How to Read, Discuss, and Writing Report
of Case Study
CASE READING PROCESS
1. Read the first and last sections of the case. What do they tell you about the core scenario of the case?
These sections typically give you the clues needed to identify the core scenario.
2. Take a quick look at the other sections and the exhibits to determine what information the
case contains.
The purpose is to learn what information is in the case and where. Avoid reading sections slowly
and trying to memorize the content.
3. Stop! Now is the time to think rather than read. What is the core scenario of the case? What
does the main character have to do (Decision, Evaluation, or Problem-diagnosis)? What is the major
uncertainty?
Identify the core scenario by asking the two questions. Once you are reasonably certain of the
core scenario—decision, evaluation, or problem diagnosis—you can use the relevant framework
to ask the questions in the next step. Those questions will give you a specific agenda for
productively exploring the case.
Case Reading Process (continued)
4. What do you need to know to accomplish what the main character has to do or to resolve the
major uncertainty? List the things you need to know about the situation. Don’t worry about
being wrong.
This is probably the most important step of the entire process. If you don’t know what you’re
looking for in the case, you won’t find it. The right core scenario framework will prompt you to
list things that you need to explore. For example, for a decision scenario case, you should think
about the best criteria the main character can use to make the decision. To determine criteria,
think about quantitative and qualitative tools you’ve learned that can help you.
5. Go through the case, skim sections, and mark places or takes notes about where you find
information that corresponds to the list of things you need to know.
6. You’re ready for a deep dive into the case. Carefully read and analyze the information
you’ve identified that is relevant to the things you need to know. As you proceed in your
analysis, ask, How does what I’m learning help me understand the main issue?
The most efficient and least confusing way to read and analyze is to peel the onion—to study one
issue at a time. For instance, let’s say that a decision has financial and marketing criteria.
Analyzing the financial issues separately from marketing is far less confusing than trying to
switch back and forth. As your analysis moves from issue to issue, you may discover gaps in
your knowledge and have to add items to your list of what you need to know.
Case Reading Process (continued)
7. Your ultimate goal is to arrive at a position or conclusion about the case’s main issue,
backed by evidence from the case. Remember, there are usually no objectively right answers to
a case. The best answer is the one with the strongest evidence backing it.
As you learn more, ask, How does what I know help me understand the main issue? When you
are preparing a case for class discussion, consider alternative positions. Finally, take some time
to think about actions that support your position.
8. What actions does your position support or require?
In the real world, analysis is often followed by action. A decision obviously has to be
implemented. Usually the entire point of a problem diagnosis is to target action that will solve
the problem. And even evaluation has an important action component: sustaining the strengths
and shoring up the weaknesses that it has revealed.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CASE METHOD STUDENT
When contributing to a case discussion, you have to accept the following responsibilities:
1. Be Prepared
2. Take Part in the Discussion
3. Extend Respect and Expect It in Return
4. Accept Conflict as a Natural Part of Collaboration
RELUCTANCE TO PARTICIPATE
• I didn’t prepare the case
• I’m afraid of speaking
• I’m the only one who’s uncomfortable
• I need to say brilliant things
• People will think I’m stupid when I make a comment
• I’m afraid someone will disagree with me and show everyone
that I’m wrong
HOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR WRITING ABOUT A CASE
A case essay can be organized to answer three simple questions: What? Why? How?
What? Your position statement that responds to the question.
Why? Your argument that supports your position statement.
How? Your action plan detailing what needs to be done based on your position statement
and argument.
HOW TO ORGANIZE A PROBLEM-DIAGNOSIS CASE STUDY
Essays about problem-diagnosis scenarios have four elements. They:
1. Define the problem What question.
2. Summarize the causes of the problem Why question.
3. Prove each cause Why question.
4. Present an action plan How question.
Rujukan:
William Ellet (2018), The Case Study Handbook, Harvard Business Review Press, Boston,
Massachusetts.
