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Case Study Preparation

Case studies are about real life situations. They involve an in-depth observation of a “case” such as an event, process or person. Additionally, case study assignments usually ask you to go further, to analyze the set of circumstances in relation to theory on the topic and possibly make some suggestions to solve a problem. For example, in business courses, the task may be to examine a company’s marketing strategy, human resources policy or some other aspect of their business with which they are experiencing difficulties or which may be undergoing change. In “people oriented” professions such as teaching, nursing or human services, you may be asked about learning strategies; a client’s health or personal circumstances; or, how their healing or self-efficacy‟ are being assisted.

The first stage of any case study is to observe what is taking place. It is important to be as honest as you can and not make your observations “fit” the theories you have read about. These observations are your data and require careful consideration within the confines of the task. Case studies require you to demonstrate the skills of observation, analysis, problem solving, together with an understanding of ethics and professionalism. They should be written in formal, professional language. For many students the case study situation often given to you is a fictional, written example by the instructor. Other students may be asked to select a case from examples found in texts describing a real world setting or from work experience. If you are in any doubt about what to include in the case study you are required to undertake for your assignment, contact your instructor.

The case studies used in this course illustrate the leadership concepts discussed in each chapter, along with our eight course level objectives. At the end of each case, thought-provoking questions will help students to explore leadership concepts and real-world applications.

Case Study Presentation

Students will choose one (1) of the case studies covered each week, and create a presentation that describes the case, connects to appropriate theories, lists the relevant data, interprets the relevant data, discusses possible alternatives, and proposes a course of action. This presentations includes faith integration as a component along with the use of supporting materials from the lectures and texts. Students should use the attached PowerPoint template when creating their presentation.

The following directives should be used to organize your thoughts about a case. As you perform your analysis remain open to the fact that your interpretation of the facts may change and therefore you should constantly revisit your answers. After all the below directives have been addressed, take the information and put it into a slide presentation (always use the attatched template) that will end up being the deliverable for this project.

1. Define the Problem

Describe the type of case and what problem(s) or issue(s) should be the focus for your analysis.

2, List any outside concepts that can be applied

Write down any principles, frameworks or theories that can be applied to this case from class lectures and texts.

3. List relevant qualitative data (bullet points acceptable)

Find evidence related to or based on the quality or character of something. Observable data that is non-numerical.

4. List relevant quantitative data (bullet points acceptable)

Find evidence related to or based on the amount or number of something. Think quantity.

5. Describe the results of your analysis

What evidence have you accumulated that supports one interpretation over another?

6. Describe your preferred action plan

Write a clear statement of what you would recommend including short, medium and long-term steps to be carried out.

7. Questions

Answer each of the questions related to the Case Study, each on a single slide. Begin each of your answers with a declarative statement that encompasses each specific question. Each answer should be one paragraph that answers the question as comprehensively as possible on a single, dedicated slide.

8. Self-Evaluation Questionnaire Results

Evaluate your relevant self-evaluation questionnaire results in relation to the Case Study. What do the results suggest about you and how would you apply those results to this Case Study or another unique leadership situation?

9. Faith Integration

Reflect and reply upon the faith message from this week’s announcement or faith integration video. Is there a Case Study application? If so, discuss that application, and if not, discuss how you might apply the important component/s of the message to another real-life scenario.

10. Diversity Application

Reflect and reply upon the diversity message from this week’s HBR on Diversity article and/or lecture. Is there a Case Study application? If so, discuss that application, and if not, discuss how you might apply the important component/s of the message to another real-life scenario.