Plan your case study: structure

Task: Set out what you aim to achieve and the sort of content to include in each part of your case study

What to do

Plan your case study with a particular purpose, structure and layout.

Introduction
- Outlines why the case study was undertaken
- Gives a brief overview
Background
- You may be expected to include a summary of related research on issues raised by your study
Sections of the case study
- The body of the report organises issues raised by the case study into sections under appropriate headings
Conclusion
- Draw together your main findings
- How far does this case study illustrate or contradict theory or previous research?
- What new light does it throw on the issues?
Recommendations in your case study
- List your recommendations: stating what must be done, by whom and when

Likely sections include:

Background information
Research methods used
A statement of the problem, issue or focus
Early action or intervention, if any
Current action or intervention
Client responses to any action or intervention
Other people’s responses
An overall evaluation of the intervention or action any outstanding issues or problems
Probable causes of any outstanding problems
Possible solutions to outstanding problems
An evaluation of these possible solutions

Based on real needs
Clear about alternatives
Suitable – they fit the culture of the organisation or the situation of the individual
Reasoned – they make a good case, based on the evidence, for action (or for not acting), and
state the outcomes that can be expected from this
Realistic – they can reasonably be afforded and carried out, within relevant timescales and with the expertise
available
Specific – it is clear exactly what must be done, by whom and when