www.thecasecentre.

org/framework

Case analysis framework

Before a case discussion it is important to prepare your analysis of the case thoroughly.
Complete each section of the case analysis framework to ensure you’ve covered the
fundamentals.

It’s important to note that each individual instructor may approach teaching cases differently
so it’s crucial that you listen to the instructions your teacher gives you and adapt this
framework accordingly.

Step 1: reading the case

Phase 1

Read the opening paragraph

Read the last paragraph

Read the headings

Skim the body of the text and exhibits

Phase 2

Read your assignment questions

Remind yourself of what course/elective this case is for

Phase 3

Read the case thoroughly

Develop your own timeline of what happened in the case

[enter your timeline of what happened in the case]

Step 2: extrapolating the key information

Who are the characters?

Key protagonist: [enter the name, position and company of the key protagonist]

Supporting roles: [enter the names, positions and companies of other supporting
stakeholders]

What are the issues?

Immediate issue: [enter details of the current problem/issue/decision in this case that you

need to focus on]

Underlying issues: [enter details of the underlying issues that contribute to the immediate issue]

© 2018, The Case Centre. This document is for personal use and must not be
redistributed in any format by any means.
 www.thecasecentre.org/framework

Step 3: case content

When analysing the case content in depth it is important to refer back to your assignment
questions to ensure that you focus on the correct topics.

Your case tutor will usually have set the session up beforehand and may have given you
readings that will contribute to your understanding of the issues in the case.

What theories, models, [enter details of theories, models, frameworks or tools and
frameworks or tools will apply them to the case]
help me?

Crunch the numbers: [enter any key numerical analysis]

If there are numbers in the
case make sure you work
through them thoroughly so
that you understand their
implications on the issue(s).
Remember some of the
numbers may be hidden
within the core text.

What extra data would be [enter details any helpful extra data]
helpful? 

Where can I find the extra [enter where you found the extra data]
data?
You might not need to find it
now, but it’s useful to be
aware of where and how
you might find it.

What assumptions have I [enter details of your assumptions]

made/do I have to make?

Step 4: action and implementation

Now that you have clearly analysed the case it's time to think about the options that are
available to you as the protagonist. Remember that a key part of the case method is being in
the shoes of the case protagonist so it's important to think as if you're them.

What are the options? [enter details of all the options you can think of]

Evaluate the options [evaluate each of the options]

What is your preferred [enter which is your preferred option]

option?

What is the evidence to [enter why this is your preferred option]

support this?

How would you [enter how you would implement your preferred option]
implement your preferred
option?

© 2018, The Case Centre. This document is for personal use and must not be
redistributed in any format by any means.
 www.thecasecentre.org/framework

And finally...

So what? [reflect on the key learning points from this case analysis]

You’re done!
Don't forget to take your completed case analysis framework with you to class to assist you in
the discussion.

© 2018, The Case Centre. This document is for personal use and must not be
redistributed in any format by any means.