Case studies

Structuring your case study

Case studies generally follow the same structure as a normal essay - they include an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion. However, there are a few additional sections required to help contextualise your chosen case, and to present any models or theories you are using. Remember to always look at the learning outcomes and marking criteria as this will give you guidance, particularly as this may vary between subject areas.

Introduction

Like any other essay you need to write an introduction (10% of your word count) which needs to include the following information: 

• Introduce a summary of your case study 

• Present the topic or issue being addressed

• Outline how your overall assignment will be structured 
   

Contextualising the case

If you have been given a case to analyse, such as a patient scenario or business case, you could include this in your case study as an appendix, and refer to it as Appendix 1 where relevant. However, if you have selected your own case, you will need to give a brief summary and description at the start of the case study assignment to contextualise your analysis. This should be descriptive, focusing on starting key facts and figures that you will develop in the main body of the case study. 

Methodology

Outline the model or theoretical approach you will apply to your case for the analysis section. Refer to literature to show that your approach is being informed by existing research, and remember to justify your choice of model/theory to show its relevance to your chosen scenario. Here's a brief example:

In assessing cybersecurity for a start-up tech company, the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) model provides a structured framework. This model evaluates internal strengths and weaknesses such as technological infrastructure and employee awareness, alongside external opportunities like emerging security technologies and threats such as cyberattacks and regulatory compliance challenges (Jayaratna & Yu, 2019). The SWOT model is particularly relevant in this case study as it enables a comprehensive assessment of the company's current cybersecurity posture. By identifying internal strengths to leverage and weaknesses to mitigate, while also exploring external opportunities to seize and threats to address, the start-up can develop a strategic cybersecurity plan tailored to its specific needs and challenges. This proactive approach helps in safeguarding sensitive data, protecting business continuity, and maintaining trust with stakeholders in an increasingly digital landscape.

Analysis (Main body)

Here you start to discuss the key points you have identified from your case study which you can organise thematically in paragraphs. You may want to start by drawing on examples from your case and relate these back to the literature. 

Generally, you should start your paragraph with your own academic voice outlining the main point you want to make and explain the significance. You then need to bring in the literature to back up your point and then give an analysis of what the evidence shows.

Use the TED model to integrate critical thinking into your writing:

Example paragraphs

Here are two examples of paragraphs that include critical writing, taken from the analysis/main body section of a case study. Both examples use the WEED paragraph model - what, explain, examples and discussion.

Signposting language

Use transition words or phrases in your writing to ensure cohesion in your writing and make connections between ideas, sentences, and paragraphs. This will help the reader follow the logical progression of your work and they are crucial in signalling relationships in your text. 

Examples of transitions include: 

• Addition: also, furthermore, in addition, similarly 

• Contrast: however, on the other hand, conversely  

• Example: for instance, for example, to illustrate 

• Summary: in summary, in conclusion, thus, to sum up  

Recommendations

For a problem-based case study, it is important to suggest possible solutions or recommendations to tackle the problems that you have identified. You can do this by:

• Identifying specific actions and outlining their intended outcomes
• Justifying why these solutions or actions should work, based on the literature
• Outlining an implementation plan, with key stakeholders, deadlines and success measures
• Acknowledging potential challenges and contingency plans
• Identifying short and long-term outcomes

Conclusion

 The conclusion requires you to give a summary of the key points discussed throughout your analysis. It can involve: 

• Summarising key findings 
• Restating best solutions and their intended impact
• Reflecting on lessons learned and future research direction
• Drafting an action plan with deadlines and milestones