take notes and remember to keep track of your sources for later citations in your case study.

2) Choose a case site. Think of a location, an organization, company, or individuals who are dealing with that problem. Plan and set up interviews with...