一、Monash University
1. Types
(1)Analytical Approach:understand whay happened and why
(2)Problem-Oriented Approach: identify existing problems and offer solutions

2. Problem-Oriented Approach
(1)Relate theories to the practical situation
(2)Select major problems, and develop several solutions with regard to each of them
(3)Recommend a best one for each of them, and articulate it

3.Structure:Eight Sections

(1)Synopsis/Executive Summary

i.Outline the purpose of the case study
ii.Describe the field of research – this is usually an overview of the company
iii.Outline the issues and findings of the case study without the specific details
iv.Identify the theory that will be used.
v.Note any assumptions made (you may not have all the information you’d like so some assumptions

(2)Findings

i.Identify the problems found in the case. Each analysis of a problem should be supported by facts given in the case together with the relevant theory and course concepts.
ii.This section is often divided into sub-sections, one for each problem.

(3)Discussion

i.Summarise the major problem/s
ii.Identify alternative solutions to this/these major problem/s
iii.Briefly outline each alternative solution and then evaluate it in terms of its advantages and disadvantages
iv.No need to refer to theory or coursework here.

(4)Conclusion

i.Sum up the main points from the findings and discussion Recommendations
ii.Choose which of the alternative solutions should be adopted
iii.Briefly justify your choice explaining how it will solve the major problem/s
iv.This should be written in a forceful style as this section is intended to be persuasive
v.Here integration of theory and coursework is appropriate

(5)Implementation

i.Explain what should be done, by whom and by when
ii.If appropriate include a rough estimate of costs (both financial and time).

(6)References

i.Make sure all references are sited correctly Appendices (if any
ii.Note any original data that relates to the study but which would have interrupted the flow of the main body.

二、Ashford University

1.Preparing the Case

Before you begin writing, follow these guidelines to help you prepare and understand the case study:

(1)Read and examine the case thoroughly

(2)Take notes, highlight relevant facts, underline key problems.

(3)Focus your analysis

(4)Identify two to five key problems

(5)Why do they exist?

(6)How do they impact the organization?

(7)Who is responsible for them?

(8)Uncover possible solutions

(9)Review course readings, discussions, outside research, your experience.

(10)Select the best solution

(11)Consider strong supporting evidence, pros, and cons: is this solution realistic?

(12)Drafting the Case

2.Structure

Once you have gathered the necessary information, a draft of your analysis should include these sections:

(1)Introduction

i.Identify the key problems and issues in the case study.
ii.Formulate and include a thesis statement, summarizing the outcome of your analysis in 1–2 sentences.

(2)Background

i.Set the scene: background information, relevant facts, and the most important issues.
ii.Demonstrate that you have researched the problems in this case study.

(3)Alternatives

i.Outline possible alternatives (not necessarily all of them)
ii.Explain why alternatives were rejected

(4)Constraints/reasons

i.Why are alternatives not possible at this time?

(5)Proposed Solution

i.Provide one specific and realistic solution
ii.Explain why this solution was chosen
iii.Support this solution with solid evidence
(i)Concepts from class (text readings, discussions, lectures)
(ii)Outside research
(iii)Personal experience (anecdotes)

(6)Recommendations

i.Determine and discuss specific strategies for accomplishing the proposed solution.
ii.If applicable, recommend further action to resolve some of the issues
iii.What should be done and who should do it?

三、USC Libraries

1.identifying a case to investigate involves more than choosing the research problem

(1)Does the case represent an unusual or atypical example of a research problem that requires more in-depth analysis? 
(2)Does the case provide important insight or illuminate a previously hidden problem?
(3)Does the case challenge and offer a counter-point to prevailing assumptions?
(4)Does the case provide an opportunity to pursue action leading to the resolution of a problem?
(5)Does the case offer a new direction in future research? 

2.INTRODUCTION

(1)What was I studying? 
(2)Why was this topic important to investigate? 
(3)What did we know about this topic before I did this study? 
(4)How will this study advance new knowledge or new ways of understanding?

3.LITERATURE REVIEW

(1)Place relevant works in the context of their contribution to understanding the case study being investigated.
(2)Describe the relationship each work has to the others under consideration that informs the reader why this case is applicable. 
(3)Identify new ways to interpret prior research using the case study.
(4)Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous studies.
(5)Point the way in fulfilling a need for additional research.
(6)Expose any gaps that exist in the literature that the case study could help to fill. 
(7)Locate your own research within the context of existing literature [very important!].

4.METHOD

5.DISCUSSION

(1)Reiterate the Research Problem/State the Major Findings
(2)Explain the Meaning of the Findings and Why They are Important
(3)Relate the Findings to Similar Studies
(4)Consider Alternative Explanations of the Findings
(5)Acknowledge the Study's Limitations
(6)Suggest Areas for Further Research

6.CONCLUSION

 

 

參考資料

http://www.monash.edu.au/lls/llonline/quickrefs/27-case-study.pdf

https://awc.ashford.edu/tocw-guidelines-for-writing-a-case-study.html

http://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/casestudy