Struggle with writing a case study analysis? You are in the right place! Below, we will show you nuts and bolts of this type of paper, how to write it, and share 15 distinct essay examples. Plus, you will find the case study checklist to keep your writing on track.
What is a Case Study Analysis?
You might ask, what is a case study analysis? With this type of work, you take an actual situation from a specific discipline, such as business or education. The goal is to find a solution, analyze the outcomes of the situation, or evaluate it.
Case study analysis does not target one specific theory or piece of knowledge. It requires a universal application of several theories and methods for research and review. Hence, it can be helpful for many disciplines at once. If you need to look at some examples, head over to our essay database.
There are several steps you need to take for a successful analysis depending on the type of your case study. Here are the most critical universal points:
- Analyze the problem from different perspectives.
Use the theories and methods you have learned about in the classroom. - Devise a series of solutions or outcomes.
You need to analyze their advantages and weaknesses. - Provide the best solution according to your analysis.
You must present solid arguments for why you have suggested it. - Demonstrate well-grounded research in your case study analysis
You should not make claims without proof. - Provide credible references for any theory that you mention in your analysis.
You do not want your work to be discarded because of plagiarism.
If you want to start the business in the future, case study analysis is essential for your education. It can give you a taste of what your career is might include.
Are you panicking because you have never written anything like this before? Don’t worry! After going through the guidelines in this article, you will get a better sense of what is required from you. It will not seem as scary anymore. 😊
What Is the Difference Between Case Study and Case Analysis?
You might encounter two similar terms: case study and case analysis. The difference between them is quite simple. A case study is a detailed examination of a specific individual, group, or organization. It provides rich background information about the case study subject, including its history and all the relevant data.
As for a case analysis, it is an analysis of a case study. When analyzing a case study, you interpret all the data presented in it to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
What Is the Purpose of a Case Study?
The purpose of a case study analysis is to describe a case in detail and identify the main issues with it. Afterwards, these issues need to be analyzed based on appropriate theories from the discipline that you have learned about in class. Finally, you need to recommend a list of actions that should be performed for that case.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Case Study?
Here are some qualities of a good case study:
- It is written in a formal, academic language with good grammar and coherent structure.
- All of the claims made in the case study have a reasonable basis and can be proven.
- The case study does not overload the readers with unnecessary information. It is clear and to the point.
- The information is passed to the reader in an organized manner. It has flow, and it is easy to keep up with the extensive academic research.
Case Study Analysis Topics
- Comparing Johnson and Johnson and Pfizer vaccines
- Theories of criminal law
- Recklessness as a symptom of antisocial personality disorder
- Differences between nursing care & residential care
- Strengths and weaknesses of Microsoft Corporation
- Farming the Cerrado: advantages and disadvantages of soybean farming in Brazil
- General Electric vs. General Motors
- How much longer will Lake Mead last?
- Organizational issues of the City Centre Hospital
- How to use fact patterns to your advantage
- Prevention and control of sexually transmitted infections
- The role of gender in the workplace
- Five stages of a child’s development
- The importance of health history in treating severe pain
- How does Equifax protect personal data?
- Adidas and healthy lifestyle promotion
- Long-term value for the organization as a result of high-quality customer service
- The missions of community-based clinics
- Emergency management of Fournier’s gangrene
- The outcome of the Hamdi v. Rumsfeld case
- What are the seven principles of ethics in research?
- Tea Leaves and More: issues and solutions
- The effect of transformational leadership on employee productivity
- Inventory management as a solution for understocking and overstocking
- History of Nike corporation
- Positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia
- Anxiety-related habits during post-traumatic stress disorder
- The issue of Starbucks employees wearing union pins
- How does Delta Airlines increase its competitive advantage?
- Why was Anne Hutchinson a threat to authorities?
15 Case Study Analysis Examples
We have prepared 15 examples of case study analysis, so you can get an idea of how they should look. The disciplines are broad and there is something here for everyone. Check out the table below!
Let’s concentrate on the format for case study analysis!
Case Study Analysis: Format
In this section, we will get you acquainted with different types of case studies. We will focus on the difference between multiple and single case study analysis. Additionally, we will show you how to organize all of your ideas into an outline. Hence, your work will be understandable and complete.
Types of Case Studies
There are several distinct types of case studies, each with its nuances. The choice will depend on the needs of your investigation. We will focus on Illustrative, Exploratory, Cumulative, and Critical Instance studies. Let’s explore each of them one by one.
- Illustrative Case Studies
Illustrative case studies are the most common type. They are very descriptive, and the main goal is to help you understand the situation. You are typically given one or two instances of an event. Illustrative case studies answer two questions: What is happening? Why is it happening? The case study is explained in great detail, including location, key players, roles, influence, and involvement. The focus of illustrative case studies is to maintain the reader’s interest. Hence, the language should be understandable, but it should not be oversimplified. It is not preferred to quote more than two instances as the case study might become too complicated. - Exploratory Case Studies
Exploratory case studies are mainly used in Social Sciences. They tend to focus on real-life contexts for situations. They are implemented before a large-scale investigation to help develop the case for more advanced research processes. Exploratory case studies aim to research a specific topic in detail to help you reach a complete understanding of it. You need to identify questions that can later be answered as part of a more extensive examination. Your initial research might reveal very persuasive details. However, it is crucial to remember that concluding before the large-scale investigation is counterproductive. - Cumulative Case Studies
The idea of a cumulative case study is to gather information and details from many data sources to claim a general phenomenon. Cumulative case studies eliminate the need for additional and expensive new studies, which are simply repetitions of the old ones. If you properly analyze all of the case study data that exists, you will realize that everything you are looking for is already there. However, it is essential to look at the existing research from a new perspective to ensure it fits the current challenges and needs. - Critical Instance Case Studies
Critical instance case studies are similar to cumulative but work oppositely. Instead of defining a general phenomenon based on little research, it tries to understand a specific case based on generalized findings. Critical instance case studies help answer cause and effect questions. The adequate specification of your evaluation question is the most crucial part of your analysis.
