Task:
Case studies are about real life situations. They involve an in-depth observation of a “case” such as an event, process or person. Additionally, case study assignments usually ask you to go further, to analyse the set of circumstances in relation to theory on the topic and possibly make some suggestions to solve a problem.
For example, in business courses, the task may be to examine a company‟s marketing strategy, human resources policy or some other aspect of their business with which they are experiencing difficulties or which may be undergoing change.
In “people oriented” professions such as teaching, nursing or human services, you may be asked about learning strategies; a client‟s health or personal circumstances; or, how their healing or „self-efficacy‟ are being assisted.
The first stage of any case study is to observe what is taking place. It is important to be as honest as you can and not make your observations “fit” the theories you have read about. These observations are your data and require careful consideration within the confines of the task. Case studies require you to demonstrate the skills of observation, analysis, problem solving, together with an understanding of ethics and professionalism. They should be written in formal, professional language.
What to include in a case study For undergraduate students the case study situation often given to you is a fictional, written example by the lecturer. Postgraduate students, or students on Work Integrated Learning placements, may have to select a case from examples found in texts describing a real world setting or from work experience. If you are in any doubt about what to include in the case study you are required to undertake for your assignment, contact your teacher staff for clarification.
The first thing you need to be clear about is what kind of task you have been set. Are you being asked to:
observe a case and explain what happened?
analyse the case by reference to theories on the topic?
identify major problems and offer solutions?
all of these?
Examine your assignment task carefully. To receive a good mark it is essential that you cover all spects of the task you have been set. Do not cover those aspects that are not required; to do so will not gain you any extra marks