Writing case studies can take different forms or shapes based on the nature of the assignment. It is however observed that not very many researchers, especially beginners are aware of the different forms of writing case studies. Below are different forms of writing case studies, and how they can be utilized:
1) Chronological
This form states how events took place following a specific timeline, from the event that took place early in the past to the most recent event. As such, it will be characterized by information that preceded the current status of events. Writing is based on facts that are organized in a particular sequence.
2) Play
The researcher assumes the position of the director of a play. Therefore, the case will reflect aspects or factors that the researcher considers most significant in the research, though not very visible. Just like a drama play, this form of writing case studies goes through different phases but gives the desired outcome at the end.
3) Biography
This form of case study writing focuses on writing about people or individuals, which is then followed by an intensive analysis and interpretation of the information presented. This is characteristic mainly because different biographies of the same person can differ significantly.
Under this form of writing, you can have any of the following:
Narrative biography
Fictional biography
Artistic-scholarly biography
Objective biography
Scholarly-historical biography
4) Voices
In this form of writing, different voices are involved: that is different people present an issue subjectively as opposed to objectively, but this should not overshadow the position of the researcher.
What the researcher wants to present in a case study and how he wants to present it is the main determinant of the form you will use in writing case studies. The researcher also needs to decide whether he/she will present a linear, multi-linear or non-linear case study.