Single vs. Multiple Case Study
Your case study can either include a single case or multiple cases. In this section, we will discuss the benefits of both:
- Single Case Study
Single case studies are less expensive and do not take as much time. When examining one case, it is easier to put all of your energy into it and get a deeper understanding of the subject. Since the study is more careful, you can look at one thing from many different perspectives. Usually, in a single case study, the case is more critical and unique, and it is possible to focus on a more longitudinal research. - Multiple Case Study
When studying several cases, you can understand the critical similarities and differences among them. If you base your research on many cases, it will be more robust and reliable. Such analysis allows you to form broader research questions. Hence, you can end up with a more convincing theory.
Now, let’s talk about the backbone of every study: the outline!
Case Study Outline
Before writing any paper, you should first prepare an outline. It not only makes your job easier but also enhances the organization of your paper. You should put all of your ideas down and try to understand which order and format will best suit your analysis.
We have tried to simplify the process by preparing a sample outline for your case study analysis. It will help you understand what your paper should include.
- Introduction
Firstly, you should introduce your reader to the case, assuming they have no prior knowledge. Describe all the challenges and mention the most important details. - Answers to the Questions
There will probably be some questions about your case. It would be best if you answered all of them in an organized manner. Make sure not to make it too obvious. Answer them in such a way that it seems like a part of your analysis. - Challenges
Though you talk about the challenges in your introduction a little bit, it is essential to go into more detail within the main paragraphs to make sure your readers understand them. It will improve the comprehension of solutions later. - Solutions
Introduce each solution you have devised. Evaluate those based on different theories and mechanisms. All of your propositions need to be solid and well-designed. Your case study evaluation should be informative and engaging. - Final Statement
In this part of your paper, you should state which solution best fits the case according to your broader analysis. You should compare it with the others and explain why you have chosen it. - Conclusion
The conclusion is the last thing you need to write. There is nothing specific that should be included. Make sure that your paper comes to a logical end. - References
Of course, you need to reference all of the theories and practices mentioned in your paper for your analysis to be solid and well-grounded. The style of your references will depend on the format assigned by your instructor.
This is how a typical case study analysis should look like. We mentioned this format for you to imagine the standard thought process that goes into making outlines. First, organize your research and divide it into parts to achieve an exciting and compelling paper. The type of case study analysis with which you are dealing also matters.
Now, here’s how you start writing!
How to Write Case Study Analysis: Important Aspects
In this section, you will find everything you need to kickstart writing your paper. Firstly, we will go through the things you need to have ready before you start. Then, we will show you how to do adequate research. Finally, we will give you a case study checklist to make it easier to complete the tasks throughout your analysis.
What Are the Stages of a Case Study?
There are four main stages of a case study:
- analyzing the case,
- identifying its challenges,
- devising a set of possible solutions or outcomes,
- evaluating those outcomes.
Before You Start
It is vital to choose an appropriate case study topic first. It should be exciting and relevant to your area of study. Once you select your topic, you need to choose an applicable case study. There are several criteria that you need to keep in mind in your search of a case study:
- The case study should complement your topic of research
For example, if the topic you have chosen is related to marketing, it would be weird if your case study was about banking. However, a case study about how a famous company handles its marketing would be very acceptable. - The case study should apply to the phenomena that you have chosen to research
Make sure that the way the company handles its marketing can be generalized to benefit other companies. It needs to be universally reusable. - The case study cannot be outdated
You need to know that you can apply the outcome of your research to the modern world. Everything needs to be analyzed from the perspective of today. - Decide whether you need a single or multiple case study
You can go through the comparison above once again. Try to understand which one suits your topic best.
Do you already have the topic? Let’s get your researching skills up to date!
Case Study Research
When doing case study research, simply googling something rains down tons of sources full of information. However, most of those sources cannot be trusted, especially when writing an academic paper. The references are the most crucial part of such papers. If they are poor, then your essay has no reliable basis. Hence, you need to look for official sources, such as university websites or scholarly articles. Remember that Wikipedia is not a valid source!
Throughout the process, have your research question in mind. It is easy to get carried away and read every exciting article on the topic. Nonetheless, it would be best to have a specific goal to ensure your research is practical and not wasting your time.
Finally, keep your research up to date! Remember that you are looking for information that applies to the current world and its challenges. You need to look for modern solutions to the given problem.
We are almost there! Let’s make sure you can tick off every item in this checklist!
Checklist for Case Study Analysis
Go through this checklist. It will help you keep your case study research and writing on track.
- Choose the topic.
- Decide whether you are going to do single or multiple case study.
- Identify the type of your case study.
- Select a case study or studies appropriate for your topic.
- They are relevant to the topic.
- Their outcome can be generalized to fit other cases within the same area of research.
- They are not outdated.
- Define a clear case study research question.
- Make sure that the sources of your research are credible and up to date.
- Identify the theories and methodologies you are going to use to analyze the case.
- Use more than one point of view to examine the case, and look at it from different perspectives.
- Have a clear outline of what you are going to include in your paper.
- Write and proofread your paper.
Have you completed every item on this list? Congratulations! You are done with your case study analysis!