Case Study Sample
How Cisco IT Is Accelerating Adoption of IPv6
CISCO IT
Summary Case studies are analyses of persons, events, decisions, periods, projects, policies, institutions, or other systems that are studied holistically by one or more methods. The case that is the subject of the inquiry will be an instance of a class of phenomena that provides an analytical frame an object within which the study is conducted and which the case illuminates and explicates (Thomas, 2011) Case study methods involve an in-depth, longitudinal examination of a single instance or event: a case; Rather than using samples and following a strict set of rules to examine limited number of variables. They provide a systematic way of looking at events, collecting data, analyzing information, and reporting the results. As a result, the researcher may gain a sharpened understanding of why the instance happened as it did, and what might become important to look at more extensively in future research. Case studies lend themselves to both generating and testing hypotheses. The use of case studies is a widely accepted means of bringing theoretical concepts and practical situations together. It is not possible to take a class into an organization and observe the subject matter of management or organizational behavior in real life; hence a written case study outlining a real, or realistic, situation is the best available alternative. Recommendations When reading and studying a case study, it is possible to take two different approaches. The first of these is the Analytical approach where a case structure is examined to try to understand what has happened, and why. In this approach, you do not identify problems or attempt to develop solutions. The second approach is the Problem-Oriented method. In this approach a case is analyzed to identify the major problems that exist, the causes of and possible solutions to the problems, and finally, a recommendation as to the best solution to implement. The case study is a research approach, situated between concrete data taking techniques and methodological paradigms." (Lamnek, 2005)
Issues in Case Study In a case study, it is crucial that you integrate relevant theory from the course and evidence from the case. Failure to attempt to integrate theory will lead to severe mark reduction or failure. Remember that you are trying to identify, analyze and solve the problems of the case using the relevant theories from the course, not just repeating what the text book, or case information, has stated. Problem Solving Case Format 1. Title Page 2. Table of Contents 3. Executive Summary This section should comprise a brief overview of the case, giving a brief background and noting any important assumptions made. 4. Problem Identification and Analysis This section should identify all major problems and its underlying causes, not just the symptoms 5. Statement of Major Problems This section is just a short concise statement of what the problems you are going to solve in the remainder of the case. This section is crucial to a good case report. 6. Generation and evaluation of alternative solutions Each alternative solution should be briefly outlined and then evaluated in terms of advantages and disadvantages. Do not integrate theory in this section and do not recommend theory. Practical solutions to the problems are required. 7. Recommendations This section should state which of the alternative solutions identified are recommended for implementation. You should briefly justify your choice, explaining how it will solve the problems identified. Integration of relevant theory is essential here. 8. Implementation This section should explain how you will implement the recommended solutions. This includes explaining what should be done, by whom, when, in what sequence, what will it costs, and other such issues. 9. Appendices (if any) 10. Reference list This will contain an alphabetical list of all the references cited in the body of the report.
