How to Write a Case Study

Directions

Using information from the textbook and from outside reading, the  student should respond to each question below as regards the  corresponding case study (don’t forget to number each response) in  approximately 2-3 paragraphs per question. All cited material must  include both internal citations and a complete reference list at the end  of the paper. A cover sheet should minimally indicate the Case Study  number, the name of the course, the student’s name and the date.

How to Write a Case Study

You have to think like a practicing manager if you want to analyze a  case successfully. As part of your analysis, it is necessary, but not  sufficient to answer the following questions in enough depth to show  that you have performed more than a superficial reading of the case’s  content, and subsequently applied relevant theory.

• What is the issue being presented or analyzed in the  case? Focus on the main issue in the case if more than one topic is  presented. Use your judgment to decide on which issue is the one that is  potentially most costly to an organization if left unresolved. There  are more kinds of cost to be considered than economic costs. Do not  neglect them in your analysis.
• Where did the issue take place? Consider this because  you need to take into account cultural and environmental considerations  that may differ from those of the United States, in your analysis.
• When did the issue take place? There may be historic  and environmental considerations different from those of the United  States, which should be taken into account in your analysis.
• Who was affected by the issues? In other words, who are  the stakeholders inside and outside of the organization that need to be  considered when formulating an analysis, and possible response to the  situation?
• Why did the issue occur? This may involve conjecture on  your part. It is all right to speculate; just identify your speculation  as such. In an empirical case, causal factors may be identified as  such.
• How would you, as a manager, apply the insights gained from the case to improve an (your) organization’s operations?

Case

Chapter 34, Case Study 34.1 – Pulling it all together: a concluding case study.

1. Read the case.
2. Identify the three concepts or theories you feel are most relevant to this case.
3. Formulate the advice that you would give to the Urology Department manager.
4. Explain how this advice is informed by theory; i.e., relate your  advice back to the workings of the theory (theories) you believe to be  the most relevant to this case.
   1. You may want to consider the above factors (“How to write a case  study”) when you are preparing your answers as an aid to organizing your  information if you find it helpful.