A case study offers thorough analysis of a case or situation that might reveal information that is unknown or otherwise ignored. It can be used to describe an interesting set of circumstances where lessons can be drawn or it can illustrate a certain conceptual framework or theory by using a specific example as reference or test results. It can also be used to describe a very unusual or rare phenomenon. To achieve this, below you will find a set of guidelines on how to write one successfully.
Starting out
At this point you are supposed to put in a lot of though before you start writing the case study to determine the style, design or type that will be most applicable to your target audience. Regardless of the style of writing you choose, keep in mind that you are supposed to thoroughly analyze a case or situation in a bid to reveal information or factors that are unknown or otherwise ignored. This can be written about a person, company or even an entire country. This is where you are also supposed to choose the topic to tackle.
Preparing the interview
Once you know the direction that will be taken when writing the case study, it is time to prepare interview. Look for experts in a particular field of study or clients who have implemented a service or tool to give you the best information on what you are working about. Come up with a list of questions that you would like to ask your interviewers and the method that will be used to conduct the interview. Go ahead and set up the interview to get all the details you need for the study.
Get data
While conducting interviews for your case study, it is important to understand that you should ask questions that give you an explanation and not a simple yes or no answer. Do not hesitate to request materials or data from your subjects as this helps to enhance credibility to your findings as well as future presentations for the study. Collect and analyze all the data you need including artifacts, observations, archival records and documents. Organize the data well so that it can be easily accessible when you finally sit down to write your study in a conclusive manner.
Put your piece together
Once you have all the material you need, sit down and start writing the case study. Remember to include at least 4 sections i.e.
- Introduction- this clearly sets the stage for the study to draw in the readers and letting them stick around to see what the study has to reveal. You can start by raising a question, quote someone you interviewed, or talk about crime.
- Background information- this explains why your interviewees are the best samples for the pressing problem after you have introduced the problem at hand.
- Presentation of findings- after the reader has understood the problem; it is time to present facts and the solutions that you propose or your thoughts on the issue.
- Conclusion- this should offer possible solution after the analysis.
Conclude the study with a credible page of reference and appendices and edit and proof read your work to ensure it is perfect.