How to Write a Case Study Research

By Kavita Dehalwar

Writing a case study research involves thorough analysis and documentation of a specific subject, often focusing on a real-life situation or scenario. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write a case study research:

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  1. Choose a Subject:
    • Select a case that is relevant and interesting to your target audience.
    • Ensure that your case study has a clear problem or issue to address.

Selecting an appropriate subject is the first crucial step in crafting a case study research. Opt for a case that holds relevance and interest for your target audience. Ensure that the chosen case encompasses a clear problem or issue that merits investigation and analysis.

  1. Define the Purpose:
    • Clearly state the purpose of your case study. What do you aim to achieve with this research? Is it to analyze a problem, propose a solution, or explore a particular phenomenon?
  2. Conduct Background Research:
    • Gather information about the subject, industry, and context.
    • Identify any relevant theories or concepts that will help frame your analysis.
  3. Identify the Key Issues:
    • Pinpoint the main problems or challenges faced by the subject.
    • Understand the factors contributing to the issues.
  4. Formulate Research Questions:
    • Develop specific research questions that guide your investigation.
    • These questions should be focused on the key issues identified.
  5. Choose a Case Study Type:
    • Decide on the type of case study you want to conduct. Common types include exploratory, explanatory, descriptive, or intrinsic.
  6. Collect Data:
    • Use various methods to gather data, such as interviews, surveys, observations, and document analysis.
    • Ensure your data collection is thorough and unbiased.
  7. Organize and Analyze Data:
    • Organize your data and categorize it according to themes or patterns.
    • Use appropriate analytical tools and techniques to interpret the information.
  8. Develop a Case Study Outline:
    • Create a clear structure for your case study, including an introduction, background, presentation of key issues, analysis, solutions, and conclusion.
  9. Write the Introduction:
    • Provide a brief overview of the case and its significance.
    • Clearly state the purpose and objectives of the case study.
  10. Present the Background:
    • Provide context by offering relevant background information.
    • Discuss any theories or concepts that are pertinent to the case.
  11. Describe the Case:
    • Present the details of the case, including the individuals or entities involved, the timeline, and the setting.
  12. Analyze the Issues:
    • Explore the key issues in-depth, using your research questions as a guide.
    • Apply relevant theories or frameworks to analyze the data.
  13. Propose Solutions:
    • Recommend practical solutions or strategies to address the identified issues.
    • Justify your recommendations with evidence from your analysis.
  14. Write the Conclusion:
    • Summarize the key findings and solutions.
    • Reflect on the implications of your research and suggest areas for further investigation.
  15. Include Citations:
    • Properly cite all sources used in your case study to give credit and provide a basis for further reading.
  16. Review and Revise:
    • Proofread your case study for clarity, coherence, and consistency.
    • Seek feedback from peers or mentors and make revisions accordingly.

Remember, each case study is unique, and the above steps provide a general guideline. Adapt them to fit the specific requirements and nuances of your case study research.

References

Brown, P. A. (2008). A review of the literature on case study research. Canadian Journal for New Scholars in Education/Revue canadienne des jeunes chercheures et chercheurs en education, 1(1).

Cousin, G. (2005). Case study research. Journal of geography in higher education, 29(3), 421-427.

Dehalwar, K., & Sharma, S. N. (2023). Fundamentals of Research Writing and Uses of Research Methodologies.

Hays, P. A. (2003). Case study research. In Foundations for research (pp. 233-250). Routledge.