The Three-Step Case Study

When embarking on a case study, many writers make the mistake of not beginning by selecting the correct format for their purpose. There is a myriad of case study template choices that you may adopt or download from the Internet. The mere act of finding the right one may simplify your task unimaginably. A case study template permits your train of argument or discussion to appear consistent and coherent, with all the research elements carefully organized to support each vital point. A clear, concise case study that is easy to read and follow is already a success, whether the aim is for high marks, or for practical business use. To begin with, the writer must identify and chose the correct case study template for his purpose. Is your case study discursive, explanatory or critical? Is it a thesis? Is it for business purposes or perhaps a scientific medical case study? Each of these has their own template. Additionally, if the case study is being done for academic purposes, the institution revising it may request the writer to follow a format of their own customization. The structure of your case study should work like an essays, with a clear beginning, middle and end, all of which are smoothly connected. The difference is that, because case studies are typically analytical and detailed, your case study template must allow you to clearly support each of the points you are trying to make with the research you have garnered. Citations and references to this research material must be clear and concise, as, upon completion, your case study will itself become a reference documents, for future researchers.

Step 1: The Journey You Propose To Embark Upon

Your first step is to set out for the reader what journey you propose to embark upon, clearly and succinctly. Introduce him to the object of your study, and the reasons why you felt compelled to examine that object. If there are any hurdles that you expect to encounter, you may also set them out in this first part, as well as any proposed solutions for them. Finally, you may mention any theories that you agree with or object to, that you will use during your journey.

Step Two: Your Milestones

A good case study template should allow you to slot in your main case study arguments as milestones with the main part of your document. Doing this will further allow you to organize your thoughts as well as the flow of your argument. Beneath these various milestones, write up all the evidence you have found in support, as well as any relevant evidence against. The tone of your writing here should be clear, specific and target-minded. Your language should be as simple as possible, in order for the reader to absorb all the details of your analysis. The aim should be to draw the reader in and keep him interested through an informative and illustrative account.

Step Three: Arriving at your destination

Having walked your reader through all the necessary information, it is time to reveal your conclusion. What have you established to be true or untrue? What are the ramifications of your findings? Just as your introduction was clear and specific, so should youre the conclusion of your study. Where possible and practical, illustrate your findings with numerical data or another physical manifestation of your results. Summarize the main points of your argument briefly, to bolster those findings you have arrived at. Your case study template should notify you if youve left out any vital section. Never forget to cite your references.