HOW TO ANALYZE A CASE STUDY

Case study analysis is a skill, which one can acquire only through experience. Any amount of
guidance or explanation may not be helpful. However, it is possible to suggest a guideline for
analyzing a case study. With that objective, the following guideline is provided.

1. Read the case thoroughly

It is impossible to understand the contents and issues in a case study, unless one studies the
case thoroughly. This means that one has to read the case several times to get the basic ideas
contained therein.

2. Note down the facts of the case and classify them

In the second step, whatever facts that are understood in the case, they should be noted down.
Then segregate the relevant facts from irrelevant facts.

3. Sequence the facts

Facts, which are noted, should be studied to establish any sequence in them

4. Examine whether supporting facts are available

Having sequenced the facts, one should examine whether all the facts are supported by
additional information. If not, then determine the additional information required and initiate steps
to acquire them.

5. Identify the issues in the case

In this step, the analyst should identify the issues in the case and make a note of them. These
issues have to be now reclassified as basic issues and secondary issues.

6. Focus on the basic issues

Basic issues identified should be focused to understand them and determine the factors relating
to them. Also take into account the environment related to the basic issues identified.

7. Determine the theoretical base required

This is a crucial step in understanding and analyzing a case study. Once the basic issues are
clear along with the associated factors, the theories concerned with them have to be looked into
to ascertain whether the causal relationship between the issues and factors could be explained.

8. Make necessary computations

Whenever the supporting details of the case contained some numerical data, determine the type
of calculations required and complete these calculations.

9. Relate the theory and results of calculations

Determine the explanation that could be possible with the results of calculations and examine
whether such an explanation is supported by a theory or contradicting a theory.

10, List down the necessary assumptions

In case the case does not contain assumptions or if the data provided with a case does not give
details, then build the assumptions required to support the solution identified.

11. Develop the decision package

This is a difficult stage, as the analyst requires experience to develop the solution package. For
that matter, he should not postpone the decision. In a business environment any postponement
of decision is bound to be fatal. Hence, it is better to develop alternative solutions addressing
various aspects.

12. Evaluate the alternative decision package

It is always wiser to evaluate the alternative decisions identified. Sometimes this is carried out
with the additional facts compiled or looking at the effectiveness of the decision by withdrawing
the assumption one by one. Only this way it is possible to outline the limitations of the decision or
the solution provided for a case. When alternatives are evaluated, then the best alternative
solution would emerge.

13. Discuss the alternatives with others

This step is suggested to ensure that the alternatives suggested are consistent with the facts
provided and related theories. Further this will also provide opportunities for understanding
others view point on the issues in the case. Based on this step, if it is possible to narrow down
the number of alternatives, it is a gain.

14. State the solution for the issues identified

Though often it is said that a case study does not have a unique solution or only one solution, yet,
the analyst should make it a point to state the solution along with the justifications for it.

15. Spell out the effects of the solution

Sometimes it is necessary to give details about the possible outcome of the solution finally
accepted. This is more applicable in cases where there is limited scope for drawing on the past
experience.