ElEMENTS OF CASE STUDIES

ElEMENTS OF CASE STUDIES

1. A case study may consist of one scenario or several, and it may take many forms, from a traditional paper-based document to films, videos or audio recordings. The case study document may be as short as two pages or as long as thirty.

   • The case study is often accompanied by a set of teaching notes, one to several pages long. The teaching notes are in effect any communication between the author of the case and any subsequent instructor using the case,
   • Introduction Defines the problem to be examined and explains the parameters or limitations of the situation.
     • The overview/analysis provides a scenario of the situation and offers more detail about the various players in the scenario. It may also mention professional, technical or theoretical issues that arise from the situation.
       • The status report describes the organisation’s actions, on the matter. It may include statements from managers or employees about their intentions for resolving the issue.
         • Case studies, which require the learner to analyse or solve a particular question.
           • Appendices are necessaries to ensure learners understand the case scenario and have the necessary information to solve the case problems, including exhibit copies of documents, charts, technical specifications and so on.

2. ELEMENTS OF TEACHING NOTES

   • The synopsis presents a brief overview of the case in question.
     • The educational objectives includes a discussion of the learning points raised by the case.
       • The discussion outline/question set provides the instructor with guidelines for how to teach the case.
         • Tips for resolving the case problem : Tips might also be included about approaches that might be taken, sources that could be consulted and points that should be addressed in arriving at a solution
           • Appendices to the teaching note may include a bibliography, a glossary of relevant terms or a list of other activities or exercises that might be used to further learning of the subject.