how to present a case study

how to present a case study

How to Present a Case Study

1. Introduction

A good case study can eventually stand the test of time. As learning continues from the case, it is possible to implement the solution and come back to the case to see if it has been effective. This is only possible if the data is stored in an effective manner.

A well-structured case will have a clear understanding or a path. This is important since it is the findings that will inform the implementation for the possible solution. If the findings are unclear, then it can lead to a misunderstanding of these findings and it can waste a lot of resources. An unclear understanding can also lead the case to a conclusion without actually finding a solution to the problem.

The structure of a good case study just cannot be underestimated. The bulk of the learning comes from repeating the process, and the structure will approach everyone who is involved in analysis and learning. An effective structure will allow for good experiences in the future since lessons learned can be implemented on the structure itself.

Case studies are persuasive articles, but it is too easy to oversell the case. Hence, it is important to ensure that the case study is well-structured. This is the reason why it is a good idea to follow the “science of structure.”

2. Gathering and Analyzing Data

After defining the problem and coming up with a final analysis, it is essential to obtain data that will help you give a credible solution. Remember that there is a big difference between a verified hypothesis and theory. A theory is usually based on assumption, whereas a hypothesis is based on evidence found through research. The next step will be to obtain the evidence in the form of data. Data can be obtained through an experiment, through external research, or through studies conducted within the organization. Typically a case study researcher will compare data from a survey to that from an experiment. The data collected needs to be analyzed to determine whether it is truly a hypothesis that was discovered, or whether the case is an anomaly that will lead to a new theory. This may take some time as the case study is looking for patterns and may need to use other theoretical frameworks to prove that the case is not as it seems. This is typically mirrored by the experience of the teaching or presenting a case study to an educated audience. When trying to gather information, it may be best to first start by conducting a preliminary search to see whether there is enough information on the case. If it is located inside a company, it is very possible that the information is either not disclosed to the general public or is hard to obtain. It may be possible to write the case without adequate information. The researcher may also experience getting pulled off the case and losing information due to priority change and fast paced environments. Be aware of these situations as they may result in the case study being done an unsuccessful.

3. Structuring the Case Study

The case study should conclude with a clear and concise summation. If the above has been done correctly, then the reader should not have to do much in the way of thinking. Coming to the same conclusion as the author will give the reader a small sense of accomplishment, which can be a deciding factor in how they feel about the case study and the author.

After the reader has been set up, the real meat of the case study lies in the presentation of the evidence. It is at this point that if the reader was shown the evidence, then they would have come to the same results as the author. It is imperative that clarity is maintained throughout the case study. A confused reader will be less open to accepting your conclusions. Particular care should be taken when using evidence to try and sway the reader’s emotions. If they feel an emotional connection to the facts of the case, then it makes it far easier to come to a decision either way.

The case study can be structurally divided into three parts: the initial part, the presentation of the evidence, and the summation. The initial part sets the scene and the tone of the case study. The highest priority should be placed on creating suspense and interest, and making the reader feel part of the cause. The case study should open up with a problem or a riddle that needs sorting out. This should be backed up by a clear and poignant thesis statement.

4. Presenting Findings and Analysis

Data analysis is an ongoing process in a research project. Presenting the results and findings follows (from the data collected and the data analysis), which in turn also shows that the researcher has fulfilled the objectives of the research. This can be done in a few ways. First is through the transcriptions of the interviews and observations. This can be used as evidence to support the findings. The second way is using visuals. This is the easiest way for the audience to understand the findings. The type of visuals is very important. You need to know what sort of visuals can be used to direct the findings. For example, using bar charts to show the frequency of something or using pie charts to show the percentages, etc. Visuals such as photographs, maps, diagrams, and charts are effective with case studies. These can be incorporated into the case study document. And the third way to present the findings is through a report. This can be a written document, a formal oral presentation or address, and talk to a formal or informal meeting. The report must define the objective, it must identify the sources of information, it must demonstrate the findings, and it must also make a decision. This kind of reports are often used and most effective with case studies. It offers an immediate way of orienting the readers or listeners. Essentially, the most important thing in presenting the findings is to ensure that the audience can understand it. Language that is too difficult to understand or information that is unrelated to the result are things to avoid in presenting the findings. It makes things easier if we consider who we are presenting the findings to so that we can select the most effective way of getting the results across.

5. Conclusion and Recommendations

The primary purpose for drawing conclusions in a case study is to present ideas and notions that have been discovered and shaped throughout the study. Presenting these findings is important in cementing the progression of thought that has taken place. Cognitive research suggests that this is necessary for assuring that the findings are correctly remembered and passed on. Ideas not committed to long-term memory are often not as effective as they could be. A written record also allows for easy comparison of the conclusions at a later date. The level to which the findings will be understood and the accuracy of the comparison will depend greatly upon the quality of the conclusions drawn. The reader’s understanding of the conclusions will also be colored by their understanding of the points made in the case study. For this reason, the decision to include a summarized version of the findings can be useful for reasserting the links between the factors in the study and the conclusions drawn. Conciseness is, however, a danger here, and attempts to oversimplify the model can result in a loss of clarity and understanding.

In conclusion, the conclusion and recommendation of a case study can determine the use the case study will be put to. If the conclusions are drawn logically, and the recommendations are based on these conclusions, then the whole case study is held to have been a success. This in itself is a great incentive for taking the time and effort to construct a well thought-through and incisive case study, as the resulting clarity and force of the conclusions will be a source of satisfaction. If the case study has been done well, then decision making should take place with an understanding of the forces at work and a strategic lens should be used to explore the resultant effects of the decision.