How to Write a Management Case Study

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

A management case study contains a description of real-life management issues and proposed solutions. Students, practitioners and professionals write case studies to thinking critically about issues, and devise and implement remedies for challenging management situations. A case study generally contains facts, theories, assumptions, analysis, and prioritized solutions. The following are the steps for writing a management case study.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Identify the Objective, Method and Facts

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5c\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-1.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You may be writing a case study to fulfill an academic requirement or to help solve problems in real-life situations. An academic assignment typically will come with a specific objective and instructions, whereas a professional assignment might require you to define the objective. [1]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/46\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-2.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    [2]
    • Choose an analytical approach to increase awareness. In the preliminary stages of solving management problems, an analytical case study might best meet the goal of alerting upper management to core facts and issues. An analytical case study primarily focuses on what has occurred and why.
    • Select a problem-solving approach to pinpoint and solve major issues. If the goal is to make solution recommendations, write a problem-solving case study that clearly outlines problems and solutions.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/91\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-3.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":485,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Examine the facts, dynamics, communications and all relevant aspects of the particular situation. Research might involve interviewing people in an organization, reviewing written documents or looking up relevant statistics.
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Set the Scope for Readers

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-4.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The goal may be to understand the challenges of an organization or to solve interdepartmental conflicts.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-5.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Certain facts or challenges may be common in the particular industry. For example, software bugs may be a common problem in the technology industry, requiring extensive product testing and quality control teams. Explain relevant factors to readers.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-6.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Case studies for academic programs typically require reference to theories and information presented in class. Refer to these theories and explain their relevance to solving the real-life issues in the case. For example, a theory may be that training employees in too large a group leads to less individualized attention and inadequate skills mastery.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Focus on Issues and Solutions

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f6\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-7.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If many issues exist, focus on the most important ones. Some issues may be caused by underlying problems. For example, conflicts between team members may be due to unclear workplace policies or employee responsibilities.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-8.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    List the most effective solutions first and explain how they will solve core issues.
    • Address the challenges that might accompany suggested solutions. For example, cross-cultural conflicts in an organization might require additional training for managers, which may require funds or an extensive search for topic experts.
    3. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Provide a Clear Conclusion

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-9.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Emphasize the most effective recommendations. [3]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a0\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-10.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Explain in a few sentences how these theories support your conclusions.
    3. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Cite References

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-11.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Cite sources for all statistics, definitions, facts and other research.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-12.jpg\/aid1949294-v4-728px-Write-a-Management-Case-Study-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check with your professor or manager, and/or review prior case studies in your workplace to identify the required citation format.
    3. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    I need an example of managerial skill in a project assignment. What is a good one?
    Community Answer
    Planning -- List out steps needed for the assignment, include your own tasks and those of others, and show what tasks depend on what other tasks. Show who needs to complete the tasks that are not yours, show due dates for tasks, and negotiate these with others involved.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing an Expression of Interest (EOI)
      How to
      Write a Receipt
      How to
      Address a Woman in a Business Letter
      How to
      Write Brochures
      The Complete Guide to Proposal Writing
      Expert Advice on How to Write a Professional Email
      How to
      Write an Analysis
      How to
      Compose a Business Email to Someone You Do Not Know
      How to
      Write an Audit Report
      How to
      Write a Standard Operating Procedure
      How to
      Write a Business Letter to Customers
      How to
      Write a Prospectus
      How to
      Write a Management Plan
      How to
      Write a Business Profile
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/04/03/how-to-write-a-case-study
      2. ↑ https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/04/03/how-to-write-a-case-study
      3. ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/assignments/casestudy
      4. http://monash.edu/lls/llonline/quickrefs/27-case-study.pdf
      5. http://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/pdf/CaseWritingGuide.pdf

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To write a management case study, first give a clear industry overview of the problem and explain theories and current knowledge. Next, pinpoint all the important issues and identify any underlying problems. For example, conflicts between team members might stem from unclear workplace policies. Finally, generate effective solutions and explain why they will work. Wrap it up with a conclusion that summarizes the problems and solutions you discussed. Read on for more details on how to conduct research for a management case study and cite your sources.

      Did this summary help you?
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 141,731 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement