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The Art and Craft of Case Writing: A Comprehensive Guide to Crafting Compelling and Effective Case Studies

Branden Simmons

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Case studies are an essential tool for teaching and learning in business education. They provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to real-world situations and to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Writing a good case study is an art and a craft, and it requires careful planning, research, and writing.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the art and craft of case writing. We will cover the key elements of case writing, from research and analysis to storytelling and writing techniques. We will also share insights from experts in the field.

The Art and Craft of Case Writing

by William Naumes

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2085 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	310 pages

The Key Elements of Case Writing

There are six key elements to a good case study:

A clear and concise problem statement. The problem statement should identify the issue or challenge that the case is about.
A rich and detailed description of the context. The context should provide the reader with a deep understanding of the setting and the people involved in the case.
A thorough analysis of the problem. The analysis should identify the causes of the problem and explore the different options for solving it.
A compelling story. The story should engage the reader and make them care about the people and the issues involved in the case.
A clear and concise writing style. The writing should be clear, concise, and easy to read.
Effective teaching notes. The teaching notes should provide instructors with guidance on how to use the case in the classroom.

The Research Process

The research process is an essential part of case writing. It involves gathering information from a variety of sources, including interviews, documents, and observation.

When conducting interviews, it is important to ask open-ended questions that allow the interviewee to tell their story in their own words. It is also important to be respectful of the interviewee's time and to make sure that they understand the purpose of the interview.

Documents can also be a valuable source of information for case writers. Documents can provide insights into the history of the company or organization, the decision-making process, and the culture of the organization.

Observation can also be a helpful way to gather information for a case study. Observation can provide insights into the day-to-day operations of the company or organization and the interactions between employees.

The Analysis Process

The analysis process involves identifying the causes of the problem and exploring the different options for solving it. The analysis should be based on the evidence gathered during the research process.

When analyzing the problem, it is important to consider the different perspectives of the people involved in the case. It is also important to consider the context in which the problem occurred.

Once the causes of the problem have been identified, the next step is to explore the different options for solving it. The options should be evaluated based on their feasibility, cost, and potential impact.

The Storytelling Process

The storytelling process involves crafting a compelling narrative that engages the reader and makes them care about the people and the issues involved in the case.

When writing the story, it is important to use vivid language and to paint a picture of the people and the events involved. It is also important to use storytelling techniques to create suspense and to keep the reader engaged.

The story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end. The beginning should introduce the characters and the setting and establish the problem. The middle should develop the conflict and explore the different options for solving the problem. The end should resolve the conflict and provide a sense of closure.

The Writing Process

The writing process involves writing the case study in a clear and concise style. The writing should be easy to read and understand.

When writing the case study, it is important to use active voice and to avoid jargon. It is also important to proofread the case study carefully before submitting it for publication.

Teaching Notes

Teaching notes are an important part of a case study. Teaching notes provide instructors with guidance on how to use the case in the classroom.

Teaching notes should include a discussion of the key teaching points of the case, as well as a list of discussion questions and exercises. Teaching notes should also provide suggestions for how to assess student learning.

Case writing is an essential tool for teaching and learning in business education. Writing a good case study is an art and a craft, and it requires careful planning, research

The Art and Craft of Case Writing

by William Naumes

4.6 out of 5