Case Studies: Skills

Case Studies

The aim of case studies is to test theoretical knowledge in an unfamiliar context through pre-issued or unseen cases of varying lengths. A variety of skills are tested - students need to be able to analyse, evaluate and communicate their ideas clearly on paper. Frequently, numerical manipulation is also required as is subsequent application of your results. A good answer will always contain some originality of thought and demonstrate skills of perception.
Examiners report that many candidates underperform because they tend to launch into writing answers without taking sufficient time to interpret all the information given first.

How to improve your technique: some general principles

• Skim read the case study
• Look for any underlying themes, mark the paper accordingly
• Spend some time 'getting a feel' for any numerical data
  • units used?
  • headings to columns?
  • note any time trends; cyclical; seasonal
• Read all of the questions carefully, think about how your themes may fit in
• Re-read the case study noting all of the relevant concepts
• Writing your answers
  • note the key directive words; 'describe' requires less detail than 'analyse' whilst 'evaluate' requires you to weigh up both sides of an argument and to give a judgement
  • look at the mark allocation carefully; questions requiring evaluation carry more marks
• Aim for a balanced answer
  • the skill is to extract from the case study, not to reproduce it
  • use the information to support a point made in your own words, written evidence should be indicated by quotation marks
• Don't forget the theory!
  • look for the business concepts inherent in the case
  • relate relevant theories, like motivation theories, to the information given
  • if appropriate use numerical data or other cases to back up your argument

A strategy for success