Case Studies: Writing Up Your

Case Study Analysis

Gavin Furukawa
 Now we can start
writing the analysis essay!
• A case study analysis is usually written up in the form
of a short essay. 3-5 pages is often enough so long as
you have all the important information and it’s
organized well so that it makes your point to the
reader in a way that is convincing and informative.
• There are three basic parts to most case study
analyses:
– your position statement
– your argument(s)
– your action plan.
 Problem Case Study Analyses
 Part Needs

Position Statement  define the problem

 diagnose the problem‒ what are the main causes? (make

sure to use the right framework here)

Argument  give the proof of the causes using evidence

 build conclusions using evidence in topic sentence focused

paragraphs

Action Plan  organize by time

 give both short term and long term solutions when possible
 Decision Case Study Analyses
Deductive Inductive

Position Statement  recommended decision  decision options

 decision options  decision criteria

 decision criteria  

Argument  proof of recommended option  critique of other options

 critique of options  proof of remaining option

Action Plan  action plan ‒how do we implement  recommended decision

this plan as effectively as possible?  action plan ‒how do we implement

this plan as effectively as possible?

 Evaluation Case Study Analyses
Part Needed

Position Statement  bottom line evaluation

 evaluation criteria

Argument  proof of evaluation

 qualifications ‒what is not taken into account here?

Action Plan  action plan ‒what do we do with the knowledge from the

evaluation?
 Assignment
• Now write your analysis up as a case study analysis
essay.
• It should be 3-5 pages long.
• Bullets can be used but think carefully about where
they are helpful and where they aren’t helpful.
– They can be good for giving a list or the steps in your
action plan.
– They usually don’t make much sense when explaining
the background and can make it difficult to give a
persuasive argument if used too much.