Components of a Case Study
Generally, the purpose of writing a case study is to illustrate how a specific intervention was useful in addressing a specific challenge in society. Based on the nature of a problem, a case study will have different components. Below is a general guideline on the components of a case study, but it is important that you inquire from your supervisor on how you should write the case study.
a) The problem
Writing a case study focuses on identifying a problem and providing practical solutions to the problem identified.
As soon as you identify the problem, you must give reasons that will validate the need for investigating the problem; otherwise, your research will not be credible.
In addition to stating the significance of the problem, you must show how you arrived at the problem and show how effective were the procedures that you used in identifying the problem that you want to address through writing a case study.
b) Steps of providing a solution to the problem
This step requires the researcher to show what was done, it was done to whom and for what reason, and where it was done. These steps must be stated clearly.
c) Outcome
What resulted from your intervention? You need to state if the results experienced were in line with the expected results. In addition, differentiate between significant and less significant results.
d) Challenges
Whether writing a case study or a different research method, you will ultimately experience challenges. Credible research writing requires that you not only explain the challenges experienced when addressing the research question, you must also show how you overcame the challenges.
e) Recommendations
Results obtained out of research processes may not necessarily be favorable. When writing a case study, you should advise on whether the results should be adopted or otherwise.
f) Learnt lessons
State the knowledge gained in the course of your study and how it can be useful in future researches for example technical knowledge etc.